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Foundation Manager Jobs in Sun Prairie, WI (NOW HIRING)

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Foundation Manager information

See Sun Prairie, WI salary details

$26.8K

$79.5K

$133.8K

How much do foundation manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for foundation manager in Sun Prairie, WI is $79,466.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,600.00 and $113,300.00 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 Sun Prairie, WI? The most popular types of Foundation jobs in Sun Prairie, WI are:
What cities near Sun Prairie, WI are hiring for Foundation Manager jobs? Cities near Sun Prairie, WI with the most Foundation Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Foundation Manager job openings in Sun Prairie, WI 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 $79,466 per year, or $38.2 per hour.

Program Manager, Alumni Communities

Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association

Madison, WI • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Overview
The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA), the private fundraising and alumni relations organization for UW-Madison, seeks a dynamic Program Manager for Alumni Communities. This position manages WFAA's international alumni chapter network, providing oversight, volunteer engagement and facilitating administrative support. The Program Manager leads processes, resources, training, and communications that enable a strong, sustainable volunteer-led program; builds and maintains positive relationships with international alumni leaders; establishes best practices for engagement; and ensures alignment with WFAA and university priorities.
Under the leadership of the Senior Managing director, the Program Manager collaborates with campus partners in advancing UW-Madison's international engagement and advancement goals may include serving as project manager for divisionally sponsored events and activities. This position requires international travel and the ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as business needs dictate. This position is a hybrid role and will require you to work in the office at least two days weekly.
Who is WFAA?
The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association is a private, nonprofit corporation that encourages individuals and organizations to make gifts to the university and to connect with the UW. In 2014, the UW Foundation merged with the Wisconsin Alumni Association® to better serve a growing population of UW alumni and donors. We believe that private support grows out of good relationships between campus leaders, faculty and program staff who need support, and the alumni and friends who want to invest in UW-Madison. We provide important engagement opportunities to link UW-Madison alumni to each other and to their alma mater, building a strong community of Badgers.
Diversity and Inclusion:
Just as the university community benefits from differing viewpoints, perspectives, and experiences, inclusion and diversity are imperative for the success of our mission. WFAA values people and the differences that they bring to the organization, and creates an environment in which all staff members and constituents feel respected and have opportunities to thrive.
Essential Functions
Program Management
  • Lead and manage processes, resources, and infrastructure that support a sustainable, volunteer-led international alumni chapter network.
  • Lead the planning, development, and implementation of volunteer training programs and communications.
  • Collaborate with colleagues across functional areas to develop and execute annual plans that engage alumni and donors through high-quality, mission-aligned activities.
  • Develop and manage relationships with faculty, staff speakers, and other program content providers.
  • Communicate regularly with internal and external stakeholders regarding program goals, progress, and outcomes.
  • Apply engagement metrics and data insights to strategic planning and continuous improvement.
  • Implement organizational efforts to plan and execute divisionally sponsored and high-level international events, meetings, and activities.
  • Participate in on-site support during programs and events, including coordination with local partners on travel logistics, transportation, and day-of execution.
  • Conduct secondary research on constituents, companies, and industry sectors to develop briefing materials and strategic planning.

Constituent Relations
  • Manage a portfolio of international alumni chapters and volunteers by cultivating relationships and deepening engagement.
  • Develop customized communication and volunteer engagement strategies tailored to the needs and goals of individual alumni communities.
  • Ensure exceptional customer experience for internal and external constituents.
  • Communicate proactively and consistently with alumni, volunteers, and internal stakeholders.
  • Intentionally solicit feedback from alumni to inform the design and improvement of programs, resources, training, and communications.
  • Strengthen relationships with alumni and donors by participating in organization- and chapter-sponsored activities.
  • Proactively inform leadership of emerging issues and opportunities, along with recommended solutions.
  • Guide the work of a project coordinator supporting alumni communities.

Administration
  • Manage and oversee program evaluation, assessment, and data collection.
  • Demonstrate understanding of and effectively utilize organizational administrative policies, processes, and technology tools.
  • Manage programs, program budgets and project plans to ensure deadlines are met and resources are used effectively.
  • Maintain documentation related to program concept, design, and development.
  • Initiate, manage, and report on alumni engagement outcomes and metrics.
  • Actively identify opportunities for process improvement and implement enhancements when appropriate.
  • Support a service-oriented culture in alignment with WFAA's mission, values, and philosophy.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
  • 3+ years' full-time professional experience with program planning, event implementation, customer service and/or relationship/volunteer management.
  • Experience in international relations, cultural awareness or global engagement.
  • Ability to collect, analyze, and present data to inform programmatic and strategic decisions.
  • Excellent oral and written skills; at ease when speaking and presenting ideas in a group setting. Willingness to share knowledge and initiate knowledge transfer.
  • Ability to work independently, take initiative, demonstrated engagement in projects and meet deadlines.
  • Deliver and receive feedback objectively for the good of the team and the project.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities.

Other Qualifications:
  • Experience in higher education advancement and working with volunteers and donors is preferred.
  • Experience using constituent databases and presentation software.
  • High degree of proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook).
  • Acumen to learn and utilize software, databases and other technology resources and tools.

At WFAA, we are dedicated to creating an inspiring, creative, and respectful work environment for our employees. We offer competitive pay and an outstanding benefits program, including a generous 10% 401k contribution after just one year of service! Join us and be part of a team that values your growth and well-being. Click here to learn more about our employee benefits!
The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer *The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (advanceuw.org) is the "doing business as" name of the merged organization comprising the University of Wisconsin Foundation (supportuw.org) and the Wisconsin Alumni Association (uwalumni.com). Its legal corporate name is registered as the University of Wisconsin Foundation.