General Information
JOB TITLE: Manager of Foundation & Corporate Relations
FTE: 1.0
Job Code: S00213 - Coord-Manager (C)

Job Description

Founded in 1647, Boston Public Schools (BPS) is the oldest public school district in the country. With approximately 57,000 students from more than 114 different countries, nearly 9,000 employees (including 4,800 teachers) and an annual budget of $1 Billion, BPS is the largest school district in Massachusetts and one of the most diverse as well.

REPORTS TO: Managing Director & Senior Advisor of External Affairs

As a member of the Office of External Affairs (OEA), the Manager of Foundation & Corporate Relations is primarily responsible for researching and developing a portfolio of current and new funding prospects that align with the major funding areas that will drive operations in the Office of External Affairs as determined by the OEA priorities, which align to the Superintendent's vision. This position is also responsible for sharing funding opportunities with appropriate BPS stakeholders and for helping develop the capacity of district departments to independently research funding, write proposals, and manage foundation relations.

Responsibilities:

Provide Technical Assistance to Departments / Develop district level capacities:

• Create workshops on foundation research, proposal writing, and grants reporting and management to present to different departments and program areas in order to develop skills and capacities.

• Develop a cohort of 3-5 contract grant writers with different strengths and availabilities to assist in writing grants as necessary.

• Hold weekly office hours to strengthen grant applications, meet with individuals to provide support in grant prospecting, writing, and review.Schedule workshops two to three times a year, each 2-3 hours in length, during which a number of experienced grantwriters review written materials to help departments improve boilerplate materials and develop grant writing skills.

• Share best practices and insights with grants coordinator at BEDF.

Grant Research & Writing:

• Opportunities related to OEA funding priority areas

• Research, identify, and solicit grant proposal opportunities related to priority areas and relevant BPS programs.

• Write concept papers, letters of inquiry, and proposals for these opportunities.

• Project manage grant proposals, ensuring timely completion and submission of grant applications.

• Oversee the generation of acknowledgment letters for grants received.

• Assist as appropriate in developing methods and metrics for identifying and evaluating program outcomes.

• Coordinate the submission of grant reports to ensure compliance and effective impact measurement.

• Other grant opportunities:

• Push out specific grant opportunities to Executive Cabinet members, Department Heads, Instructional Superintendents, BEDF, and other BPS stakeholders that align with their programs and needs. Push out other, generalized opportunities through quarterly funding brief and BEDF as appropriate. Both kinds of opportunities may come from listserves, Intergovernmental Funding Updates, and other research.

Foundation Relations Management - oversee the execution of following:

• Prepare materials for and about funders for Managing Director & Senior Advisor of External Affairs, district leadership, and other key stakeholders.

• Create fundraising briefs on specific BPS programs for Managing Director & Senior Advisor of External Affairs.

• Collaborate with OEA and district leadership to highlight successful grants and effective partnerships.

• Maintain an accurate grants calendar, scheduling and tracking all grant activities and deadlines.

• Review submissions to district "Intent to Apply" as part of grants process.

Database Management - oversee the execution of following:

• Manage and maintain fundraising and donor management database with all information relevant to foundations and corporate giving programs.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree required, Master's preferred
• 3-5 years of related advancement experience
• Experience with educational institutions, particularly large urban school districts
• Demonstrated belief in the power of philanthropy and the ability to speak persuasively about it
• Demonstrated achievement in the areas of solicitation of annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, and alumni relations
• Initiative and ability to set priorities, self-motivated and able to operate successfully with a minimum of supervision
• Track record of thinking conceptually and mastering complex subject matter quickly
• Good judgment, discretion, tact and the ability to work easily with senior leaders within the charitable, government, and business sectors
• Ability to partner well with colleagues both in and outside of the organization
• Ability to work independently and to undertake supervisory responsibilities
• Ability to cultivate and sustain positive relationships with key stakeholders
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Publishing software, database management, Salesforce, and digital platforms
• Ability to leverage, configure, and manage digital platforms for campaigns

TERMS: Managerial Tier C; This position is subject to the City of Boston residency requirement.

Please refer to www.bostonpublicschools.org/ohc (under "Employee Benefits and Policies") for more information on salary and compensation. Salaries are listed by Unions and Grade/Step.
The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record (inquiries only), disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.