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David Careers

Grants Manager

Posted 3 days ago

big life foundationBismarck (ND)
Fundraising ManagersGrantmaking Foundations

SENIORITY

Senior

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About the role

(U.S.-based | Global role with travel to Kenya)
Position Summary: The Grants Manager plays a critical role in advancing Big Life Foundation’s global fundraising strategy by growing and managing a portfolio of grant donors including but not limited to institutional government donors, private foundations, and zoo/corporate grantmakers. This is a new position, responsible for identifying, cultivating, and securing new funding opportunities, while stewarding existing partnerships to build long-term, strategic support for Big Life’s conservation programs across the Greater Amboseli ecosystem. The Manager also serves as a key liaison between Big Life’s U.S.-based development team and Kenya-based program and development staff, leading the development of compelling proposals and reports, and coordinating the organization’s response to grant funding opportunities worldwide.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Pipeline Development: Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy to grow revenue from a portfolio of grant donors including but not limited to institutional government donors, private foundations, and zoo/corporate partners. Build and manage a robust pipeline of prospects, with clear revenue targets, tracking systems, and performance metrics. Analyze results and refine strategies to optimize funding growth and long-term sustainability.
Proposal Development & Grant Management: Lead and support the development of high-quality grant proposals, concept notes, and donor reports in collaboration with senior leadership, program teams, and finance staff. Manage the full grant lifecycle, from opportunity identification and submission through reporting, compliance, and renewal. Oversee the preparation and submission of technical and financial proposals, ensuring accuracy and alignment with donor requirements. Ensure compliance with all donor guidelines, deadlines, and reporting standards.
Partnership Development & External Engagement: Represent Big Life in meetings, presentations, and communications with funders and prospective partners. Build visibility and deepen relationships with grant donors to expand engagement and long-term support.
Internal Collaboration & Strategic Contribution:
  • Contribute to internal reporting, forecasting, and strategic planning related to funding growth.
  • Coordinate cross-functionally to align funding opportunities with program priorities and organizational goals.
  • Field Engagement
  • Travel to Kenya periodically to support the development of proposals, strengthen donor alignment with field programs, and advance strategic funding opportunities.
  • Qualifications7–10+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a focus on grants acquisition and management, including private foundations and government grants
  • Familiarity with government or institutional funding processes and requirements (e.g., bi/multilateral funders)
  • Demonstrated success securing and managing grants including from private foundations and institutional donors
  • Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and research skills, including the ability to craft and edit complex proposals and donor materials
  • Strong understanding of donor compliance, performance monitoring, and impact measurement across the award lifecycle
  • Experience coordinating cross-functional teams (program, finance, leadership)
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple deadlines and priorities
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships across cultures and geographies
  • Passion for conservation and community-based approaches to protecting wildlife strongly preferred
  • Location & TravelU.S.-based Remote, with preference given to candidates based in Maryland, Washington, DC, Washington State, Oregon, Missouri, or New York.
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, including periodic travel to Kenya
Application Instructions: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and grant application writing sample to by November 20, 2026, with “LAST NAME: Grant Manager” in the subject line.

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