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Foundation Relations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Point Loma Nazarene University

$90K - $110K/yr

Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholder relationships simultaneously ... Minimum of 5-7 years of professional experience in corporate and foundation relations, fundraising ...

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$57.5K

$66.7K

$86K

How much do foundation relations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for foundation relations manager in the United States is $66,728.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,000.00 and $70,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Foundation Relations Managers?

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.

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.

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 cities are hiring for Foundation Relations Manager jobs? Cities with the most Foundation Relations Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Foundation Relations jobs? The most popular types of Foundation Relations jobs are:
What states have the most Foundation Relations Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Foundation Relations Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Foundation Relations Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Foundation Relations Manager jobs are:
Foundation Relations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Foundation Relations Manager job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,728 per year, or $32.1 per hour.
Foundation Relations Officer

Foundation Relations Officer

Auburn University

Auburn University, AL • On-site

$61K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Auburn University rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

475th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Overview
Auburn Advancement is seeking a Foundation Relations Officer to help connect faculty and university initiatives with foundation funding opportunities! If you enjoy building partnerships, coordinating proposals, researching funding prospects, and supporting meaningful projects from concept to funding, this could be an outstanding next step in your career.
What You'll Do:
  • Connect Faculty and Funding Opportunities
    Partner with faculty, researchers, and university leadership to identify foundation funding opportunities that align with Auburn's strategic priorities, research initiatives, and academic programs.
  • Lead Foundation Proposal Development
    Coordinate the development of competitive funding proposals by working closely with faculty, administrators, and external foundation partners. Guide projects from opportunity identification through submission and stewardship.
  • Manage Foundation Partnerships and Reporting
    Serve as a key liaison between Auburn and foundation partners, ensuring timely communication, proposal submissions, grant reporting, and stewardship activities that strengthen long-term relationships.
  • Conduct Strategic Research and Prospect Identification
    Research foundation prospects, analyze giving priorities, and identify opportunities that support Auburn's research, academic, and institutional goals.
  • Collaborate Across Campus
    Work closely with faculty, sponsored programs, research administration, and advancement colleagues to coordinate funding strategies and maximize philanthropic support for university priorities.

Why You'll Love It Here:
  • Meaningful Impact: Your work will directly support Auburn University's mission and help create opportunities that positively impact students, faculty, research, and programs across campus.
  • Collaborative Culture: Join a team that values partnership, innovation, and shared success while working alongside passionate professionals dedicated to advancing Auburn.
  • Purpose-Driven Work: Experience a role where relationship-building and strategic thinking come together to create meaningful philanthropic impact.
  • Culture by Design: Thrive in an environment that champions professional growth, accountability, collaboration, and respect.

Now is the perfect time to join Auburn Advancement, a dynamic team encompassing Operations and Strategy, Culture and Talent, Engagement, Philanthropy, and Communications. Under the visionary leadership of Senior Vice President Rob Wellbaum, Auburn Advancement continues to build momentum and shape the future of philanthropy at Auburn University.
The nature of this role is highly relationship-focused and externally engaged, requiring meetings on and off campus during regular and non-traditional business hours. This position is expected to operate with a high level of professionalism, initiative, and autonomy.
Responsibilities
  • Identifies potential prospects for cultivations through research, initial contact ratings, peer reviews and other relevant resources.
  • Solicits gifts and/or club memberships through person-to-person visits, group presentations, and/or phone contacts.
  • Provides stewardship to include acknowledging and showing gratitude for donating/joining clubs either by letter, phone call, and/or participating in/attending events and function for donors.
  • Updates and informs supervisors and other staff of goal status, new plans and project proposals, and ensures that a cooperative team effort is made to meet goals and objectives.
  • Prepares budget with input provided by Director, reviews and approves financial records, vouchers and acquisitions.
  • Develops reports, records, and programs and analyzes information necessary to plan and complete projects and assignments.
  • May develop campaigns and/or presentation proposals related to funding priorities in order to keep top prospects informed, interested, involved and to meet development goals and objectives.
  • The nature of this role is highly externally focused, requiring frequent travel and meetings on and off campus during regular and non-traditional business hours, and is therefore expected to operate with high-levels of autonomy.
  • May produce or assists in producing marketing materials to support development efforts.

Qualifications
Level I
  • Bachelor's degree plus 2 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, sales, and/or public relations

Level II
  • Bachelor's degree plus 4 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, sales, and/or public relations

Licenses & Certifications:
  • Driver License

Contract Type
Continuing
Why Work at Auburn?
  • Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
  • Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
  • We're Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
  • Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
  • A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
  • Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement
It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.
Posted Date
6/4/2026

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