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Foundation Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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Showing results 1-20

Foundation Manager information

See California salary details

$27.1K

$80.6K

$135.7K

How much do foundation manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 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 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 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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Foundation Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,607 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

Foundation Director

Stryker Corporation

San Diego, CA • On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

The San Diego Kingdom Impact Foundation is a newly established, privately funded charitable foundation created by two San Diego business leaders committed to making a meaningful impact throughout San Diego County. The Foundation strengthens nonprofit organizations serving the greater San Diego region whose missions and work are consistent with the Christian faith. Through strategic grants for transformative initiatives, we help effective organizations significantly expand their capabilities, strengthen their long‑term sustainability, and increase their impact in the communities they serve.

The Foundation Director will serve as the day-to-day leader and primary representative of the Foundation’s formation and launch, community outreach, nonprofit evaluation, and grantmaking efforts. This individual will help build the Foundation from the ground up, establish its public presence and operating processes, and identify, evaluate, and recommend nonprofit organizations for potential funding. The Foundation’s principals will retain final grant-approval authority.

Responsibilities Include:
  • 1. Partner with the Foundation’s principals and outside legal counsel to support the Foundation’s formation and launch.
  • 2. Lead development of the Foundation’s brand identity, messaging, website, application materials, communications, and professional public presence.
  • 3. Create the initial systems, processes, templates, records, and tools needed for grantmaking, governance, communications, and administration.
  • 4. Develop a strong understanding of the San Diego nonprofit landscape and cultivate relationships with nonprofit, faith, civic, and community leaders.
  • 5. Source prospective grantees and evaluate their mission alignment, leadership, programs, financial health, sustainability, reputation, and community impact.
  • 6. Conduct appropriate due diligence and prepare clear written evaluation summaries and grant recommendations for the Foundation’s principals.
  • 7. Develop and manage the grant application, review, approval, documentation, payment, tracking, and reporting processes.
  • 8. Maintain professional and respectful communication with prospective, approved, and declined applicants.
  • 9. Monitor funded organizations, grant requirements, use of funds, intended outcomes, and impact reporting.
  • 10. Represent the Foundation with professionalism, warmth, humility, and discretion at select meetings, site visits, and community events.
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 community engagement.
  • 2. Strong knowledge of and established relationships within the San Diego nonprofit, philanthropic, civic, church, or community-service landscape preferred.
  • 3. Strong financial literacy and the ability to assess an organization’s financial health, operating strength, and long-term sustainability.
  • 4. Excellent interviewing, research, analytical, due-diligence, and written recommendation skills.
  • 5. Executive-level judgment, maturity, discretion, and confidence presenting thoughtful recommendations to the Foundation’s principals.
  • 6. Experience helping launch a foundation, nonprofit, community initiative, brand development, outreach, or other mission-driven organization preferred.
  • 7. Ability to understand, respect, and professionally represent the Foundation’s Christian mission and faith-based charitable priorities.
  • 8. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build trusted relationships with nonprofit and community leaders.
  • 9. Highly organized, proactive, accountable, and comfortable working independently while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • 10. Based in the San Diego region and available for regular in-person meetings, nonprofit site visits, and select community events.
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