Manager of Foundation Relations

ROME GROUP; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The SLSO is seeking a driven Manager of Foundation Relations to cultivate, solicit, and steward foundation, corporate, and public funders in support of the orchestra’s mission and programs.

You will manage a major gifts portfolio, develop forward‑thinking funding strategies, collaborate with senior leadership and volunteers, and produce grant proposals, reports and impact statements to sustain annual campaigns and long‑term initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications or related field or combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Five years of not-for-profit development experience, preferably in a grants development role.
• Exceptional skills in written and verbal communications with the ability to convey a compelling case for donor investment in the SLSO.
• Exceptional organizational, strategic thinking and research skills.
• Ability to prepare applications and reports using prescribed and/or 'free-form' format.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with the Senior Director of Corporate and Institutional Relations, the Chief Philanthropy Officer and other colleagues to develop, execute and support solicitation strategies that drive institutional revenues exceeding $3,000,000 annually.
• Create and execute strategic solicitation plans that align SLSO funding needs with current and prospective funders based on institutional donor priorities and interests.
• Actively manage and grow a defined donor portfolio. Develop, maintain and grow relationships with foundation donors introducing them to the SLSO mission and funding opportunities.
• Identify, create and produce grant applications, proposal submissions and impact reports for institutional funders/partners.
• In partnership with philanthropy team members, use analytics and research tools to identify and engage actionable new prospective institutional donors, while maintaining and increasing support from current donors.
• Schedule, prepare materials, and accompany staff and volunteers (when appropriate) on corporate, foundation, and government agency solicitations.
• In partnership with philanthropy team members, assure that all grants, proposals and solicitation materials align with SLSO case for support and brand guidelines.
• In partnership with philanthropy team members, develop donor stewardship plans that engage institutional funders in the mission and work of the SLSO.
• Work with SLSO staff, board members, advisory council members and other volunteers to leverage their networks to engage current and prospective institutional donors.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Strategic thinking

Research skills

Integrity

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Donor databases

Grants software

Job description

Manager of Foundation Relations

Reporting to: Senior Director of Corporate and Institutional Relations

POSITION SUMMARY

The Manager of Foundation Relations is responsible for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of institutional funders including private foundations, corporate foundations and public agencies.

The Manager of Foundation Relations will manage a major gifts portfolio of foundation, corporate and public funding partners, identifying funding opportunities and developing forward-thinking, dynamic, and comprehensive strategies to support the SLSO annual campaign, special events, and long-term funding initiatives.

The successful candidate will be highly motivated, strategically minded, and an exceptional writer. A collaborative team player who is passionate about the mission of the SLSO and possesses the interpersonal acumen to build and sustain strong relationships with a broad range of stakeholders. Join the SLSO during a pivotal time in the history of the institution. A leading arts organization in our region, the SLSO returned to Powell Hall at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center in September 2025 and approaches its 150th anniversary in 2030.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work collaboratively with the Senior Director of Corporate and Institutional Relations, the Chief Philanthropy Officer and other colleagues to develop, execute and support solicitation strategies that drive institutional revenues exceeding $3,000,000 annually.
• Create and execute strategic solicitation plans that align SLSO funding needs with current and prospective funders based on institutional donor priorities and interests.
• Actively manage and grow a defined donor portfolio. Develop, maintain and grow relationships with foundation donors introducing them to the SLSO mission and funding opportunities.
• Identify, create and produce grant applications, proposal submissions and impact reports for institutional funders/partners.
• In partnership with philanthropy team members, use analytics and research tools to identify and engage actionable new prospective institutional donors, while maintaining and increasing support from current donors.
• Schedule, prepare materials, and accompany staff and volunteers (when appropriate) on corporate, foundation, and government agency solicitations.
• In partnership with philanthropy team members, assure that all grants, proposals and solicitation materials align with SLSO case for support and brand guidelines.
• In partnership with philanthropy team members, develop donor stewardship plans that engage institutional funders in the mission and work of the SLSO.
• Work with SLSO staff, board members, advisory council members and other volunteers to leverage their networks to engage current and prospective institutional donors.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in communications or related field or combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Five years of not-for-profit development experience, preferably in a grants development role.
• Exceptional skills in written and verbal communications with the ability to convey a compelling case for donor investment in the SLSO.
• Exceptional organizational, strategic thinking and research skills.
• Exceptional personal and professional integrity and discretion.
• Accountability for individual and team revenue goals and outcomes.
• Willingness and ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to prepare applications and reports using prescribed and/or "free-form" format.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours to meet frequent deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and donor databases and grants software strongly preferred.
• Ability to work on multiple projects concurrently and meet deadlines.

The SLSO embraces a world in which every life is enriched through the power of music. We are committed to cultivating a culture of inclusion and access where employees can grow and thrive. The collective sum of our employees' individual differences, experiences, knowledge, self-expression, and talent are represented in our culture, innovative spirit and the SLSO's achievements. In recruiting for our team, we welcome candidates' uniqueness in culture, social identities, expression, and viewpoints. The SLSO is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.