Manager of Grants + Partnerships

National Children’s Museum is a world-class institution that aims to spark the imagination and encourage children to dream. Steps off the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue, National Children’s Museum celebrates the joy of childhood through science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) exhibits and programs. As a Manager of Grants + Partnerships , you will help realize this vision for hundreds of thousands of in-person and virtual visitors who engage with the Museum each year.

what you’ll do:

As a Manager of Grants + Partnerships reporting to the Vice President of Advancement, you’ll be a key member of the Advancement Team. You’ll focus on researching and writing grant proposals and reports, coordinating with internal teams to develop new initiatives and gather insights, and ensuring all deadlines are met. You’ll also support advancement operations, help maintain donor data, and assist with special projects and events. This is an ideal role for someone who is detail-oriented, deadline-driven, and passionate about supporting mission-driven work.

Responsibilities will include:

Grant Writing & Research

• Research and identify new institutional funding opportunities (foundations, corporations, government).
• Draft, edit, and submit compelling grant proposals and funding requests in collaboration with the VP of Advancement and other departments.
• Maintain and update the Museum’s institutional grant calendar to ensure timely submissions and reporting.
• Track deadlines, guidelines, and historical data on past proposals, including recommended request amounts and program alignment.
• Cultivate and steward funder relationships, serving as an ambassador of the organization.

Corporate Proposal Writing & Management

• Research and identify corporate funding and partnership opportunities, including sponsorships for Museum initiatives, exhibits, programs, and events.
• Develop personalized, persuasive proposals and sponsorship packages that align corporate interests with the Museum’s mission, highlighting mutual benefits and strategic partnership opportunities.
• Tailor messaging and recognition levels to specific corporate audiences—from major sponsorships to in-kind support and employee engagement—demonstrating an understanding of each partner’s goals and brand values.
• Maintain clear, transparent communication with current and prospective corporate partners, providing post-award reporting, ongoing engagement, and successful fulfillment of partnership deliverables and recognition.

Advancement Operations & Donor Support

• Develop prospect research, donor briefings, and proposal materials.
• Assist with maintaining accurate donor records in the Museum’s CRM (SalesForce PatronManager), including gift entry, moves-management actions, and donor notes.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure data integrity and generate useful reports for donor engagement and stewardship.
• Provide administrative support for donor meetings and events, including preparing materials and following up after the meetings and events.

what we believe are important experiences and traits for this role:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or the appropriate amount of relevant experience;
• 3-5 years of experience in fundraising/development/advancement within the non-profit sector, preferably at a museum or cultural institution;
• Previous experience managing donor database and data; and
• Proven ability to manage large projects while maintaining attention to detail.
• High attention to detail and excellent organizational skills;
• Customer service perspective and polished interpersonal skills;
• Ability to balance multiple time-critical projects and pivot quickly;
• Team player who values a collaborative working environment;
• Strong writing skills with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences;
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship; and
• Passion for the mission of National Children’s Museum.

what we value

Our mission is to inspire children to care about and change the world. The Museum is an innovative institution that sparks curiosity and wonder and a space where children feel valued. In order to do this well, we need a team that reflects the dynamic and diverse communities that we serve and brings a variety of perspectives, abilities, and skills. We embrace that this work is critical to our mission and never finished. The more inclusive we are, the stronger our Museum.

To apply:

Please send cover letter and resume to hr@nationalchildrensmuseum.org with the subject line: Manager of Grants + Partnerships

location:

Full-time, 40 hours/week position. Must be available to work onsite from 9 am to 5 pm at least four days per week, and remotely one day per week. Occasional weekends and after-hours work are required for meetings and special events.

Salary + benefits:

Range: $60,500 - $65,000 with benefits including health + dental insurance, 403(b), STD/LTD/Life, and paid time off.

includes health + dental, 403(b) match, PTO