Manager, Program Engagement

SUMMARY

USA for UNHCR is seeking a highly strategic, relationship-centered, and detail-oriented Manager, Program Engagement to lead the development of high value funding opportunities and donor materials that strengthen stewardship across corporate, foundation, and civil society partners. This role is essential to ensuring donors and prospects receive clear, compelling value propositions and understand the impact of their generosity.

The Manager, Program Engagement oversees a team responsible for producing concept notes, proposals, technical applications, and impact reports, while serving as a key liaison between fundraisers and UNHCR focal points. The role drives excellence in project management, workflow optimization, compliance, and cross-functional coordination. This position requires strong editorial expertise, advanced stakeholder management, and the ability to guide complex negotiations, build systems, and lead staff in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the development of funding opportunities from conception through delivery, including project managing, tracking, drafting, and finalizing proposals, concept notes, grant applications, and reports, ensuring content is compelling, accurate, and aligned with donor strategies
• Coordinate and guide the creation of evergreen content tailored for corporate, foundation, and civil society audiences, ensuring alignment with annual priorities and donor engagement calendars
• Serve as a strategic liaison between fundraisers and UNHCR focal points, maintaining strong relationships, transparent communication, and smooth coordination to advance donor cultivation and stewardship
• Lead complex negotiations with UNHCR and internal stakeholders, ensuring objectives, project terms, and deliverables are clearly defined, agreed upon, and met
• Provide oversight, leadership, and direction to Program Engagement team members, managing competing priorities, guiding cross-departmental workflows, and fostering team adaptability in fast-paced environments
• Ensure strict compliance with USA for UNHCR and UNHCR policies, donor requirements, technical specifications, and reporting obligations, including conducting quality reviews prior to submission
• Establish standardized workflows, resource materials, and process improvements to streamline collaboration, enhance efficiency, and elevate organizational practices in funding opportunity development
• Navigate constantly shifting priorities and deadlines, ensuring adaptability to evolving contexts and timelines.
• Stay current on complex USA for UNHCR and UNHCR policies for developing, finalizing, and clearing funding opportunities. Apply this knowledge proactively to drive smooth coordination.
• Maintain deep subject expertise on UNHCR programs, emergencies, and thematic priorities to proactively identify opportunities and strengthen donor-facing materials
• Build organizational capacity by supporting and delivering staff training on UNHCR priorities, donor expectations, funding processes, and effective proposal development
• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred
• Minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience in grant writing, project or grant management, international programs, or fundraising and donor relations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, Salesforce or similar CRMs, and project management tools such as Jira
• Proven ability to develop technical donor materials including proposals, grants, budgets, and impact reports
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex and technical information into clear, compelling content
• Experience managing or supervising staff, including goal setting, coaching, and performance monitoring
• Strong knowledge of grant management, project management principles, proposal development processes, and corporate and foundation fundraising
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple high priority projects in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail, follow through, and adaptability
• Strong decision making, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities, with skill in navigating diverse stakeholder dynamics and communicating diplomatically
• Ability to identify and implement workflow and process improvements that increase team efficiency and operational clarity
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, respond quickly to evolving needs, and maintain an inclusive, growth-oriented team environment
• Commitment to providing high quality customer service to internal and external stakeholders
• Understanding of refugee issues, humanitarian programs, and global affairs

WORK LOCATION

Hybrid + Washington, DC+ May also involve travel to some locations within the company’s region of operations and select donor locations.

COMPENSATION

$91,350 - $109,620

DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS

USA for UNHCR will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

USA for UNHCR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Refugees and all other protected classes are encouraged to apply.