Institutional Relations Manager
Summary
The Institutional Relations Manager (Manager) is responsible for planning and executing strategies
and tactics to secure financial support from foundation, corporate, business, organizational and
government donors. The Manager is a core part of a development team and coordinates closely with
staff to translate program goals and objectives into revenue-driving concepts. The Manager assists
the Vice President of Development with overall development planning and accountability, informing
fundraising goals, and creating cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies to grow revenue in
support of the organization’s mission.
The Manager reports to the Vice President of Development.
The Alliance for the Great Lakes sets a protection agenda for the Great Lakes, a resource of global significance and the world’s largest source of surface freshwater. The Alliance seeks to protect the Great Lakes from their greatest threats, build a resilient future for communities and instill the value of clean water throughout the region. The Alliance is a four-star Charity Navigator organization. Learn more about the Alliance at www.greatlakes.org.
Responsibilities
The Manager reports to the Vice President of Development.
The Alliance for the Great Lakes sets a protection agenda for the Great Lakes, a resource of global significance and the world’s largest source of surface freshwater. The Alliance seeks to protect the Great Lakes from their greatest threats, build a resilient future for communities and instill the value of clean water throughout the region. The Alliance is a four-star Charity Navigator organization. Learn more about the Alliance at www.greatlakes.org.
Responsibilities
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With the Development Team, establishes annual fundraising goals for institutional revenue,
based on organizational plans and fundraising landscape, and assesses performance toward
those goals on a regular basis.
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Delivers short- and long-term fundraising results from a pool of institutional donors, typically
between the $25,000 - $500,000 level, to help meet and exceed revenue targets.
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Develops, writes and submits timely proposals, budgets and reports with full cooperation of
program staff.
Maintains accurate institutional fundraising calendar and roster, and institutional donor information in fundraising database and organizational records.
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Builds and maintains strong collaborative relationships with program staff and develops a
strong working knowledge of all Alliance objectives and program work plans.
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Oversees complete moves management process (identification, research/qualification,
cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship) of institutional prospects, both independently and in
partnership with other staff, board and ambassadors that fosters long-term engagement and
supports program strategies.
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Serves as primary contact for institutional donors and prospects as appropriate, and supports
program and leadership staff serving in that capacity.
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Leads the development, implementation, and maintenance of a corporate partners giving
program.
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Helps create a culture of development responsibility across all relevant Alliance staff.
Knowledge/Skills
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Bachelor’s degree is required, advanced degree is a plus.
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5-7 years of experience as a fundraiser with demonstrated success at securing six-figure
multiyear commitments.
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The highest caliber communication skills are essential – this position must be able to
comprehend a diverse set of program information and convert it to compelling language that
will drive revenue.
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Team player who can also be entrepreneurial and independent.
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Exceptional ability to manage positive interpersonal relationships and keep staff focused on
delivering information that is relevant and fundable.
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Total commitment to use of database and project management to maximize development
performance for the organization.
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Software experience: Microsoft Office Suite; Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce or similar donor
database system.
Job Parameters
• Excellent benefits, including health, vacation and retirement plan, are included.
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Occasional travel within the Great Lakes region where donors are located is likely.
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Location is flexible including Alliance headquarters in Chicago, Illinois; Cleveland, Ohio; or
Detroit, Michigan.
Application Process
Please e-mail a cover letter, resume, references and writing sample to: hr@greatlakes.org. Include job title in the subject line.
Applications will be accepted until November 30, 2016 or until the position is filled, whichever is earlier. Materials should be compatible with Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat. Applicants will receive confirmation of receipt of their materials and further guidance and updates about the hiring process by e-mail, with interviews provided for finalists. No phone inquiries please.
About the Alliance for the Great Lakes
The Alliance for the Great Lakes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The search process will reinforce the Alliance’s belief that achieving diversity requires an enduring commitment to inclusion that must find full expression in our organizational culture, values, norms, and behaviors.
The Alliance’s vision is a healthy Great Lakes for people and wildlife, forever. Its mission is to conserve and restore the world's largest freshwater resource using policy, education and local efforts, ensuring a healthy Great Lakes and clean water for generations of people and wildlife. For more information about the Alliance’s programs and work, please visit us online at www.greatlakes.org.