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Community Foundation Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Manager, Community Relations

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$133K/yr

Develop innovative programming that advances the Foundation's strategic priorities and responds to community needs * Execute programs from ideation through completion, including planning, budgeting ...

Manager, Community Relations

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$133K/yr

Develop innovative programming that advances the Foundation's strategic priorities and responds to community needs * Execute programs from ideation through completion, including planning, budgeting ...

FOUNDATION DATA ENTR SPEC

Knoxville, TN ยท On-site

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

Headquartered in Knoxville, Covenant Health is a community-owned integrated healthcare delivery ... Foundation database. Assist Database Manager with gift entry, reporting, data hygiene and other ...

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Community Foundation information

See Tennessee salary details

$9

$16

$23

How much do community foundation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for community foundation in Tennessee is $16.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $17.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a community foundation professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Community Foundation professional, you need expertise in nonprofit management, fundraising, grantmaking, and community engagement, often supported by a degree in nonprofit management, public administration, or a related field. Familiarity with donor management systems, grant tracking software, and financial reporting tools is typically required. Strong relationship-building, communication, and strategic thinking skills help professionals effectively connect with donors and community partners. These abilities are crucial for maximizing impact, ensuring financial sustainability, and fostering trust within the community.

What are the typical responsibilities of staff working at a community foundation?

Staff at community foundations often engage in a variety of tasks, including managing grant applications, working with donors to establish charitable funds, coordinating community outreach events, and evaluating the impact of funded programs. Collaboration across teams is common, as staff members frequently work with finance, communications, and program departments to ensure smooth operations and effective community engagement. The role can be both rewarding and fast-paced, offering opportunities to build relationships with local nonprofits and community leaders.

What is a community foundation?

A Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that pools and manages charitable funds from individuals, families, and businesses to support local causes and community needs. These foundations work to improve the quality of life in a specific geographic area by making grants to nonprofits, schools, and other community organizations. They also help donors achieve their philanthropic goals by providing expertise and flexible giving options. Community foundations play a crucial role in addressing community challenges and fostering long-term growth and stability.

What is the difference between Community Foundation vs Nonprofit Program Coordinator?

AspectCommunity FoundationNonprofit Program Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree often required; certifications like CFRE are a plusBachelor's degree in social work, nonprofit management, or related field; certifications vary
Work EnvironmentFundraising events, grant management, community outreach in office and fieldProgram implementation, community engagement, event planning in nonprofit settings
Employer & IndustryFoundations supporting multiple nonprofits, community developmentIndividual nonprofit organizations, charities, social service agencies

While both roles focus on community impact, a Community Foundation manages funds and grants across multiple nonprofits, whereas a Nonprofit Program Coordinator directly implements programs within a specific organization. The foundation oversees broader community initiatives, while the coordinator handles day-to-day program activities.

What are popular job titles related to Community Foundation jobs in Tennessee? For Community Foundation jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Community Foundation jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Community Foundation job openings:
Infographic showing various Community Foundation job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,851 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Foundation Grants Manager

Helen Ross McNabb Center

Knoxville, TN โ€ข On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description


Foundation Grants Manager

Help Others, Make a Difference, Save a Life.

Do you want to make a difference in people's lives every day?
Or help people navigate the tough spots in their life?
And do it all while working where your hard work is appreciated?

You have a lot of choices in where you work…make the decision to work where you are valued!

Join the McNabb Center Team as the Foundation Grants Manager today!

The Foundation Grants Manager

JOB PURPOSE/SUMMARY

Summary of Position:

  • Direct and manage the Helen Ross McNabb Foundation's nonpublic grant-development program.
  • Identify, cultivate, solicit, secure, and steward grants from private foundations, corporate foundations, community foundations, and other nonpublic institutional funders in East Tennessee, throughout Tennessee, nationally, and, where appropriate, globally.
  • Manage the complete grant lifecycle and all existing nonpublic grant relationships.

Summary of role of team:

  • Work under the direction of the Senior Vice President of Development and Government Relations to prioritize requests from McNabb Center leadership and pursue funding for approved Center needs and Foundation Annual Fund campaign priorities, including capital and operating needs. The first-year goal is to secure at least $750,000 in new grant commitments.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT

  • The staff member maintains an office at administrative building and works with Foundation team.
  • Staff members are provided with all equipment necessary to perform their job responsibilities in their assigned office.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

1.Responsible for continuous prospect research and development of a qualified nonpublic grant pipeline.

a. Research private and corporate foundations, community foundations, and other nonpublic institutional funders locally in East Tennessee, statewide in Tennessee, nationally, and, where appropriate, globally.

b. Use GuideStar/Candid, Foundation Directory Online, GrantStation, grant-tracking platforms, foundation tax filings, corporate giving portals, annual reports, and other available research tools to identify potential funders.

c. Review each prospect for mission and program alignment, geographic eligibility, funding history, typical award size, application requirements, timing, restrictions, relationship potential, and likelihood of success.

d. Maintain a high-volume, prioritized pipeline of qualified prospects and provide recommendations to the supervisor regarding the opportunities that merit Foundation investment.

