WGVU Development Officer, Foundation Relations

Grand Valley State University; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 58,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Retirement contributions

Wellness resources

Tuition waiver

Job summary

Grand Valley State University is seeking a Grants Administrator to oversee grant funding opportunities and serve as a liaison among WGVU, the GVSU Office of Sponsored Programs, University Institutional Advancement, and Grants Accounting.

The role requires 3–5 years of successful grant writing experience, a Bachelor's degree, and the ability to manage proposals, budgets, and reporting while building strong relationships with funders and internal partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field; 3–5 years grant writing experience.
• Experience researching, writing, and administering grants.
• Ability to take initiative, collaborate, and develop funded projects.
• Ability to manage budgets and meet grant reporting requirements.
• Commitment to diversity and equity.
• Willingness to work some nights, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the grants administration process, including researching potential funders, evaluating RFPs, and reporting requirements.
• Write, review, and edit proposals to foundations and other funders.
• Identify, manage, and secure philanthropic gifts from private, corporate, and public foundations.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local, state, and federal funding agencies.
• Provide leadership for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major foundation grant makers.
• Work to establish long-term partnerships and strengthen relationships with foundation sector and community organizations.
• Serve as a liaison between WGVU, the GVSU Office of Sponsored Programs, University Institutional Advancement, and GVSU Grants Accounting.
• Manage a portfolio of foundation donors and prospects.
• Perform other duties as required by leadership.

Skills

Grant writing

Proposal writing

Budget management

Research

Communication

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Teams

Monday.com

Raiser's Edge/CRM

Job description

This position oversees grant funding opportunities that support WGVU goals and priorities in the areas of technology, education, IDEA, programming, community impact, and other areas as they arise. This role serves as a liaison between WGVU, the GVSU Office of Sponsored Programs, University Institutional Advancement, and GVSU Grants Accounting.

Salary & Benefits

Salary range of $57,500 - $67,000, commensurate with experience

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

Primary Duties

• Responsible for the grants administration process, including researching potential funders, evaluation of RFPs, overseeing management of funded projects, as well as tracking and reporting requirements.
• Write, review, and edit proposals to foundations and other potential funders.
• Identify, manage, and secure philanthropic gifts from private, corporate, and public foundations.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local, state, and federal funding agencies.
• Provide leadership for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major foundation grant makers to increase gifts to WGVU.
• Work to establish long-term partnerships and strengthen existing relationships with foundation sector and community organizations.
• Serve as a liaison between WGVU, the GVSU Office of Sponsored Programs, University Institutional Advancement, and GVSU Grants Accounting.
• Manage a portfolio of foundation donors and prospects.
• Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Bachelor's degree in related field.
• Minimum of three to five (3-5) years of successful grant writing experience in nonprofit, public broadcasting, or educational setting.
• Proven experience in researching, writing, and administering grants.
• Ability to take initiative, collaborate, and use innovative techniques to prepare grant applications.
• Ability to design, develop, and implement funded projects.
• Ability to monitor budgets and expenditures to adhere to grant agreements.
• Ability to contribute to a work environment in which integrity, collaboration, respect, and a strong work ethic are valued.
• Experience with various computer software applications (Microsoft Office, Outlook, Teams, Monday.com, Raiser’s Edge/CRM, etc).
• Commitment to WGVU’s vision of diversity, inclusion, and equity.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work within a collaborative multiplatform culture and environment.
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, and work self-sufficiently with little direction when required.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including some nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to work on location as needed.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Master’s degree.

Application Deadline

Application review begins on October 26, 2026 and this posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.