Grants Manager

ABOUT THE NEWBERRY: The Newberry collection—some 1.6 million books, 600,000 maps, and 5 million manuscript pages—is a portal to more than six centuries of human history, from the Middle Ages to the present. We connect researchers and visitors with our collection in the Newberry’s reading rooms, exhibition galleries, program spaces, classrooms, and online digital resources.

Since its founding in 1887, the Newberry has remained dedicated to deepening our collective understanding of ourselves and the world around us. As individuals engage with Newberry collections and staff, they discover stories that bridge the past and present and illuminate the human condition.

The Newberry’s community of discovery is driven by a shared commitment to promoting research, inspiring learning, and using inquiry across the humanities as a tool to engage critically in a vibrant democratic society.

SUMMARY: The Newberry Library seeks a detail-oriented and strategic Grants Manager to oversee all aspects of institutional fundraising from foundations, corporations, and government agencies. This role is responsible for managing the full grant lifecycle—from prospect research and proposal development to reporting and stewardship. The Grants Manager will collaborate across divisions (Development, Collection & Library Services, Research & Education, Public Engagement, Finance & Administration) to align funding opportunities with institutional priorities and ensure compliance with funder requirements. This individual should be a subject-matter-expert and a leader with experience in growing grant revenue year-over-year

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Grant Strategy & Development
  • Lead the development and submission of compelling grant proposals and reports in collaboration with program and finance staff.
  • Research and identify new institutional funding opportunities using a variety of tools and databases.
  • Maintain a centralized calendar of grant deadlines and ensure timely submissions and reporting.
• Grant Administration & Compliance
  • Track and monitor grant expenditures and ensure compliance with funder guidelines and IRS regulations.
  • Maintain accurate records of all grant activity, including proposals, reports, correspondence, and financial documentation.
  • Partner with finance staff to reconcile grant budgets and prepare financial reports.
• Relationship Management & Stewardship
  • Serve as primary liaison to foundation and corporate program officers.
  • Coordinate site visits, written updates, and other stewardship activities for institutional donors.
  • Ensure appropriate recognition of funders in publications and communications.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration
  • Work closely with project directors and senior leadership to align grant opportunities with strategic priorities.
  • Provide guidance and support to staff on grant-related processes and compliance.
• Professional Development & Sector Awareness
  • Stay current on trends in philanthropy, grantmaking, and nonprofit funding.
  • Participate in relevant professional networks and training opportunities.
• Other Duties
  • Support other development initiatives and special projects as assigned by the Vice President for Development.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; advanced degree or certification (e.g., GPC) preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in grant writing and management, preferably in a nonprofit or cultural institution.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills with the ability to craft persuasive proposals
• Strong organizational and project management skills; ability to manage multiple deadlines.• Familiarity with fundraising databases (Raiser’s Edge preferred) and grant management software.
• Financial literacy and experience with budget development and reporting.
• Collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

SCHEDULE: This is a full-time, exempt position, working 35 hours per week, with normal hours generally from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required for events or deadlines. While a remote work arrangement is possible, the incumbent will primarily work onsite.

For more information, please see the "What We Offer" section on the Newberry Careers page.