DonorsChoose - Senior Foundation Partnerships Manager

• Build and Grow Strategic Foundation Partnerships • Own a portfolio of institutional and individual philanthropic relationships, developing long-term strategies that deepen engagement and increase investment over time. • Build trusted relationships with program officers, foundation executives, trustees, individual donors, and other key decision makers. • Consistently identify opportunities for renewals, increased investments, multi-year commitments, and expanded partnership scope. • Contribute meaningfully toward annual fundraising goals by managing renewals and increased investments from a portfolio of sophisticated foundation and individual partners. • Develop Strategic Funding Opportunities • Design compelling funding strategies that align funders’ philanthropic priorities with DonorsChoose's mission, programs, and long-term organizational goals while creating opportunities for deeper, longer-term partnerships. • Develop persuasive grant proposals, concept papers, reports, and presentations tailored to foundations’ and individuals’ interests. • Translate DonorsChoose's data, classroom insights, and impact into compelling cases for investment that connect to sector trends and philanthropic priorities. • Stay current on philanthropic trends, emerging funding priorities, and evolving giving strategies to strengthen DonorsChoose's fundraising approach • Lead Complex Cross-Functional Execution • Serve as the primary relationship owner across complex foundation and individual partnerships from cultivation through stewardship and renewal. • Partner closely with Marketing, Impact & Insights, Revenue Operations, Finance, and other internal teams to develop proposals, execute grant-funded initiatives, and deliver exceptional funder experiences. • Anticipate challenges, coordinate stakeholders, and maintain momentum across multiple concurrent grant cycles and partnership commitments. • Ensure outstanding execution across every stage of the partnership lifecycle. • Strengthen Team Capability • Mentor teammates on strategy, proposal development, and relationship cultivation. • Identify opportunities to improve fundraising operations, proposal development processes, and portfolio management practices. • Bring an external perspective on philanthropy trends, helping the team continuously strengthen DonorsChoose's approach to institutional fundraising • Have 8+ years of experience in foundation fundraising, institutional giving, philanthropy, business development, strategic partnerships, or consultative relationship management. • Have successfully secured and managed complex six- and seven-figure partnerships. • Are exceptional at building trusted relationships with foundation leaders and individuals and navigating sophisticated philanthropic organizations. • Think strategically—you naturally connect organizational priorities with funder interests and identify opportunities for long-term partnership growth. • Are an outstanding writer and communicator, able to translate complex ideas into compelling, fundable proposals. • Balance long cultivation cycles with disciplined execution and thoughtful relationship management. • Are a master of prioritization, who thrives on turning ambiguity into execution. You know how to scope a project, balance urgency with thoughtful prioritization across multiple high-value relationships, and keep cross-functional teams moving in the same direction. • Enjoy collaborating across functions and are known as someone who makes teams stronger. • Care deeply about educational equity and believe philanthropy can be a powerful driver of systemic change. • Level Expectations • Level Expectations • Senior Corporate Partnerships Managers independently own the organization's most sophisticated partnership portfolios and consistently deliver against ambitious fundraising goals. They shape partnership strategy, influence how the team approaches relationship management, and serve as mentors and thought partners to colleagues. While they do not directly manage people, they regularly influence cross-functional decisions, improve team practices, and help raise the overall quality of partnership work across the organization. • Travel Expectations • Travel Expectations • Candidates should expect to travel approximately 8-10 times per year, based on business need. Travel based on business needs includes, but is not limited to, internal events such as all staff gatherings, as well as external events such as partner meetings, conferences, and other events as necessary. All work-related travel expenses will be covered by the organization.