Manager of Grants

Housing Forward is the backbone organization leading one of the nation's most innovative and successful homeless response systems. Through the All Neighbors Coalition, Housing Forward aligns more than 150 public, private, and nonprofit partners to build a coordinated, data-driven system that resolves homelessness across Dallas and Collin Counties. Since 2021, the community has achieved five consecutive years of reductions in homelessness while Housing Forward has grown into a high-performing lead agency with more than 45 employees driving system strategy, performance management, and cross-sector collaboration. 

Housing Forward is entering its next chapter by implementing bold strategies to ensure no one is forced to sleep outside. The organization seeks strategic leaders who thrive in complex environments, build alignment across diverse stakeholders, and embrace a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation to drive system improvement.  

Housing Forward is seeking a Manager of Grants to join our efforts to end homelessness. The Manager of Grants is responsible for leading the organization's institutional fundraising efforts related to foundations and grant management, including identifying funding opportunities, developing compelling grant proposals, managing grant compliance, and stewarding relationships with foundation, corporate, and other funders. This position works collaboratively across departments to gather program data, assist in development of funding strategies, and ensure timely reporting and compliance. With oversight from the Vice President of Development, this role is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies to help maintain and grow our foundation revenue. 

Under the direction of the Vice President of Development:

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  Assist in establishing Housing Forward’s current and future fundraising strategy to further communitywide goals for reducing homelessness

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  Set and meet annual revenue goals for foundations by providing strategic leadership over the development and execution of a comprehensive foundation plan with clear targets, objectives, and action tactics through various giving channels

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  Generate revenue by identifying, researching, soliciting, cultivating, and stewarding existing foundation donors and new prospects; deepen engagements with existing foundations to retain and upgrade their financial commitment

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  Develop and facilitate the annual grants plan including solicitations and necessary reporting

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  Analyze and report on fundraising activities, metrics, and impact for foundation support

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  Assist with administrative duties related to implementing donor recognition and stewardship plan, including event invitations, personalized outreach, timely reporting, acknowledgement, and correspondence

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  Serve as a powerful ambassador for the work of Housing Forward and the All Neighbors Coalition; work with the Vice President of Development to draw on connections with local leaders and the funding community to further the communitywide goals and mission

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  Maintain donor management database used to track contributions and communications with donors

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  Write grant applications, case statements, major gift and sponsorship proposals, and other documents to support ongoing fundraising activities

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  Stay current on trends and best practices in fundraising and development

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  Other duties as assigned

Ideal candidates will have demonstrated capabilities in the following areas:

• Strong Relationship Management Skills: Ability to build and nurture collaborative relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.

• Strategic Leadership: Ability to provide long term strategic direction and creative thinking to further the community’s mission through fundraising and grants management.

• Adaptability and Agility: Thrives in a dynamic and changing environment with demonstrated ability to respond effectively to shifting and evolving fundraising priorities.

• Project Management and Action Oriented: An implementer who thrives on managing a variety of key initiatives, successfully organizing project work, ensuring tasks are completed on time, and managing risks.

• Written & Verbal Communication: Ability to create exceptional written content and present complex information in a clear, compelling and concise manner.

• Annual Foundation Management and Tracking: Proven ability to write compelling grant applications, case statements, major gift and sponsorship proposals, and other documents to support ongoing fundraising activities. Track timely submission of all grants and reports related to the grants. 

• 2 to 6 years of experience in a grant writing role in fundraising/philanthropy in a nonprofit, educational, or public service environment or related field

• Expertise in the development and implementation of comprehensive annual foundation plan

• Proven track record of securing significant gifts and meeting and exceeding fundraising goals in a mission-driven organization

• Commitment to upholding Housing Forward’s Organizational values of Teamwork, Equity, Servant Leadership, and Flexibility

• Must have reliable transportation, valid state-issued driver’s license, and car insurance. Please note that travel is required on a limited basis.

• Must be flexible to work at different sites as scheduled.

• Limited requirements must be able to maintain files and lift objects that weigh up to 25 lbs.

• Housing Forward considers normal hours of operation Monday – Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm. Some nights and weekend meetings might be required to meet the needs of partner agencies or to represent Housing Forward at community meetings.

• Employees are able to work both remotely and in the office. Current guidelines state that employees must work at least 3 days per week in the office, but this is subject to change. Scheduling should be approved by the supervisor.