Grants Manager

Grants Manager

Washington DC USA $85000$100000 per year Full Time

Reports To: Director of Grants and Special Projects

Position Summary

The Grants Manager plays a critical role in strengthening and streamlining FDDs foundation fundraising efforts. Working in close partnership with the Director of Grants and Special Projects this position manages grant operations improves internal systems and ensures timely high-quality submissions and reporting. By owning coordination research tracking and process management the Grants Manager enables the Director of Grants to focus on strategy relationship-building and revenue growth.

Key Responsibilities

Grant Operations & Lifecycle Management

• Manage the full lifecycle of assigned foundation grants including proposal preparation submission reporting and renewal tracking in close coordination with the Director of Grants and Special Projects.
• Maintain and update grant calendars deadlines and deliverables to ensure compliance and on-time submissions.
• Coordinate with program finance and impact staff to gather required data budgets and narratives for grant applications and reports.

Prospect Research & Pipeline Development

• Conduct ongoing research on new and existing foundation funders to identify emerging funding opportunities aligned with FDDs priorities.
• Maintain an active pipeline of prospective funders and contribute to long-term revenue growth planning for the grants program.
• Serve as the development teams lead on wealth screening tools and platforms including DonorSearch and Candid.

Database & Data Integrity

• Maintain accurate up-to-date records in the grants database and CRM ensuring data integrity across the full grant portfolio.
• Support development team-wide data practices and contribute to the continuous improvement of grants management systems and workflows.

Scheduling Logistics & Donor Engagement Support

• Manage complex scheduling for virtual and in-person meetings with foundation representatives and internal subject-matter experts coordinating across time zones as needed.
• Prepare agendas briefing materials and logistical support for donor-facing meetings and internal grant strategy sessions.
• Set up meeting rooms with necessary materials and equipment; greet and escort guests as needed.

Team Collaboration & Organizational Alignment

• Collaborate across the development policy research and finance teams to support cohesive stewardship and reporting.
• Contribute to team-wide best practices process improvements and the continuous refinement of grants operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree required.
• 24 years of experience in grants management fundraising nonprofit development or related programming.
• Proficiency in Salesforce Raisers Edge DonorSearch and Candid a plus.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to support senior leadership with discretion sound judgment and professionalism.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and competing priorities in a fast-paced mission-driven environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized and systems-oriented; comfortable managing operational complexity with minimal oversight.
• Discreet and dependable with sensitive information.

Application Requirements

• Resume
• Cover letter

FDD is an equal opportunity employer. If you require an accommodation in order to apply for this position please contact Jean Thurman at or .

This is an in-office position based at FDDs Washington DC headquarters. FDD is a Washington DC-based nonpartisan research institute focusing on foreign policy and national security. For more information please visit and follow FDD on X @FDD.

Required Experience:

Manager