Job Description

NATURE OF WORK:

The Grants Manager initiates and manages all aspects of foundation and corporate grant fundraising. This position oversees a grant portfolio exceeding $1 million, guiding the full lifecycle of each grant from prospect identification and proposal development to compliance, reporting, and stewardship. The Grants Manager contributes to the strategic growth of institutional fundraising efforts and collaborates closely with other internal VFW departments to ensure that funding opportunities align with organizational priorities and outcomes.


This position also leads all aspects of institutional fundraising--from prospect research and proposal development through compliance, reporting, and funder stewardship. The Grants Manager collaborates closely with the Director of Donor Relations, Corporate Relations team, and program staff to align funding opportunities with organizational priorities, measurable outcomes, and donor expectations.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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Research, write, and submit grant proposals to foundations, corporations, and other institutional funders. Manage the full life cycle of grant programs from identification and solicitation to implementation, tracking, and reporting. Develop and maintain a comprehensive grants calendar to ensure timely submissions and reporting. Collaborate with internal VFW departments to gather data, budgets, and narratives that reflect organizational priorities and outcomes. Ensure grant proposals and reports are aligned with funder interests, guidelines, deliverables, and impact requirements. Coordinate with Finance to ensure accurate grant budget preparation, financial tracking, and audit documentation. Develop standardized grant templates, boilerplate language, and case statements to streamline proposal production. Conduct prospect research using specialized databases such as Foundation Directory Online. Build and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective funders, serving as a key point of contact for institutional giving. Prepare briefing materials and participate in meetings or presentations with potential funders as needed. Lead or support VFW Post fundraising workshops and provide technical assistance at national events. Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and objectives of the VFW Foundation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Independent judgment and decision-making ability. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong storytelling, proposal writing, and proficiency in editing. Strong financial acumen and ability to develop and interpret grant budgets. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Experience with CRM systems (donor management systems) such as Bloomerang, Salesforce, or similar platforms.
Familiarity with donor and grant research tools such as Foundation Directory Online, Grant Station, Bloomerang, etc. Ability to analyze data, track results, and communicate outcomes effectively. Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. Ability to work collaboratively across internal VFW departments and with external stakeholders. Bachelor's degree required, preferably in nonprofit management, communications, English, public administration, or a related field--or a minimum of three (3) years of relevant professional experience. Demonstrated success in securing five- and six-figure institutional grants. Experience using CRM systems (e.g., Bloomerang, Salesforce, or similar) for grant and donor tracking. Understanding of or direct connection to the veteran community strongly preferred.

SCOPE OF POSITION:

Oversees and manages a $1M+ institutional grants portfolio, leading all stages of the grant lifecycle--from research and proposal development to reporting, compliance, and stewardship. Develops and executes institutional fundraising strategies that align with VFW Foundation priorities, measurable outcomes, and donor expectations. Collaborates across departments to gather data, budgets, and narratives that strengthen funding proposals and ensure accountability to funders. Builds and maintains relationships with foundation and corporate partners, serving as a primary liaison and representing the Foundation at key events and meetings. Implements systems and processes (grants calendar, CRM data management, templates, and reporting tools) to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and continuous revenue growth.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Fast-paced, multi-tasking office environment with emphasis on teamwork and collaboration. Extensive computer operation and communication with internal and external constituencies. Hybrid work flexibility may be available based on performance and organizational needs.


Travel may include the VFW National Convention, fundraising conferences, corporate partner visits, and other events that support donor relations and program visibility. Evening and weekend work may be required for events and deadlines.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES

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Identify, research, and qualify new institutional funding prospects to expand the Foundation's grant portfolio and ensure alignment with organizational priorities. Develop and maintain a multi-year grant strategy that drives sustainable revenue growth and diversification. Lead the creation, writing, and submission of compelling grant proposals, budgets, and supporting materials that meet funder guidelines and deadlines. Maintain a comprehensive grants calendar to ensure timely submissions, renewals, and required reports. Oversee the full lifecycle of grants--from award through implementation--ensuring accurate financial tracking, reporting, and adherence to grant requirements. Collaborate with Finance and Program teams to monitor expenditures and outcomes, ensuring compliance with all funder terms. Cultivate and steward relationships with foundation and corporate funders, serving as the primary contact to strengthen engagement and partnership. Represent the Foundation in meetings, presentations, and events that enhance institutional visibility and credibility. Partner with internal departments to gather data, success stories, and impact metrics for proposals and reports. Contribute to the overall fundraising strategy through shared goals, CRM data integrity, and continuous improvement of grant management processes.

The above duties are general in nature and are not intended to reflect all of the duties which may be required of the incumbent.


If not already listed as a requirement for the position, all employees (if eligible) are encouraged to become members of the VFW. If ineligible for VFW membership, employees (if eligible) are encouraged to join the VFW Auxiliary. Additionally, all employees are encouraged to actively promote the benefits of membership into the VFW and VFW Auxiliary to others that qualify.

The VFW Foundation offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.


Relocation allowance is not available.