Grants Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Grants Manager is a key member of the Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF) Development team, responsible for managing a portfolio of foundation, corporate, and government grants that support PEF and the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD).

The Grants Manager oversees the full grant lifecycle, from prospect research and proposal development through award management, reporting, and renewal, while building PEF's pipeline of grant support. Combining strong writing and research with project management, relationship building, and collaboration, this position connects funding opportunities with PEF and PUSD programs and priorities.

Working closely with the Senior Director of Development, the Grants Manager contributes to PEF's broader fundraising strategy and annual goal of raising approximately $5 million to expand educational opportunities for Pasadena Unified students.

Key Role Responsibilities

Grant Research & Prospect Development

• Research and identify foundation, corporate, government, and other grant opportunities aligned with PEF and PUSD priorities.
• Manage a pipeline of prospective, current, and renewable funders.
• Evaluate funding opportunities for alignment with organizational and funder priorities and make recommendations to the Senior Director of Development.
• Maintain a comprehensive grants calendar tracking applications, awards, reports, renewals, and key deadlines.
• Develop a strong understanding of PEF and PUSD programs, priorities, outcomes, and emerging needs while staying informed about trends and opportunities in education philanthropy and public funding.

Proposal Development & Grant Writing

• Develop persuasive letters of inquiry, concept papers, proposals, and applications that translate PEF and PUSD programs, needs, data, and outcomes into compelling narratives tailored to funder priorities.
• Collaborate with PEF and PUSD program and finance staff to gather information, data, budgets, and supporting documentation, ensuring accuracy and alignment across proposal materials.
• Manage proposal timelines and ensure complete, accurate, and timely submissions.

Grant Management, Compliance & Reporting

• Manage awarded grants from notification through closeout, coordinating with program and finance staff to monitor expenditures, deliverables, reporting requirements, and compliance with grant agreements.
• Prepare and submit timely interim and final reports that effectively communicate progress, outcomes, challenges, and impact.
• Maintain accurate grant records, including proposals, awards, reports, correspondence, and funder activity in PEF's donor database and grant tracking systems.
• Track renewals and identify opportunities to maintain or increase grant support.

Funder Relations & Stewardship

• Build and maintain relationships with foundation, corporate, government, and community funding partners, serving as a primary point of contact for grant-related communication.
• Coordinate funder meetings, site visits, presentations, and other engagement opportunities with the Senior Director of Development, Executive Director, and appropriate PEF and PUSD staff.
• Support cultivation and stewardship by researching funder interests, preparing leadership briefings, and communicating the impact of funder support.

Development Strategy & Collaboration

• Partner with the Senior Director of Development to implement PEF's grant strategy and identify opportunities to grow and diversify grant revenue.
• Provide insight on the grant pipeline, prospective opportunities, renewals, and funding trends to inform Development planning and fundraising priorities.
• Build strong working relationships across PEF and PUSD and contribute to broader Development initiatives and fundraising activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of five years of professional experience in grant writing, fundraising, nonprofit development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success developing foundation, corporate, and/or government grant proposals.
• Excellent writing, editing, research, and storytelling skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, persuasive narratives.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to independently manage multiple priorities and deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with colleagues, PUSD partners, community stakeholders, funders, and organizational leadership.
• Ability to interpret program information, data, budgets, outcomes, and funding guidelines.
• Proficiency with donor or grant management databases/CRM systems, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace.
• Demonstrated commitment to public education and expanding opportunities for students.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• This position is primarily office-based and requires regular use of computers and standard office equipment.
• Ability to process and communicate complex verbal and written information and perform computer-based work for extended periods.
• Occasional local travel may be required for funder meetings, site visits, community engagement, and fundraising activities.
• Some evening or weekend work may be required for grant deadlines, meetings, or special events.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt position offering a competitive salary with health benefits, employer contributions to a retirement plan (after first year of employment), and a generous paid vacation/holiday/sick leave package.