Managing Director of Advancement and Grant Services (Immediate Opening)

IDEA Public Schools; Austin (TX); Remote; USD 119,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking educational organization as the Managing Director of Advancement and Grant Services. This pivotal role involves leading strategic initiatives in grants management and prospect research, driving operational excellence, and cultivating relationships with key stakeholders. You'll oversee a talented team, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission while navigating the dynamic landscape of funding sources. If you are a visionary leader with a passion for education and a proven track record in advancement, this opportunity offers a chance to make a significant impact on the future of education in Texas. Embrace the challenge and help shape the future of IDEA Public Schools!

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Flexible Spending Account Options

Generous Vacation Time

Referral Bonuses

Professional Development

403(b) Plan

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in advancement with a focus on grants management.
• Proven leadership skills and ability to manage diverse funding sources.

Responsibilities

• Lead comprehensive grants management and prospect research strategies.
• Oversee grant compliance and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Cultivate high-performing teams and foster a culture of innovation.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Project Management

Grant Management

Prospect Research

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Managing Director of Advancement and Grant Services

Role Mission:

The Managing Director of Advancement and Grant Services is an important collaborative leadership role who will envision, build, spearhead, and oversee two critical departments within the Advancement division: Grants (Public, Private and Corporate), and Prospect Research and Management (PRM). Reporting to the Vice President of Advancement, this role will drive efficient operations, innovative PRM strategies, and the successful execution of the entire grant process, from writing to post-award responsibilities, in support of IDEA’s mission, educational objectives, and future expansion. This leader will play a pivotal role in securing, managing, and diversifying funding sources while closely partnering with the Vice President of Treasury and Grants to ensure compliance with funder requirements and implementing strong funder life-cycle support and development systems.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, excellent communicator, and strong project manager with a proven ability to adapt to changing priorities in the fundraising landscape. They will bring a robust background in strategic grant and prospect research management. They possess strong leadership skills to manage and inspire their team, fostering a culture of innovation and accountability. They are responsible for cultivating and stewarding relationships with key internal and external stakeholders. This role demands a visionary who can translate complex strategic priorities into clear, actionable plans that propel the organization forward.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• The Managing Director of Advancement and Grant Services will directly manage four staff members: Two Directors of Institutional Giving, Director of Public Competitive Grants, and Development Manager.
• With anticipated divisional restructuring and organizational growth, the role may oversee an increasing/different number of national or regional team members and will have input into developing the most efficient and productive Advancement Services team.

Location:

This is a full-time remote position based in Texas with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate.

Travel Expectations:

• While this is a remote position, there will be in-person meetings across various regions. Travel to meet with prospects and donors will also be an expectation in this role. Candidates must be willing to travel up to 25% during the busiest times of the year.

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities

Essential Duties:

• STRATEGY AND LEADERSHIP: Develop, envision, and lead comprehensive grants management and prospect research strategies, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and providing strategic counsel to the VP of Advancement on funding trends, donor engagement, and operational best practices.
• GRANT MANAGEMENT AND COMPLIANCE: Provide strategic oversight and improvement of grant management and compliance, ensuring effective systems, timely execution, and alignment with organizational priorities to secure and manage diverse funding streams that support programmatic and expansion goals.
• PROSPECT RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT: Lead the development and execution of comprehensive prospect research and management strategies, ensuring a robust pipeline of prospective donors, systematic donor engagement, and data-driven insights to support fundraising priorities and maximize donor relationships.
• PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND PROCESS IMPROVEMENT: Drive project management and process improvement, enhancing workflows and efficiencies, and ensuring alignment with organizational policies and goals.
• TEAM LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT: Lead and cultivate high-performing Grants and Prospect Research & Management (PRM) teams by fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous learning, while providing mentorship and promoting an inclusive, values-driven environment.

What You’ll Bring – Knowledge & Skills

• Make Strategic Decisions: This leader is involved in high-level, strategic decision-making across multiple teams, guiding others on their teams to develop strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
• Manage Work and Teams: Responsible for the overall performance and cohesion of their team, ensuring that their team operates smoothly and achieves its targets.
• Grow Self and Others: Involved in planning and implementing development strategies across multiple teams or departments.
• Build a Culture of Trust: Strategically promotes trust and psychological safety across broader groups.
• Communicate Deliberately: Responsible for communicating complex ideas and strategies across multiple teams or departments.

Required experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• At least 10 years of professional experience
• Minimum of 7+ years of professional experience in advancement, with a focus on grants management and/or prospect research
• 7+ years of experience applying for and managing highly complex fund agreements and grants
• 5+ years of management experience
• Proven track record of handling a diverse portfolio of funding sources, including government grants, private foundations, and corporate partnerships

What We Offer:

Compensation & Benefits: Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $119,000 and $142,800 commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment.

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan.