Proposal & Donor Engagement Manager

USA for UNHCR; Washington; Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellness benefits

401(k) match

Paid time off and sabbatical

Professional development support

Job summary

USA for UNHCR is seeking a Manager, Program Engagement to lead development of high-value donor proposals and donor-facing materials. You will translate complex programmatic content into compelling narratives for principal donors and guide content from concept through delivery.

The role requires strong editorial judgment, advanced stakeholder management, and a private philanthropy perspective to inspire philanthropic investment and ensure compliance with donor requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in proposal and grant writing for principal donors and in project or grant management.
• Experience in international programs and fundraising/donor relations for private philanthropy preferred.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to synthesize complex and technical information into clear, compelling content for principal donors.
• Experience managing or supervising staff, including goal setting, coaching, and performance monitoring.
• Strong knowledge of grant management, project management principles, and proposal development processes.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong decision making, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to identify and implement workflow improvements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Salesforce or similar CRMs, and Jira.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to high-quality customer service.
• Understanding of refugee issues and humanitarian programs.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of complex funding opportunities with multiple stakeholders and deadlines.
• Lead development of concept notes, proposals and reports from conception to delivery.
• Serve as a strategic liaison between fundraisers and UNHCR focal points.
• Lead complex negotiations with UNHCR and internal stakeholders.
• Develop compelling, donor-centered proposals and materials demonstrating need, impact, and funding outcomes.
• Craft concise, emotionally resonant narratives with human stories for donor engagement.
• Coordinate evergreen content for private philanthropy audiences and align with donor calendars.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on UNHCR programs and donor requirements.
• Ensure strict compliance with policies, donor requirements and reporting obligations.
• Establish standardized workflows and resources to improve collaboration.
• Support staff training on UNHCR priorities and funding processes.
• Develop corporate, foundation and civil society funding opportunities as needed.

Skills

Grant writing

Proposal development

Stakeholder management

Project management

Editing & storytelling

Team leadership

Budget & reporting

Donor relations

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

5+ years in proposal and grant writing

Experience in international programs and fundraising

Tools

Jira

Salesforce

Microsoft Excel

MS Office

Job description

USA for UNHCR is seeking a Manager, Program Engagement to lead development of high-value donor proposals and donor-facing materials. You will translate complex programmatic content into compelling narratives for principal donors and guide content from concept through delivery.

The role requires strong editorial judgment, advanced stakeholder management, and a private philanthropy perspective to inspire philanthropic investment and ensure compliance with donor requirements.