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Foundation Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Coloradopsychiatric

Foundation Director

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Qualifications: * 1. Bachelor's Degree or equivalent. * 2. 7-10 years of relevant leadership experience in philanthropy, nonprofit management, foundation operations, fundraising, donor relations, or ...

City of Hope

Manager, Pharmacy Foundation

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$69.75 - $82/hr

Manager, Pharmacy Foundation Join the transformative team at City of Hope, where we're changing lives and making a real difference in the fight against cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening ...

City of Hope

Manager, Pharmacy Foundation

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$69.75 - $82/hr

Manager, Pharmacy Foundation Join the transformative team at City of Hope, where we're changing lives and making a real difference in the fight against cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening ...

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Foundation Manager information

See California salary details

$27.1K

$80.6K

$135.7K

How much do foundation manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for foundation manager in California is $80,607.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a foundation manager?

Foundation Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the operations, administration, and strategic direction of foundations, which are nonprofit organizations that support charitable causes. They manage grant-making processes, ensure compliance with legal and financial regulations, and work closely with board members and stakeholders to fulfill the foundation's mission. Foundation Managers also develop fundraising strategies, monitor program effectiveness, and often represent the foundation at public events. Their role is crucial in ensuring that the foundation's resources are used efficiently and effectively to achieve philanthropic goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a foundation manager?

To thrive as a Foundation Manager, you need expertise in nonprofit management, fundraising, grant writing, and a relevant degree such as in business, public administration, or a related field. Familiarity with donor management systems, CRM software, and financial reporting tools is typically required. Strong leadership, relationship-building, and strategic communication skills set top candidates apart. These competencies are essential for effectively managing resources, fostering donor relationships, and maximizing the foundation's impact.

What are some common challenges faced by foundation managers in balancing administrative duties with mission-driven initiatives?

Foundation Managers often juggle a variety of responsibilities, including overseeing grant processes, managing budgets, and ensuring regulatory compliance, all while advancing the foundation’s mission. One common challenge is balancing the necessary administrative work—such as reporting and documentation—with strategic activities like building community partnerships and measuring impact. Staying organized and effectively delegating tasks within the team are key to maintaining this balance. Additionally, Foundation Managers must continually adapt to changing funding landscapes and stakeholder expectations, making flexibility and strong communication skills essential for success.

What is the difference between Foundation Manager vs Grant Coordinator?

AspectFoundation ManagerGrant Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree; experience in nonprofit managementBachelor's degree; experience in grants or fundraising
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, foundationsNonprofits, educational institutions, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageFoundations, charitable organizationsNonprofits, grant-making agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Foundation Manager oversees the overall operations, strategy, and funding initiatives of a foundation, focusing on long-term goals and stakeholder relationships. The Grant Coordinator primarily manages the grant application process, monitors grant compliance, and assists in securing funding. While both roles require nonprofit experience and similar credentials, the Foundation Manager has broader responsibilities, whereas the Grant Coordinator specializes in grants management.

What are the most commonly searched types of Foundation jobs in California?

The most popular types of Foundation jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Foundation Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Foundation Manager job openings:

Foundation Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Foundation Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,607 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

Temporary Foundation Development Officer II

GRID ALTERNATIVES

Oakland, CA • On-site, Remote

$43.27/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Temporary

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Description

About GRID Alternatives



GRID Alternatives is a national leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low-income communities and communities of color. GRID is an entrepreneurial, high-growth non-profit organization that provides direct solar installation and project development; clean mobility options; workforce training and service-learning opportunities; and low-income solar policy advocacy.




Our Vision: a rapid, equitable transition to a world powered by renewable energy that benefits everyone. 

Our Mission: to build community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy.




What it's like to work at GRID...




At GRID, we care about each other and know that each employee has a whole self that includes life outside of work. Our culture supports learning, growth and well-being of all of our team members. 




Summary of the role:


GRID Alternatives is looking for a Part-Time Temporary Foundation Development Officer II - Southern California for a temporary, 3-month assignment (September-November 2026) to join our national Headquarters Philanthropy team and support our efforts to increase major, impact-driven funding partnerships from local Southern California area foundations and help manage a current portfolio of partners who have committed to GRID. 


This is a great opportunity for a superb proposal writer, partnerships thought leader, and relationship manager looking for a leadership opportunity.



What you will be doing (essential responsibilities):


  • Work directly with the Director of Regional Philanthropy and Regional Foundation Manager in efforts to raise funding from locally based philanthropic foundations
  • Support team with reporting on existing grants, submitting funding applications, and prospect research

Requirements

Your areas of expertise are:


  • Passionate advocate for renewable energy, affordable housing, workforce development, and/or environmental justice work
  • Demonstrated exceptional persuasive writing skills, including both grant writing, oral presentations and email communication
  • Excellent organizational skills, follow-through, and attention to detail and deadlines
  • Excellent collaboration skills, including the ability to coordinate and communicate effectively and efficiently with a variety of internal team members
  • Solid computer productivity skills, including Microsoft Office and Google AppsAbility to develop a prospecting strategy to secure new funders
  • 3-5 or more years of professional nonprofit fundraising or grantmaking experience
  • Comfortable working as part of a team in a hard-working, informal, high-growth organization



It would be great if you also had...



  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • Specific experience with renewable energy, affordable housing, and/or environment/environmental justice work
  • Existing relationships with local and national foundations that focus on climate change, environmental justice and/or economic opportunity, specifically in the Southern California
  • Experience working with or in a large, networked organization
  • Experience using Salesforce or similar CRM




Compensation:



The compensation range for this fulltime position is $43.27 per hour for up to 20 hours per week. The base pay that will actually be offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, experience and take into account internal equity. 



Where you will sit & the places you may go...



The ideal candidate will sit in Remote/WFH- based in California. 



Important to note for California applicants:



 **Hired CA candidates must be able to pass a screening for drugs that are illegal in the state of California, including: amphetamine, cocaine metabolite, opiates, and PCP. 



Reasonable Accommodation for Job Seekers with a Disability:



 If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to: RECRUITING@GRIDALTERNATIVES.ORG 



Ready to Apply?



Submit a resume describing your interest. Due to the high volume of inquiries, mailed and emailed applications are not accepted.   



GRID Alternatives provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetics. Because we value EID at GRID Alternatives, we encourage folks from all backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications. Every member of GRID Alternatives must be dedicated to participating in the organization's equity, inclusion, and diversity (EID) work. 

Apply