Manager, Philanthropic Initiatives

At San Diego Foundation, we value our diverse and experienced staff who are committed to our mission of improving the quality of life within all of San Diego’s communities. We strive to be an employer of choice, offering a competitive compensation package, and a professional and vibrant work environment for those who have a passion for our mission that is carried out every day by providing leadership for effective philanthropy and promoting community solutions.

San Diego Foundation is seeking an experienced nonprofit or foundation professional to join the team as Manager of Philanthropic Initiatives. This position will be an essential team member internally managing the division’s grantmaking processes and reporting while also externally serving as a San Diego Foundation representative for the nonprofit community.

The ideal candidate for this role is highly organized, focused, and enjoys providing the highest levels of customer service to donors and partners. SDF has made a commitment to providing world-class philanthropic service, and the Donor Services team plays a vital role in achieving excellence in this area. This position reports to the Director, Donor Services. This is a hybrid role with weekly onsite requirements at our San Diego Headquarter Office in Liberty Station.

Essential Responsibilities

Manage the grantmaking of funds managed by Development & Stewardship:

• Provide project management of competitive grantmaking processes setting timelines, providing process guidance, and ensuring deadlines are hit to keep cycles on track for family funds, corporate funds, and other funds managed by Development & Stewardship
• Stay up-to-date on and serve as a team expert in best practices in grantmaking strategy sharing expertise with colleagues, donors, and other stakeholders
• Work cross-departmentally to learn from other grantmaking teams and standardize practices
• Develop and recommend grantmaking standards and internal policies to be applied to funds division wide

Serve as division lead for grantmaking system and database in Foundant system:

• Manage application process development and creation from initial Letter of Inquiry or application through evaluation, award, and end of cycle reporting.
• Manage data reporting for grant processes
• Work cross-departmentally to learn from other grantmaking teams and standardize practices

 Serve as the nonprofit liaison for the Development & Stewardship team:

• Manage and deliver all organizational messaging to nonprofits seeking funding from funds managed by Development & Stewardship team, including grant guidelines, instructions, and communications
• Serve as the point of contact for all nonprofits interested in funding including application technical support, conducting grantseeker forums, and holding applicant meetings
• Share additional resources and support, as applicable, with nonprofits seeking funding
• Serve as an SDF representative in the community delivering presentations and attending events as needed

Deliver world-class philanthropic experiences for SDF fund holders:

• Lead nonprofit research and reporting as needed to support SDF fund holders individual grantmaking priorities
• Design and lead grantmaking analysis and reporting for key SDF fund holder grantmaking milestones in partnership with Donor Stewardship
• Analyze grantmaking impacts to craft key messaging and storytelling opportunities for our donors, stakeholders, and the community
• May serve as Relationship Manager to a portfolio of SDF fund advisors with focus on grantmaking

Requirements

• A minimum of 5-7 years of grantmaking and/or development experience in a nonprofit
• Passion for the work and mission of San Diego Foundation to inspire enduring philanthropy and enable community solutions to improve the quality of life in our regions
• Knowledge of San Diego community and local nonprofits strongly preferred
• Outstanding project management skills and familiarity with project management software.
• Demonstrated track record in developing and utilizing administrative organizational systems with attention to detail, timeliness and record keeping
• Professional attitude and demeanor working with both internal and external customers
• Ability to work independently and successfully prioritize and coordinate multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Regularly takes the initiative to recognize problems, and develop potential solutions
• Highly dependable team player with a positive and enthusiastic attitude
• Outstanding interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Advanced knowledge and proficiency with computer software applications: MS Windows, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Strong aptitude and experience with database applications, preferably with Foundant and Blackbaud (Raiser’s Edge, Financial Edge and Granted Edge)
• Highly organized, with attention to detail, and the ability to apply sense of urgency, work under pressure and meet strict timelines.
• Ability to be flexible and open to change with successful experience working in a fast-paced environment
• Bachelor’s degree or comparable professional experience
• Ability to read, write and speak English fluently
• Must live in San Diego County

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• Professional, hybrid work environment in San Diego
• Fast-paced work with multi-level distractions
• Ability to safely lift 25 pounds
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time at meetings, desk, computer, driving
• Ability to type using a computer keyboard
• Ability to speak into and use a telephone
• Ability to bend and stoop

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Background check required.

All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Benefits

Pay Range: $80,000 - $90,000 per year

San Diego Foundation is committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. Actual offers will be reflective of qualifications, skills and experience, internal equity, alignment with market data, among other relevant factors.

• Supportive, inclusive company culture; awarded Top Workplace by the San Diego Union Tribune 4 years in a row
• Flexible 9/80 Alternative workweek schedule, with every other Friday off
• Hybrid work environment with support for at home office setup
• 100% Employer paid medical, vision, dental, life, AD&D and long-term disability premiums; 75% Employer-paid premiums for all dependents on your benefits
• 403B Retirement plan match up to 4% + Annual retirement plan bonus contribution based on total annual salary
• Earned Incentive Bonus Program
• 3 weeks of paid time off + 1 additional week off with pay in July for all staff
• 4-to-6-week sabbatical for every 5 years of service
• 13 paid holidays + 2 paid volunteer days off each year
• Extended Health Care Time accruing at 2.77 hours per pay period to a cap of 480 hours: use for sick time, family care, and parental leave baby bonding
• $100 monthly cell and internet reimbursement
• $75 quarterly gym reimbursement
• Donor Advised Fund contribution with no minimum and $600 annual match from the Foundation to a nonprofit of your choice
• Annual Anniversary Gift of $100 donation per year of service to a nonprofit of your choice