Strategic Foundation Partnerships Director

City Year; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) plan

Job summary

City Year Chicago seeks a Director of Foundations & Grants to lead stewardship of current donors, secure new foundation partners, and expand revenue through foundation partnerships. The role reports to the Managing Director of Development and focuses on growing a $1.4M+ funding portfolio while pursuing a $100,000 increase within 12 months.

This on-site position begins Summer 2026. The successful candidate will write compelling grant proposals, develop foundation strategies, and collaborate with

Qualifications

• 5+ years of nonprofit or educational fundraising experience.
• Strong knowledge of fundraising, especially donor programs.
• Experience identifying prospects, writing grant proposals, and managing foundations.
• Proficiency with donor/relationship management software (Salesforce preferred).

Responsibilities

• Oversee a portfolio of foundations to maintain $1.4M+ annual funding with a target increase of $100,000 within 12 months.
• Write high-quality grant proposals with an 85% success rate, collaborating with the national foundation team.
• Develop and implement prospecting strategies, research and prioritize new foundation funders aligned with City Year Chicago’s initiatives.
• Provide timely reports, letters of intent, and stewardship materials to secure ongoing funding.
• Lead revenue strategy for foundations, including goal-setting, forecasting, performance tracking, and multi-year planning.
• Align foundation strategy with organizational priorities, articulating strategic revenue plans to senior leaders and the Board.
• Manage stewardship of current foundation donors, coordinating outreach, communication, appreciation events, and program support.
• Collaborate with Marketing & Communications to produce acknowledgments and stewardship communications.
• Track and report institutional gifts using Salesforce, coordinate prospecting, pipeline, and revenue forecasting meetings.
• Partner with the Development team on events such as Ripples of Hope, school beautification projects, and donor visits.
• Represent City Year at external functions to deepen relationships with potential and current donors.

Skills

Fundraising

Grant writing

Donor relations

Proposal writing

Education

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

City Year Chicago seeks a Director of Foundations & Grants to lead stewardship of current donors, secure new foundation partners, and expand revenue through foundation partnerships. The role reports to the Managing Director of Development and focuses on growing a $1.4M+ funding portfolio while pursuing a $100,000 increase within 12 months.

This on-site position begins Summer 2026. The successful candidate will write compelling grant proposals, develop foundation strategies, and collaborate with