Grants & Foundations Manager

Governor's Early Literacy Foundation

Nashville (TN)

Hybrid

USD 65,000 - 75,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Monthly cell phone and internet allowance

Professional development allowance

Home office equipment provided

Employer-funded retirement

Paid time off

Job summary

A non-profit organization in Nashville is seeking a Grants & Foundations Manager to drive financial support through grants. This full-time role requires at least 3 years of fundraising experience and the ability to manage multiple deadlines while working collaboratively. The ideal candidate will also possess exceptional writing and project management skills. The position offers a hybrid work schedule with state-wide travel.

Qualifications

Minimum of 3-5 years’ fundraising experience with a proven track record.
Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work independently.
Familiarity with fundraising best practices and ethics.

Responsibilities

Meet or exceed annual grant fundraising goals.
Prepare, write, and submit grant proposals and reports.
Manage a comprehensive grants calendar for timely submissions.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Project management skills

Strong writing skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Salesforce (CRM)

Job description

Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation (GELF) equips Tennessee’s children with books and innovative literacy tools that encourage lifelong learning and success. GELF is an independent and non‑partisan 501(c)(3) serving all 95 counties in Tennessee. Its mission is to strengthen early literacy in Tennessee. GELF pursues its mission through Birth‑5 Book Delivery through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, K‑3 Home Library, Caregiver Engagement, Book Buses, Storybook Trails, the Statewide early Literacy Education Collaborative of Tennessee (SELECT), Tenn Under 10, and more. GELF serves approximately 500,000 children; 185,000 caregivers; and 13,000 teachers each year. More information about GELF's programs and impact can be found on its website: www.governorsfoundation.org.

Position Summary

Join the team at Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation (GELF) in a pivotal role within the Development Department. The Grants & Foundations Manager reports to the Director of Development and plays a key role in driving institutional financial support for GELF’s programs and statewide growth.

This role requires a strategic, experienced, and detail‑oriented fundraising professional with a proven track record in grant writing, reporting, and compliance. The ideal candidate is a thoughtful project manager and strong writer who thrives in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven environment. They will independently lead the full grant lifecycle—from prospecting to submission to post‑award stewardship—while collaborating cross‑functionally to ensure alignment and impact.

Fundraising and Development

Meet or exceed annual grant fundraising giving goals
Significantly grow GELF’s portfolio of foundation supporters and government grants
Prepare, write, and submit all foundation and government grant proposals and reports; provide support to the Corporate Partnerships Manager for institutional proposals as needed
Manage a comprehensive grants calendar and ensure timely submissions and reporting
Monitor compliance requirements and communicate funding commitments internally
Lead the stewardship process by providing timely updates, reports, and recognition for funders
Represent GELF, and reflect its values, at events and meetings with institutional funders
Support the Director and the department with individual/corporate prospect identification and research
Develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of GELF’s mission, vision, values, culture, and programs to support its success and clearly communicate about its work
Other duties as assigned
Work closely with the Corporate Partnerships Manager to ensure clear funder communication and unified outreach
Collaborate with the Programs, Finance, and Communications teams to collect program data, financials, and impact stories
Partner with the Director of Development, Government Affairs Liaison, and Executive leadership to align institutional fundraising strategies
Support the planning, promotion, and execution of special events—including volunteer engagement and institutional funder participation—in collaboration with the Development and Operations teams
Support statewide early literacy impact by leading and/or supporting fundraising education presentations/workshops for GELF’s program partners and affiliates statewide

Administration & Data Management

Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date records for all institutional gifts and communications in the CRM
Prepare invoices and track payments in collaboration with the Operations and Finance teams
Keep GELF’s profiles current on nonprofit reporting platforms, including Giving Matters, GuideStar, Charity Navigator, etc.
Assist the Director of Development with key administrative functions of the department

Culture & Values

Engage in a dynamic, supportive culture that promotes personal and professional development by participating in required professional reading, self‑directed professional development, and team building activities
Commitment to pursuing curiosity, collaboration, openness to feedback and learning, dedication to honesty, and resistance to gossip
Maintain an unwavering commitment to GELF’s values of boldness, openness, optimism, knowledge, and stewardship (BOOKS)

Requirements of Candidates

Bachelor's degree in related field
Minimum of 3–5 years’ fundraising experience, with a proven track record of success winning 5 and 6‑figure gifts
Highly driven, self‑motivated, and goal‑oriented
Exceptional interpersonal and project management skills
Strong analytical, organizational, and writing skills
Ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously
Works well independently and collaboratively
Familiarity with fundraising best practices and ethics
Proficient in Microsoft Office
Strong experience with databases/CRMs (Salesforce experience a plus)
Valid driver’s license; ability to travel across Tennessee as needed

Additional Information

Reports to: Director of Development

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Hours, In Office, and Travel Expectations: M‑F 8:30am ‑ 4:30pm. The position is based in Nashville and is full‑time and exempt. GELF has a hybrid work schedule (Wed and Thurs in downtown office, all other days remote unless special events/meetings require in person). This role will require travel across the state of Tennessee with some overnights expected as well as participation in GELF events, offsites, and other occasions to build culture and relationships with the entire team.

Health Insurance
Vision Insurance
Monthly personal cell phone and home internet allowance
Professional development allowance
Home office equipment provided
100% employer‑funded TN Consolidated Retirement
Access to Roth/traditional 401(k)
Access to Roth/traditional 457(b)
12 paid holidays
14 days of paid time off per year for 0–5 years of service; 28 days for 5–10 years of service
12 paid sick days per year
Strong team and intentional office culture

How to Apply

First please complete the assessment at this LINK: https://assessment.predictiveindex.com/bo/d3D/GrantsFoundationsManager_Oct2025_205822#page0
After you have completed the assessment, please send your resume, cover letter, and 2–3 professional references (ideally including at least one former supervisor) to careers@governorsfoundation.org by November 28, 2025.

Hiring Process