Partnership Associate Jobs in Laurel, MD (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Grants and Partnerships Associate

Employment Type: Full-Time

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

Location: Remote first; office based in Washington, D.C.

FLSA Status: Exempt

In collaboration with the Chief Development Officer and other team members, the Grants and Partnerships Associate plays a crucial role in fostering relationships with our membership of nearly 600 colleges and universities nationwide, foundation and corporate partners, and community organizations to build our resources and secure necessary financial support for the organization’s programs.

The Grants and Partnerships Associate should be a strong writer and detail-oriented, organized moves manager who can manage the funding cycle for grants and major partners – from researching opportunities to preparing grant proposals and reports; tracking moves management on membership campaigns and funding opportunities and incorporating team members where needed; managing ongoing relations with members and potential and existing partners; and assisting with promotion or publicizing membership and partnership updates and outcomes.

The Associate additionally serves as staff support for in-person and virtual events that involve members and funders, and supports work with the Steering Committee and Board. Overall, the Associate works to advance projects, funding, and membership engagement that support the organization’s mission and goals and helps ensure the fiscal sustainability of the organization.

Oversees the full grant and donor lifecycle, internal coordination, and continuous process improvement.

• Identify and evaluate new funding opportunities aligned with organizational goals. Research funders’ giving history, strategies, and application requirements. Identify and facilitate entry points and coordinate initial conversations and meetings to discuss funding fit. Maintain an updated prospect pipeline to meet fundraising targets.

• Draft LOIs, logic models, concept notes, proposals, and budgets for new and existing funders. Collaborate with programs and leadership and conduct relevant research to create compelling narratives. Ensure timely submissions that adhere to funder guidelines and internal deadlines.

• Maintain tracking systems such as LGL, Asana, and spreadsheets with relevant documentation and updates, and coordinate reminders and meetings on appropriate calendars. Closely track and clearly communicate grant deliverables and deadlines to program staff. Send acknowledgments for grant payments and record important interactions with funders. Assist with budgeting during the funding cycle as needed.

• Prepare clear narrative and financial reports with input from program and finance teams. Monitor deadlines and reporting to ensure timely submissions.

• Proactively communicate with funders about renewal timelines and other grant agreement deliverables. Prepare updates and impact reports, and assist with high-level discussions. Foster relationships and nurture long-term funding partnerships.

• Create SOPs and templates related to grants to improve efficiency. Maintain a library of boilerplate content for proposals. Provide training for staff on grants processes and support system adoption.

Oversees membership processes and internal coordination with membership operations, and strategizes best approaches for continued engagement.

• Develop and lead membership campaigns.
• Coordinate mailings, reminders, and contact record updates.
• Maintain up-to-date member records and contact information.
• Respond to inquiries and support membership engagement efforts.
• Engage with membership meetings as relevant.

Contributes to strategic initiatives including events, outreach, and donor engagement.

• Assist with logistics for meetings, sessions, and awards dinners for membership and major donor events.
• Identify potential sponsors and prepare event materials (e.g., Face Book, seating chart, scripts).
• Support day‑of prep (e.g., badges, folders, slide decks).

• Coordinate scheduling of meetings in collaboration with leadership.
• Send invitations, reminders, and follow‑up communications.
• Draft agendas, compile materials, and build slide decks.
• Maintain and archive accurate meeting records and minutes.
• Assist with editing of executive reports.

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in English, Communications, Journalism, Nonprofit Management, or another related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a grants, development, or advancement office. Grantwriting experience preferred.
• Background or academic/professional interest in immigration and/or higher education is strongly encouraged.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills for various platforms and audiences.
• Demonstrated experience creating content on social media platforms.
• Strong intercultural communication competencies and a proactive, team-oriented mindset.
• Attention to detail in design and grammar.
• Solid project management skills, including multitasking, time management, and prioritization.
• Proven ability to develop and execute organizational communication strategies.
• Analytical and critical thinking capabilities.
• Technical Proficiency: Experience with or aptitude to learn project management tools like Asana; database systems like Little Green Light; Google Suite or Microsoft Office; email tools like Constant Contact; and design software like Adobe or Canva preferred.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regularly required to sit for extended periods of time; frequent hearing and talking required.
• Extensive keyboarding. May be required to lift up to 30 lbs.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Standard office environment.

Note: Presidents’ Alliance retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of this position at any time.

The above statements describe the general nature of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties. Employees may be assigned additional responsibilities as needed.