Senior Manager of Grants

Love nature? Then you’re going to love The Nat.

The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) was founded by amateur naturalists in 1874 and has played a major role in the conversation of our region. The Museum recently celebrated its 150th anniversary and completed a strategic plan focused on encouraging a love for nature, levering science and collections for conservation, and using our own voice to be here for nature.

The San Diego Natural History Museum is seeking a Senior Manager of Grants to join our team. This position plays a key role in driving The Nat’s fundraising success by expanding philanthropic revenue through active management of foundation, government, and corporate donors. Primary responsibilities include writing compelling proposals and reports for a portfolio of 85-100 donors and prospects, building relationships for targeted requests, and actively researching new prospective organization donors aligned with the Museum's mission and strategic priorities.

The position reports to the Senior Director of Philanthropy and is an integral member of the philanthropy team.

• Manages a portfolio (85-100) of foundation, government and corporate donors and prospects.
• Writes LOIs, grant proposals, cover letters, prepares budgets, and compiles requested information to create complete solicitation packages.
• Tracks, prepares, and submits grant solicitation and reporting requirements through mail, email, and online channels.
• Develops identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for new and current foundation and corporate donors and prospects.
• Plans and implements customized cultivation and stewardship activities for portfolio, including reporting, meetings, Museum tours and events, and other appropriate activities.
• Thanks donors in personal, thoughtful, and creative ways.
• Maintains deep knowledge of funder priorities, Museum programs and strategic initiatives to craft strong and compelling narratives.
• Works closely with the philanthropy team to determine fundraising strategies for prospective donors.
• Prepares and submits timely contact reports and gift alerts.
• Keeps physical and electronic donor files up to date.
• Meets or exceeds annual fundraising goals and ensures timely, accurate grant compliance.

• Tracks organizational funding priorities and keeps current on Museum strategic priorities and departmental programs to better identify new prospective donors.
• Research foundation prospects for museum priorities using Foundation Directory and similar tools.
• Reviews business publications, nonprofit annual reports, and other online resources to identify corporate and foundation prospects.
• Attends relevant industry events in San Diego to learn first‑hand about current and prospective local donors.
• Prepares research summaries and contact reports.
• As assigned, writes and/or edits content for reports, appeals, and newsletters based on philanthropy department needs.
• Contributes stories, impact narratives, and program highlights that demonstrate donor impact and advance fundraising goals.

• Attends all philanthropy department events, and other Museum events as needed.
• Participates in special projects and cross‑departmental initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational priorities.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to translate complex programs, data and outcomes into clear, compelling funding narratives.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve problems.
• Ability to keep track of the overall picture while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail in a variety of situations.
• Ability to work well independently and within a team environment.
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3-5 years professional nonprofit fundraising experience with a demonstrated focus on grant writing and reporting.
• Proven record of securing and stewarding grant funding.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• Experience with Raiser’s Edge, Altru or other constituent records management database systems is preferred.

This is a full‑time, exempt position with benefits such as health insurance, vacation, sick‑time, 15 paid holidays, free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums, and more.

This position requires you to work on site in Balboa Park no less than three days per week, with the option to work remotely two days per week.

The salary is $71,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Applicants should submit an application that includes your resume, cover letter, and two writing samples.