Manager Corporate and Foundation Support
Position Overview
The Manager of Corporate and Foundation Support is responsible for expanding and strengthening support from corporate, foundation, and government partners. This role is ideal for an emerging development professional eager to grow their skillset while making a meaningful impact at a dynamic cultural institution.
This position plays a key role in researching, identifying, and cultivating new funding prospects across both local and national landscapes. With curiosity, initiative, and an entrepreneurial mindset, the Manager will conduct thoughtful outreach to potential funders and help build strong, long-term relationships grounded in shared values and mission alignment.
A primary focus of this role is supporting the development and execution of grant and sponsorship proposals—from early-stage prospect research and concept development through drafting, packaging, and submission. The Manager will gain hands-on experience across the full lifecycle of institutional giving, including opportunities to support the solicitation of gifts ranging from $5,000 to $100,000, as well as contribute to budget development and revenue tracking.
In addition to securing new support, the Manager will help steward existing partnerships by ensuring timely fulfillment of benefits, accurate reporting, and thoughtful engagement. This work requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple deadlines effectively.
What Will Drive Success in This Role
- A passion for mission-driven nonprofit work
- Interest in public gardens, nature, cultural institutions, or community-based programming
- Strong organizational, analytical, and critical-thinking skills
- A collaborative approach and ability to work effectively across departments
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while building thoughtful, relationship-driven partnerships
Key Responsibilities
Portfolio Development
- Identify, cultivate, and steward a portfolio of current and prospective institutional funders to support defined revenue goals and growth objectives
- Partner with the Senior Director of Development to develop strategic outreach plans, sponsorship materials, and grant opportunities
- Proactively build new funding relationships through research, outreach, networking, and strategic introductions
- Leverage existing relationships and connections to expand the Foundation’s funding pipeline
Fundraising & Grant Management
- Lead the writing, preparation, and timely submission of grant applications, letters of inquiry, sponsorship proposals, and required reports
- Maintain and manage a comprehensive grants calendar and funding pipeline, ensuring alignment with revenue forecasts and deadlines
- Coordinate cross-functional collaboration to gather programmatic, financial, and operational information needed for proposals and reporting
- Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure funding requests align with organizational priorities, program needs, and strategic goals
- Communicate clear grant objectives, benchmarks, and expectations to internal teams; facilitate ongoing check-ins to track progress and outcomes
- Develop compelling, funder-specific narratives that effectively communicate the Foundation’s mission, programs, and impact
- Collaborate with senior leadership and, when necessary, legal counsel on complex grant or funding matters
Stewardship & Donor Engagement
- Support and strengthen relationships with institutional funders, engaging senior leadership as appropriate to advance partnerships
- Develop and maintain regular, meaningful touchpoints with donors and prospects to sustain engagement and long-term support
- Coordinate planning and logistics for donor visits, site tours, and sponsorship activations, including preparation of materials and talking points
- Partner with Development and Marketing teams to ensure timely and appropriate donor recognition and acknowledgment
Reporting & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all grant and funding requirements, including timely and accurate reporting to funders
- Track and report on grant activity, submissions, and outcomes; provide regular updates and insights to internal stakeholders
- Maintain accurate records and documentation related to funding activities and donor interactions
Opportunity
This full-time position offers a unique opportunity to grow within the development field, contribute to a thriving cultural institution, and play a meaningful role in advancing the Foundation’s visibility, partnerships, and long-term impact in the community.
Core Competencies
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills with a professional, helpful, and collaborative approach
- Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion
- Demonstrated adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic work environment
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize responsibilities and manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining attention to detail
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides)
- Experience with or ability to quickly learn Blackbaud Altru or similar database systems
- Ability to create presentations, reports, and proposals using Google Workspace or Microsoft Office tools
- Comfort navigating websites and online platforms for research and funding application purposes
- Strong general technical aptitude and ability to learn organization-specific systems and tools
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Ability to perform work in a collaborative office environment with regular interaction among team members
- During events, programs, donor visits, and sponsor activations, ability to remain in a stationary position, move about, and position oneself (including walking and bending) for extended periods
- Ability to lift and carry equipment and materials up to 20 pounds
- Ability and willingness to work both indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
- Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in a role where writing was a primary responsibility (e.g., grant writing, marketing, communications, or similar)
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a nonprofit or mission-driven environment, and/or experience in fundraising, development, or other revenue-focused roles
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under applicable law.
