At our growing nonprofit media organization, we’re building the only team of journalists dedicated to reporting on one of the most critical issues facing our country. As The Trace plans for the future and continues to evolve, we’re looking for a talented Senior Grants Manager to lead our robust Institutional Giving program. 

We hope you’ll consider applying if:  

  • You believe in the power of journalism and storytelling to drive positive change.
  • You are a proven writer who can convey our unique mission and impact in ways that resonate with distinct philanthropic audiences.
  • You are organized, self-motivated, and driven to produce top-quality work.
  • You demonstrate a keen ability to recognize and capitalize on new opportunities, pivoting quickly to meet the moment.

In this full-time position, you’ll collaborate with The Trace’s Director of Development and Managing Director on maintaining and expanding our Institutional Giving program, which is critical to the organization’s sustainability. Synthesizing our newsroom’s outstanding reporting and proven impact, you’ll help tell The Trace’s story to funders who care about independent journalism and the pursuit of safer, healthier, and more just communities on the national and local level. You’re someone who embraces both the big picture and day-to-day tasks. We’re a small team, and we all share in the responsibility of bringing our vision to life.

The Trace has been successful in expanding and diversifying its institutional revenues across roughly 35 funders, alongside a growing individual giving program. The person in this role will be responsible for upholding and expanding institutional funding, which currently accounts for the majority of The Trace’s revenue. 

Core Responsibilities: 

  • Managing the full grant cycle for a $4M+ grants portfolio. You will be responsible for drafting, refining, and submitting proposals and compiling required reports.
  • Creating a pipeline of prospective grantors and sponsors. You’ll contribute to the continued growth of our institutional revenues by identifying, researching, and connecting with potential new supporters. 
  • Stewarding institutional funders. You will ensure our funders feel connected to our work through thoughtful communication and authentic relationships.
  • Coordinating across the organization for grants needs. It’s a team effort! You’ll work with our Managing Director, Director of Development, and other colleagues to track progress and outcomes of grant-funded projects, gather outcomes and impact for grant reporting, and collaborate on institutional funding strategies.
  • Tracking funder relationships and deadlines. With your stellar organizational skills, you’ll manage deadlines and communications for institutional funders. We use Salesforce, Airtable, Asana, and other cloud-based tools. 

Required Skills and Qualifications: 

  • At least 5 years of experience as a fundraising professional
  • Demonstrated success in growing a successful grants program, moving institutional relationships forward, and seizing big opportunities
  • Outstanding communication and writing skills, not only for successful written grant proposals and reports, but also to connect with funders through thoughtfully composed letters and emails and collaborate efficiently with colleagues
  • Ability to see opportunities, think creatively, and execute new approaches for funders and grants as they arise
  • Excellent organization, prioritization, and time-management skills, consistently leading to deadlines met and goals achieved
  • Attention to detail
  • Comfort with budgets and financials as they pertain to grants
  • Familiarity with optimizing Salesforce as a CRM

Preferred Skills and Qualifications: 

  • Preference will be given to candidates in locations where The Trace has staff (New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Charlottesville, VA) or that are home to significant philanthropic communities. The Trace’s two offices, in New York and Charlottesville, have a hybrid work structure.
  • Direct experience in securing grants for nonprofit journalism or public media  

Compensation and Benefits: 

  • $75,000-105,000 annually, depending on experience and location
  • 100% covered medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee and dependents
  • 401(k) with match up to 5%
  • Vacation Days (20 a year)
  • Sick Days (10 a year)
  • Personal Days (2 a year)
  • Paid holidays (15 a year, encompassing federal holidays and one week end of year closure)
  • Paid Family Leave (12 weeks)
  • Professional development support
  • Phone and wifi stipend
  • Life Insurance
  • Short and Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Voluntary benefits include: Health and Dependent Care FSA, Commuter Benefits, Legal Plan, Critical Illness, Accident, AD&D, and Hospital Indemnity Coverage

To Apply:

  • Please fill out this application form. In lieu of a cover letter, we ask that you answer a few questions to showcase your skills and experience, as well as submit your resume.
  • The deadline for applying is April 18. We will review materials on a rolling basis.
  • After applications close, we will endeavor to respond to all applicants. However, due to the large number of applications we receive, this may take time.
  • If you have questions about this opportunity please email [email protected].

At The Trace, we are committed to producing and sustaining journalism that is equitable and inclusive. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ people.

Team Trace