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Foundation Relations Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Partner Relations Manager

Salinas, CA · On-site

$83K - $85K/yr

With a strong foundation and a clear vision for the future, EDMO continues to make a positive ... The Partner Relations Manager is integral to our equity-centered, mission-aligned, co-design ...

Partner Relations Manager

Salinas, CA · On-site

$83K - $85K/yr

With a strong foundation and a clear vision for the future, EDMO continues to make a positive ... The Partner Relations Manager is integral to our equity-centered, mission-aligned, co-design ...

Partner Relations Manager

Salinas, CA · On-site

$83K - $85K/yr

With a strong foundation and a clear vision for the future, EDMO continues to make a positive ... The Partner Relations Manager is integral to our equity-centered, mission-aligned, co-design ...

... positive foundation for school, social, and life success. Our dedicated and passionate employees ... Provide strategic guidance to managers and leadership on employee relations issues, including ...

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Foundation Relations Manager information

See California salary details

$56.7K

$65.9K

$84.9K

How much do foundation relations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for foundation relations manager in California is $65,854.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,200.00 and $69,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a foundation relations manager?

Foundation Relations Managers are professionals responsible for building and maintaining relationships between nonprofit organizations and charitable foundations. Their primary role is to secure funding and grants by identifying prospective foundation partners, preparing proposals, and ensuring compliance with grant requirements. They also manage reporting, steward existing relationships, and strategize on long-term partnership development to support the organization's mission and programs.

How does a foundation relations manager typically collaborate with program staff to develop successful grant proposals?

A Foundation Relations Manager works closely with program staff to gain a deep understanding of organizational initiatives and funding needs. Together, they identify alignment between the foundation's priorities and the organization's projects, gather relevant data, and craft compelling narratives for proposals. This collaboration ensures that proposals are both accurate and tailored to the interests of each foundation, increasing the likelihood of securing funding. Regular meetings, joint planning sessions, and open communication are key elements of this partnership.

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

To thrive as a Foundation Relations Manager, you need expertise in fundraising, grant writing, and relationship management, usually supported by a bachelor’s degree in communications, nonprofit management, or a related field. Familiarity with donor management databases, grant tracking systems, and CRM software is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, strategic thinking, and persuasive writing skills help build lasting partnerships and secure funding. These competencies are critical for identifying funding opportunities, maintaining positive foundation relationships, and achieving organizational fundraising goals.

What is the difference between Foundation Relations Manager vs Grant Writer?

AspectFoundation Relations ManagerGrant Writer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree; experience in fundraising or developmentBachelor's degree; strong writing skills; experience in grant writing
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations; development teamsNonprofits, educational institutions, or research organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in fundraising departments to manage foundation relationshipsUsed to craft grant proposals and applications

The Foundation Relations Manager focuses on building and maintaining relationships with foundations to secure funding, overseeing strategy and communication. In contrast, the Grant Writer primarily concentrates on preparing compelling grant proposals to obtain funding. While both roles require strong writing skills and knowledge of the nonprofit sector, the Foundation Relations Manager has a broader role in relationship management, whereas the Grant Writer specializes in proposal development.

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

The most popular types of Foundation Relations jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Foundation Relations Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Foundation Relations Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Foundation Relations 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 $65,854 per year, or $31.7 per hour.

Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

California State University

Los Angeles, CA

$5.0K - $11K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


California State University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

209th of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

Apply now Job no: 558881
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: Los Angeles
Categories: MPP, Administrative, At-Will, Full Time

Job No: 558881; 06/02/2026
DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION RELATIONS
California State University, Los Angeles, invites applications for the above Administrator II position.

The University: California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) is one of 22 campuses within the California State University system.  The University is the premier comprehensive public university in the heart of Los Angeles. We offer nationally recognized programs, and our faculty have a strong commitment to scholarship, research, creative pursuits, and service.
As a federally recognized Hispanic-serving (HSI) and Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-serving institution (AANAPISI), Cal State LA recognizes the transformative power of education and embraces its duty to identify and serve the needs of all its students. The University is committed to creating a community in which a diverse population of students, faculty, and staff can thrive.

The Position: Reporting to the Associate Vice President (AVP) for University Development, the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations will work directly with all colleges and/or programs to generate an increasing range of resources to benefit the University. The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations will serve as the primary fundraiser engaged in donor identification, prospecting, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and communication for contributions from corporate and/or foundation investors with a focus on gifts of $25,000 or more for grants and/or sponsorships. The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations will accomplish this by maintaining an assigned portfolio of 125 prospects or more. The incumbent will be committed to the vision and mission of the University and demonstrate a commitment to collaboration, communication, accountability, and transparency with the goal of fostering a culture of philanthropy.

Required Qualifications & Experience: Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university. Five years of experience in front-line fundraising and working with corporations and foundations including c-level executives, with a proven history of success with grants management. Successful candidate should have a working knowledge of computer systems such as Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Access) and fundraising software, such as Raisers Edge. Knowledgeable in securing grants and sponsorships. The candidate should possess integrity, work ethic, and respect for confidentiality. Incumbent must have strong interpersonal, strategic thinking, communication and writing skills and the ability to interact with all levels of the organization. Incumbent must demonstrate an interest or ability in working in a multicultural/multiethnic environment. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who may apply for the position.
California State University, Los Angeles, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Desired Qualifications: Master's degree from an accredited college or university. Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) or other relevant certificates. Experience with fundraising during a comprehensive campaign.

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Salary range is $5,053 - $16,221/monthly. Budgeted Hiring Salary range is $5,053 - $11,250/monthly. A comprehensive benefits package is provided.

Appointment: The Administrator II appointment will be made under the guidelines for management and supervisory employees of the California State University.  All rights and benefits associated with this appointment are governed by the Management Personnel Plan.
This position is a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. The successful candidate accepting this position is required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.

Closing Date: Review of applications will begin on June 16, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled; however, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications are received. A completed online Cal State LA employment application is required. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 revised July 21, 2017, as a condition of employment.
In addition to meeting fully its obligations under federal and state law, California State University, Los Angeles is committed to creating a community in which a diverse population can live and work in an atmosphere of tolerance, civility and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual. To that end, all qualified individuals will receive equal consideration without regard to economic status, race, ethnicity, color, religion, disability, national origin or cultural background, political views, sex or sexual orientation, gender, or other personal characteristics or beliefs.
Candidates must demonstrate ability and/or interest in working in a multicultural/multiethnic environment. Certain positions require fingerprinting. The University actively encourages qualified minorities, women and persons with a disability to apply.  Upon request, reasonable accommodation will be provided to individuals with protected disabilities to (a) complete the employment process and (b) perform essential job functions when this does not cause an undue hardship. We are an Equal Opportunity/Title IX Employer.
To obtain employment information for the impaired call:
TDD Line (323) 343-3670
24-hour Dial-A-Job Line (323) 343-3678

Advertised: Jun 02 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

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About California State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Long Beach, CA, US