Fundraising Lead: Institutional Giving & Foundation Relations

Careers In Nonprofits; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, disability, &

Life insurance

Retirement plan

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Careers In Nonprofits is seeking an Assistant Director of Institutional Giving to lead foundation relations and grant development from Chicago. You will manage funder relationships, coordinate proposals, and ensure timely reporting to support mission-driven programs that strengthen communities and democracy.

The ideal candidate will have 5–8 years in nonprofit development, exceptional writing, and project management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and travel as

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of nonprofit development experience or related field.
• Strong background in grant writing, foundation relations, and fundraising strategy.
• Bachelor's degree required.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of foundation prospects and funders; support cultivation and stewardship activities; identify new funding opportunities aligned with organizational priorities.
• Lead grant proposals, LOIs, concept notes, and final proposals in collaboration with program, finance, and senior leadership teams.
• Prepare interim and final grant reports with compelling impact stories and timely submissions.
• Develop fundraising strategies with senior leaders and maintain proposal calendars; coordinate projects from planning through submission.
• Translate program goals and outcomes into clear funding narratives for funders and external stakeholders.
• Prepare briefing documents and program updates for funders; coordinate meetings to strengthen relationships.
• Maintain accurate funder records and reporting materials using Salesforce, SharePoint, and other systems.
• Collaborate with Grants Compliance and Reporting Manager to monitor financial reporting and funder requirements.

Skills

Grant writing

Foundation relations

Fundraising strategy

Project management

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Salesforce

SharePoint

Microsoft Office

Job description

Careers In Nonprofits is seeking an Assistant Director of Institutional Giving to lead foundation relations and grant development from Chicago. You will manage funder relationships, coordinate proposals, and ensure timely reporting to support mission-driven programs that strengthen communities and democracy.

The ideal candidate will have 5–8 years in nonprofit development, exceptional writing, and project management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and travel as