Grants & Foundations Manager

Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation (GELF) equips Tennessee’s children with books and innovative literacy tools that encourage lifelong learning and success. GELF is an independent and non‑partisan 501(c)(3) serving all 95 counties in Tennessee. Its mission is to strengthen early literacy in Tennessee. GELF pursues its mission through Birth‑5 Book Delivery through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, K‑3 Home Library, Caregiver Engagement, Book Buses, Storybook Trails, the Statewide early Literacy Education Collaborative of Tennessee (SELECT), Tenn Under 10, and more.

GELF serves approximately 500,000 children; 185,000 caregivers; and 13,000 teachers each year. More information about GELF's programs and impact can be found on its website:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Join the team at Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation (GELF) in a pivotal role within the Development Department. The Grants & Foundations Manager reports to the Director of Development and plays a key role in driving institutional financial support for GELF’s programs and statewide growth.

This role requires a strategic, experienced, and detail‑oriented fundraising professional with a proven track record in grant writing, reporting, and compliance. The ideal candidate is a thoughtful project manager and strong writer who thrives in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven environment. They will independently lead the full grant lifecycle—from prospecting to submission to post‑award stewardship—while collaborating cross‑functionally to ensure alignment and impact.

• Meet or exceed annual grant fundraising giving goals
• Significantly grow GELF’s portfolio of foundation supporters and government grants
• Prepare, write, and submit all foundation and government grant proposals and reports; provide support to the Corporate Partnerships Manager for institutional proposals as needed
• Manage a comprehensive grants calendar and ensure timely submissions and reporting
• Monitor compliance requirements and communicate funding commitments internally
• Lead the stewardship process by providing timely updates, reports, and recognition for funders
• Represent GELF, and reflect its values, at events and meetings with institutional funders
• Support the Director and the department with individual/corporate prospect identification and research
• Develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of GELF’s mission, vision, values, culture, and programs to support its success and clearly communicate about its work
• Other duties as assigned
• Work closely with the Corporate Partnerships Manager to ensure clear funder communication and unified outreach
• Collaborate with the Programs, Finance, and Communications teams to collect program data, financials, and impact stories
• Partner with the Director of Development, Government Affairs Liaison, and Executive leadership to align institutional fundraising strategies
• Support the planning, promotion, and execution of special events—including volunteer engagement and institutional funder participation—in collaboration with the Development and Operations teams
• Support statewide early literacy impact by leading and/or supporting fundraising education presentations/workshops for GELF’s program partners and affiliates statewide

• Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date records for all institutional gifts and communications in the CRM
• Prepare invoices and track payments in collaboration with the Operations and Finance teams
• Keep GELF’s profiles current on nonprofit reporting platforms, including Giving Matters, Guide Star, Charity Navigator, etc.
• Assist the Director of Development with key administrative functions of the department

• Engage in a dynamic, supportive culture that promotes personal and professional development by participating in required professional reading, self‑directed professional development, and team building activities
• Commitment to pursuing curiosity, collaboration, openness to feedback and learning, dedication to honesty, and resistance to gossip
• Maintain an unwavering commitment to GELF’s values of boldness, openness, optimism, knowledge, and stewardship (BOOKS)