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Foundation Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Administrative Management: Supervises day-to-day operations of the Foundation and Trust, supervises the administrative assistant.* External and Community Relations: Assures the Foundation and its ...

Foundation Platform Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K/yr

Job Summary Manage the day-to-day administration of the firm's experience management system, Litera Foundation, including overseeing end-user training, onboarding, user adoption programs, and ...

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Foundation Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$28.4K

$84.2K

$141.8K

How much do foundation manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for foundation manager in Chicago, IL is $84,205.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $120,100.00 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Foundation jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Foundation Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Foundation Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Foundation Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,205 per year, or $40.5 per hour.

Manager, Foundation

Schaumburg, IL • On-site

Emergency Nurses Association
Non-Profits • 51 - 200 employees

$85K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

MISSION

Join us in shaping the future of emergency nursing! We are dedicated to our mission of advancing excellence and innovation through research, education, resources, advocacy, and collaboration. Our vision is a world where every emergency nurse is empowered and supported to deliver the highest quality patient care. If you're passionate about making a difference, growing professionally, and being part of a dynamic, supportive team, we invite you to join us in this exciting journey of care and progress.

HYBRID SCHEDULE

ENA offers a flexible hybrid work schedule that allows employees the opportunity to work from the office two days a week and at home three days a week. We are headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois.

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Foundation Manager contributes to the success of ENA by providing support and management of ENA Foundation fundraising, stewardship and annual giving programs. The role will also manage operations in relation to the Foundation’s application, evaluation, and awarding of scholarships. The Foundation Manager will work closely with the Foundation Director, Foundation Board of Trustees, Foundation committees and ENA Staff to execute the day to day operations of the Foundation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. With strategic oversight from the Foundation Director, manages and evaluates all outreach programs and fundraising activities.
  2. Manages all Foundation stewardship activities which includes donor recognition, and individual donor societies. 
  3. In partnership with the Foundation Director, identifies and pursues corporate and agency support for grant and sponsorship related events and/or programming. 
  4. Develops and facilitates ENA events (annual meeting, V5k) and other opportunities as they arise. Assists Foundation Director with annual stewardship event during ENweek and support for annual ENA conference.
  5. Develops the scholarship and grant life cycle. Includes administering 6 major and 6 minor grant and scholarship programs and overseeing the application and disbursement process of scholarship and research funds. 
  6. Manages regular tracking of prospect and donor activity in the CRM which leads to successful engagement and cultivation.
  7. Manages and implements annual giving campaigns for the purpose of increasing donor participation and revenue, while strengthening donor relationships. 
  8. Assists with trustee participation on volunteer committees and presence at events for sponsorship and donor fundraising. 
  9. Evaluates data-driven strategies for solicitation and retention of current ENA Foundation donors, acquisition of new Foundation donors, and annually increasing Foundation revenue and donor participation. 
  10. Contributes to the workplace culture that is consistent with the association’s culture statement and emphasizes the mission, vision, and values of the organization. 
  11. Displays a high level of accountability, taking responsibility for individual actions and the impact on the organization. Views oneself as a reflection of the organization by following through on commitments and accepting ownership.
  12. Performs additional related duties as required or assigned.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Minimum of 5 years experience working in a foundation, or in fundraising, annual giving or development
  • Previous experience with Donor Perfect or CRM
  • Previous experience with managing grant and scholarship programs 

Desired:

  • Association Experience
  • Experience in developing an annual fundraising plan
  • Major Gifts experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

  • Commitment to the mission, values and work of ENA Foundation
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Knowledge of fundraising concepts, principles, and practices with an emphasis on donor support
  • Ability to maintain discretion with confidential information
  • Detail-oriented, with strong organizational, analytical, and planning skills 
  • Computer proficiency in Microsoft Suite of Products 
  • Demonstrated superior interpersonal skills

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This position is a salaried/exempt position. The targeted salary range is $85k - $105k annually. Compensation is determined based on a range of factors, including experience, education, certifications or specialized training, skill level and operational needs.

ENA offers a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package that pairs compensation and benefits with meaningful work in a collaborative, engaging, and flexible work environment. Total rewards include a competitive salary, generous paid time off, quality health insurance at reasonable cost, professional development opportunities, and flexible hybrid work arrangements. Additional benefits include dental/vision insurance, employer paid life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts and 401(k) with immediate 100% vesting.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

Nature of work requires an ability to operate standard business office equipment. Requires ability to communicate verbally and in writing in an exchange of information; collect, compile and prepare work documents; set-up and maintain work files. The use of the computer, with repetitive motion, is approximately 80%. 

WORKING CONDITIONS 

Majority of work is performed in a general office environment. Occasional travel may be required.