Position Title: Grants Manager
Department: Development
Reports To: Director of Development
Location: Hybrid, Central (Audubon Zoo)
FLSA Status: Exempt
Date Revised: 8/7/2026
Position Type: Full Time, Exempt
Salary range starts at $60,000 and is commensurate with experience.
To be considered for this role, please provide your current resume and cover letter.
Who We Are
Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park, and Audubon Wilderness Park.
At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation centers—we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature. Our work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact. We are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in their capacity to create meaningful change. We strive to Create Connection by engaging with people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world. At Audubon, we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating our unique heritage while advancing our mission. As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world.
What You’ll Do
Through grant writing and grant management, the Grants Manager develops and implements strategies for securing and growing financial support from public and private entities that can make gifts to Audubon Nature Institute at or above $25,000. Position responsibilities include research, qualification, stewarding relationships with local, regional, and national funding entities, submitting applications of the highest quality, securing grant funding, and managing post-award reporting and compliance. The Grants Manager is an Audubon Nature Institute ambassador, consistently displaying excellent interpersonal skills, constantly working to connect funders to the organization’s mission and goals, and building positive working relationships with Audubon staff across facilities.
Day to Day Responsibilities
Prospect Research and Portfolio Management:
At the direction of the Director of Development, assume relationship management of approximately 50 current and past Audubon funders.
Using in-depth research, develop a robust portfolio of new public and private funding prospects with capacity to award $25,000 or more to support Audubon.
Regularly review public and private funding announcements to identify opportunities and initiate new relationships as appropriate.
Grant Writing and Proposal Development:
Develop and manage an annual grants plan based on fundraising priorities.
Determine the most effective application strategy, including application prioritization, success probability, and program staff involvement.
Write targeted, compelling narratives to communicate Audubon’s mission and programs with qualified funders and manage boilerplate language to ensure funding request consistency and accuracy.
Develop relationships with Audubon staff to identify funding needs and create proposals.
Grant Management and Compliance:
Develop and execute grant agreements and contract materials; complete any pre-award requirements.
Manage reporting requirements with applicable Audubon program staff; ensure Audubon fulfills outlined agreement terms and provides high-quality stewardship of funders through timely reporting and updates.
Work closely with Audubon program staff and the Finance department to facilitate proper fund usage, expenditure coding, financial reporting, and reimbursements; ensure compliance with applicable government requirements and Audubon internal policies.
Utilize Raiser’s Edge to record and track all funding requests and awards.
Additional/Overall Skills:
Available to work fundraising and other Audubon events as requested.
Available to support other fundraising efforts and other Audubon departments with writing, researching, and editing assistance as needed.
Provide outstanding “behind the scenes” experiences for funders through tours, animal encounters, and introduction to Audubon’s program professionals.
Contribute to a professional, positive team environment with the overarching goal of producing sufficient funds for operations, programs, and capital projects.
Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, furthering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.
Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubon’s mission.
Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow.
The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.
What We’re Looking For
Must Haves: (required for the role)
At least three years of successful experience in grant writing and management.
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent required.
To be considered for this role, please provide your current resume and cover letter.
Must be highly motivated, organized, and detail oriented with a track record of securing five-and six-figure grants through a competitive funding application process.
Proven ability to identify, cultivate relationships with, and solicit public and private funding agencies.
Ability to develop a compelling case for support by collecting information from individuals at different levels within an organization and demonstrating how projects and programs advance funders’ priorities.
Ability to understand the needs and interests of funders to develop strong relationships between them and Audubon Nature Institute.
Excellent written, interpersonal, and verbal communication skills.
Strong writing, data analysis, program budgeting, and project management skills.
Experience working with sensitive information and ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Demonstrate understanding of and adherence to the Association of Fundraising Professionals Code of Ethics and the Donor Bill of Rights.
Nice-to-Haves: (preferred for the role)
Expert knowledge of Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft products, including advanced functions of Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, and Microsoft Teams.
Knowledge of Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge database software or similar CRM.
Comprehension of 2 CFR Part 200 and experience with federal award systems.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to sit for extended periods (up to 8 hours).
Minimal standing and walking required.
Occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 10 pounds.
Ability to use hands and fingers to operate office equipment, including computer keyboards, telephones, and printers.
May involve repetitive motions.
Clear and concise vision (with or without correction) for close-up work.
Ability to drive a golf cart.
Environmental Conditions:
Indoor office environment.
Climate-controlled setting.
Minimal exposure to noise, vibration, or other environmental hazards.
