Senior Foundation Relationship Manager (Personal Services)
Overview
The Senior Foundation Relationship Manager will serve as the strategic lead for foundation donor engagement, managing a diverse and evolving portfolio of high-impact foundation, corporate, and organizational funders—both established and emerging. This role is responsible for designing and implementing relationship strategies that drive significant revenue growth to support the expansion of key programs and bold new initiatives. Working cross-functionally with colleagues across programs, communications, and leadership, the Senior Relationship Manager will lead collaborative efforts to align donor interests with mission-critical opportunities. The successful candidate will bring a sophisticated understanding of moves management and donor stewardship and will be passionate about deepening institutional support to end hunger. This person will report to the Director of Foundation Relations and Grants, working closely with a Senior Manager of Grants, Grant Writer, and program staff. This role will not have any direct reports.
Responsibilities
- Oversee a dynamic portfolio of up to 75 foundation, corporate, and organizational donors, cultivating established and prospective relationships to secure renewed, increased, and new commitments—including transformative gifts up to six figures.
- Drive and contribute to annual fundraising goals—$4.2 million foundation and organization as part of a $9.5 million team total—by executing tailored engagement strategies and collaborating across departments to align donor interests with organizational priorities.
- Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Director of Foundation Relations and Grants, Senior Directors, and the Senior Leadership Team, providing insight and recommendations that strengthen institutional fundraising strategies.
- Apply industry best practices to deepen donor engagement, enhance relationship longevity, and maximize institutional giving outcomes across the portfolio.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify, coordinate, and elevate donor engagement opportunities, including volunteering, facility tours, virtual food drives, cause marketing initiatives, food donations, and other mission-aligned activations.
- Partner closely with the grants team on the development and submission of compelling proposals, reports, and donor presentations that reflect both impact and strategic vision.
- Foster strong working relationships with fellow relationship managers, including counterparts at affiliated food banks, to share insights, align joint strategies, and champion collaborative approaches to donor stewardship.
- Maintain accurate and timely records of donor interactions and moves management activities in StratusLIVE (or equivalent CRM), ensuring data integrity and strategic tracking.
- Represent the organization at donor-related and community events, as needed, to cultivate relationships, build visibility, and advance philanthropic goals.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required; an advanced degree or continued professional development in nonprofit management, communications, public policy, or a related field is a plus.
- 7–10 years of progressive experience and demonstrated success in nonprofit fundraising, with a strong emphasis on foundation, corporate, and organizational funder relationships.
- Proven ability to build and sustain high-impact relationships with institutional donors, navigate complex funder networks, and align donor priorities with organizational strategy.
- Strategic, self-motivated professional who takes initiative, prioritizes effectively, and manages a diverse portfolio with strong attention to detail and accountability for results.
- Adaptable, solutions-oriented collaborator who thrives in fast-paced, mission-driven environments and demonstrates resilience and clarity in shifting landscapes.
- A deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in both internal team dynamics and external donor engagement.
- Working knowledge of the systemic causes and consequences of poverty and hunger, particularly as they affect communities across Cook County, with an ability to engage donors thoughtfully on these issues.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex programmatic work into compelling donor materials and presentations.
- Technologically proficient, with advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), experience using CRM systems such as StratusLIVE or Raiser's Edge, and an openness to exploring the role of emerging technologies—such as AI—in enhancing fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and operational efficiency.
Benefits:
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Generous paid time off
• Parental leave
• On-site gym
• $3,000 annual employer-paid ThrivePass lifestyle and wellness benefit program
• $250 employee referral bonus
