Grants & Donor Relations Manager

Walker-West-Music-Academy; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

10 holidays + 2 floating holidays

Health, dental, vision insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA) and FSA

Job summary

Walker West Music Academy, a vibrant Minnesota music school, is hiring a Gifts and Grants Manager to lead grant oversight, donor relationships, and individual giving strategies.

The role focuses on coordinating with a contracted Grant Writer, managing funder communications, and producing reports for leadership and the Board while expanding donor engagement through targeted campaigns and events.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, grant oversight, or donor relations.
• Strong editorial skills with demonstrated experience reviewing, editing, and strengthening grant proposals.
• Proven track record planning and executing successful individual giving campaigns and donor stewardship events.
• Experience managing funder relationships and compliance reporting.
• Strong project management, time management, and collaborative communication abilities.
• Familiarity with nonprofit organizations.
• Familiarity with nonprofit CRMs (Salesforce, Bloomerang, DonorPerfect, HubSpot) for lists and pipeline reporting.
• Ability to work in a diverse, mission-driven agency committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Valid driver’s license; ability to meet Minnesota driving record requirements.

Responsibilities

• Review, edit, and provide feedback on grant proposals drafted by the contracted Grant Writer for alignment and funder guidelines.
• Serve as primary administrative contact for foundations, program officers, and corporate sponsors to build external relationships.
• Oversee qualitative outcomes, narrative updates, and financial tracking for funder reports and internal dashboards.
• Manage the master grant calendar with milestones, deadlines, and compliance requirements.
• Plan and execute major individual giving campaigns, including Year-End and Give to the Max Day.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to identify and cultivate mid-level and major donors.
• Direct donor gatherings, cultivation events, and annual supporter celebrations to deepen engagement.
• Coordinate with the Grant Writer to refine funding targets and narratives.
• Coordinate with the Development Associate to ensure accurate donor records and event data.
• Manage staff performance, training, and development; handle performance issues in consultation with VP HR.

Skills

Non-profit fundraising

Grant oversight

Donor relations

Editorial skills

Campaign planning

Funder relationships

Project management

CRM familiarity

DEI commitment

Driver's license

Tools

Salesforce

Bloomerang

DonorPerfect

HubSpot

Job description

Walker West Music Academy, a vibrant Minnesota music school, is hiring a Gifts and Grants Manager to lead grant oversight, donor relationships, and individual giving strategies.

The role focuses on coordinating with a contracted Grant Writer, managing funder communications, and producing reports for leadership and the Board while expanding donor engagement through targeted campaigns and events.