2.Responsible for development and submission of high-quality grant requests.

a. Prepare persuasive letters of inquiry, concept papers, proposals, applications, presentations, and supporting documents that accurately communicate McNabb Center needs and outcomes.

b. Work cooperatively with Foundation leadership, Center leadership, program staff, Financial Services, and other internal partners to obtain accurate information and meet approved deadlines.

c. Develop, analyze, and review detailed grant budgets and budget narratives, including allowable costs, personnel expenses, indirect costs, matching requirements, restrictions, and sustainability considerations.

d. Ensure every submission is accurate, complete, timely, responsive to funder requirements, and consistent with the approved purpose, budget, and commitments of the organization.

e. Maintain thorough knowledge of grant terminology, application instructions, grant agreements, web portals, required attachments, and submission procedures.

3.Manages the complete portfolio of existing nonpublic grants and institutional funder relationships.

a. Maintain complete records of grant agreements, budgets, restrictions, deliverables, payment schedules, reporting requirements, recognition commitments, and renewal opportunities.

b. Coordinate with program and financial staff to monitor use of grant funds and ensure narrative and financial reports are accurate, complete, and submitted on time.

c. Develop and manage stewardship plans for existing private, corporate, and community foundation partners, including regular communication, acknowledgement, recognition, meetings, site visits, reports, and renewal strategies.

d. Read and maintain working expertise regarding all nonpublic grants under the position's purview and promptly communicate material requirements or concerns to the supervisor.

e. Identify opportunities to renew, expand, or deepen existing grantor relationships while protecting the organization's credibility and compliance.

4.Works under Foundation leadership to evaluate and pursue approved McNabb Center and Foundation priorities.

a. Receive potential funding needs and workload requests from the McNabb Center leadership team through the Senior VP of Development and Government Relations

b. Provide research and recommendations concerning funder alignment, competitiveness, potential award amount, timing, restrictions, workload, and likelihood of success.

c. Pursue grant opportunities as authorized and prioritized by the Senior Vice President of Development and Government Relations.

d. Develop one-time grant requests supporting existing Center services, programs, equipment, initiatives, and approved operating needs.

e. Pursue grants supporting the approved Foundation Annual Fund campaign, including capital, operating, startup, expansion, personnel, equipment, and sustainability needs.

f. Maintain a balanced portfolio that addresses immediate Center opportunities while advancing the Foundation's approved strategic fundraising priorities.

5.Meets established revenue, activity, and portfolio-management goals.

a. Work toward the first-year objective of securing at least $750,000 in new grant commitments from approved nonpublic funding sources.

b. Track new funders, new grants from existing funders, renewed funding, Annual Fund campaign grants, one-time Center grants, and capital and operating commitments.

c. Maintain and regularly report key performance measures, including qualified prospects, proposals submitted, total dollars requested, grants awarded, renewal rate, reporting compliance, pipeline value, and anticipated decision dates.

d. Provide timely pipeline reports, revenue forecasts, calendar updates, and progress reports to the supervisor.

e. For performance reporting, classify new grant commitments consistently as first-time grants, funding for a new purpose from an existing grantor, or increases above a grantor's prior commitment, as directed by Foundation leadership.

6.Maintains accurate grant records, systems, and internal communication.

a. Maintain complete prospect, proposal, award, report, stewardship, and relationship records in Blackbaud Raiser's Edge and other approved Foundation systems.

b. Create and maintain an accurate master grant calendar with application deadlines, expected decisions, award periods, reporting dates, renewal dates, and stewardship activities.

c. Ensure grant records, contact reports, proposal documents, budgets, correspondence, and supporting materials are organized, current, and accessible to appropriate Foundation leadership.

d. Promote positive and cooperative working relationships with Foundation staff, Center leadership, program staff, Financial Services, funders, and external partners.

e. Handle local, state, or federal government grant opportunities only in specific and infrequent circumstances when expressly assigned by Foundation leadership.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; and employee will also perform other reasonably related job responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. Moreover, management reserves the right to change job descriptions, job duties, or working schedules based on their duty to accommodate individuals with disabilities. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

COMPENSATION:

  • Starting salary for this position is $19.59434/hr based on relevant education and experience.

Schedule:

  • The position will be expected to support our other foundation special events by being on-site.
  • There is no on-call for this position and employee is off on Center designated holidays.
  • In person daily attendance is essential for this position.

Travel:

  • Valid driver's license and the ability to travel locally and occasionally outside the area for meetings, site visits, training, or funder-related activities.

QUALIFICATIONS- Foundation Grants Manager

Education/Knowledge: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, marketing, economics, nonprofit management, or a related field is preferred but not required. Equivalent education and demonstrated professional success in institutional fundraising may be considered.

Must possess exceptional writing, research, analytical, and financial skills; a thorough understanding of private, corporate, and community foundation practices and grant terminology; and the ability to develop, interpret, and manage complex grant and program budgets.

Experience: Minimum of three years of successful experience in grant development, institutional fundraising, foundation relations, or a closely related field; five years preferred. Demonstrated success securing significant grants from private, corporate, or community foundations is strongly preferred. Experience managing the complete grant lifecycle, including prospect research, proposal development, budgeting, submission, reporting, renewal, and funder stewardship, is required. Experience with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge and foundation research or grant-management databases is strongly preferred.

Physical:

  • Hearing of normal and soft tones.
  • Close eye work and extensive computer use. Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, and reaching.
  • Lifting up to 25 lbs.

Location:

Knoxville, Tennessee

Apply today to work where we care about you as an employee and where your hard work makes a difference!

Helen Ross McNabb Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.

Helen Ross McNabb Center conducts background checks, driver's license record, degree verification, and drug screens at hire. Employment is contingent upon clean drug screen, background check, and driving record. Additionally, certain programs are subject to TB Screening and/or testing. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.


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