DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE POSITION DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE: Senior Grants Manager SALARY: $91,000 - $116,000 FLSA: Exempt DEPARTMENT: Development LOCATION: Washington, DC REPORTS TO: Director, Foundation and Corporate Relations NUMBER OF DIRECT/INDIRECT REPORTS: 0 LAST REVISED: February 2025 POSITION SUMMARY The Senior Grants Manager plays a key role in expanding Defenders’ institutional fundraising program. The Senior Manager is responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of federal and state government donors and prospects, as well as some foundation donors; developing and implementing fundraising strategies; writing and editing grant proposals, reports, and other written communications to funders and overseeing the review of new government and foundation grant opportunities. The Senior Manager also plays a lead role in the Development Department to ensure compliance with federal grant regulations and educates program staff about compliance requirements. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Grant Proposals and Reports + Work with Defenders’ program and senior staff and Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations to develop compelling proposals, preproposals, budgets and reports describing a variety of conservation initiatives for federal and state government agencies and some foundations. + Edit government and foundation grant proposals, preproposals and reports in collaboration with program staff. Coordinate submission of proposals, reports and letters of inquiry. Draft such materials when needed. + Work with program and Finance staff to prepare financial information, including grant budgets, invoices and financial reports for foundation and government donors and prospects. + Participate in select program planning sessions. Grants Management + Monitor and communicate government and foundation proposal and reporting deadlines to Program and Finance departments to ensure submission deadlines are met. + Work with Vice President of Development , Development Operations Associate, Finance and Program departments to communicate and monitor grant allocations and expenditures. + Work with Finance and Program staff to monitor grant spending to ensure that grants are being spent appropriately and in a timely manner. + Lead Development staff member responsible for ensuring compliance with all federal grant related regulations. + Educate and advise program staff about federal grant compliance requirements. Fundraising Strategies and Prospect Research + Work closely with the Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations, program and senior staff, and other development staff to identify funding needs and develop strategies for the cultivation of federal and state agencies as well as foundations. + Develop and implement fundraising strategies for a portfolio of foundation and government donors and prospects, with lead responsibility for proposals to federal and state government agencies. + Identify prospects for specific programs and conduct high-level research and analysis of government funding trends as part of fundraising strategy development. + Ensure that funding proposals reflect Defenders’ current program goals and strategic plan. Operations/Administrative: + Enter foundation and government donor interactions in database for portfolio contacts. + Prepare briefing materials for visits and calls with portfolio contacts. + Work with Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations and other staff on annual budget and periodic revenue reporting. + Work with the Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations and the Finance and program departments to determine and communicate the allocation of restricted foundation and government grants. + Maintain organizational registration with federal SAM system and other government online grant portals as needed. + Attends professional conferences, trainings, events and engages with professional associations for professional development, maximize the use of network and ensure application of best practices at the recommendation and discretion of supervisor. + Travel is not required for this position. + Perform all other related duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS Education: Bachelor’s (B.A./B.S.) degree or equivalent Experience: 8 years of relevant experience in grant fundraising, with a focus on federal and state grants management, preferably in a conservation, environmental, advocacy or related field. Experience with donor management and engagement. Experience with foundation grants and/or cause-related marketing is a plus. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders https://defenders.org/knowledge-skills-and-abilities Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Senior Grants Manager + Proven track record in raising funds from foundations and government sources preferably for a conservation organization. + Demonstrable skill in writing excellent proposals and other grant-oriented materials. + Strong knowledge of foundation and government grantmaking processes and recent trends in environmental grant making. PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS Physical Activities Check all that apply Frequency (N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like. N Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces. N Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods. C Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another. N Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions. N Communicating with others to exchange information. C Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers. O Operating machinery and/or power tools. N Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment. N Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned. C Environmental Conditions Check all that apply Frequency (N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly Low temperatures. High temperatures. Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind. Noisy environments. Hazardous conditions. Poor ventilation. Small and/or enclosed spaces. No adverse environmental conditions expected. X Physical Demands Check only one Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing. X Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds. Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds. Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more. Visit www.defenders.org to apply. All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. It is the policy of Defenders of Wildlife to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, veterans' status or and any other legally protected class, characteristic or trait per applicable federal, state, or local law. Please be advised this position is union-eligible.