Manager, Foundation Relations

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s preeminent scientific and cultural institutions, and has as its mission to discover, interpret, and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education, and exhibition.

The Manager, Foundation Relations is responsible for the operational and administrative infrastructure that enables the Foundation Relations team’s fundraising success. This position plays a central role in prospect research, grants administration, data management, and stewardship coordination, ensuring smooth workflows and accurate tracking of all foundation activities. In addition to maintaining a small portfolio of funders, the Manager supports proposal and report development by conducting research;

gathering programmatic and financial information from Museum colleagues; and drafting proposals, correspondence, and other materials. A key function is maintaining the team’s systems and processes—including the grants calendar, prospect database, and documentation library—to support strategic decision‑making by the Director and Associate Director. The Manager also coordinates logistics for foundation site visits and other cultivation activities, and liaises with Advancement Services on compliance, budget, and other financial or operational questions.

• Conduct research on current and prospective foundation donors, monitoring funding trends, RFPs, and alignment with Museum priorities.
• Maintain and update prospect grids and the team’s annual grants calendar, tracking proposal and report deadlines to ensure timely submissions.
• Manage grant files and coordinate with Advancement Services to maintain a documentation library of institutional materials required for proposals and reports.
• Monitor pledge payment schedules and follow up on overdue payments, track incoming grants; reconcile internal tracking with Advancement Services and Finance.
• Prepare prospect briefings and research summaries for the Director and Associate Director in advance of meetings and site visits.

• Gather programmatic information from Museum colleagues in Science, Learning and Public Engagement, and other departments, as needed, to support proposal and report development.
• Draft letters of inquiry, proposals, acknowledgment letters, and routine funder correspondence for review by the Director.
• Compile budget information and coordinate with Advancement Services and Finance to prepare accurate financial data for proposals and reports.
• Edit and proofread proposals, reports, and other materials drafted by team members.

• Coordinate logistics for foundation site visits, including scheduling with Museum colleagues, preparing itineraries, arranging meeting spaces, and greeting visitors.
• Maintain foundation invitation lists for exhibition openings, special events, and holiday correspondence.
• Support stewardship activities by gathering impact data and program updates from Museum staff for inclusion in reports and funder communications.
• Staff periodic Advancement events in evenings or on weekends, as needed.

• Enter and track all foundation proposals, actions, and projections in Raiser’s Edge NXT; maintain accurate and up-to-date records.
• Submit quarterly foundation contributions data to Secretary and Development Reports for Museum Board meetings.
• Review foundation crediting and recognition requests as needed.

The expected salary range for the Manager, Foundation Relations is $67,000/annual – $72,000/annual. The AMNH offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community.

Pay will be determined based on several factors. The hiring range for the position at commencement is based on the type of work and the scope of responsibilities. The salary and placement offered is based on a number of individualized factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization and depth and scope of experience.