Philanthropy & Grant Development Manager (Reentry & Workforce Nonprofit | ESG & Donor Partnerships)

Skillful Steps is a Houston-based nonprofit that became a 501(c)(3) in 2024, following years of successful CDL training and job placement by our founding team. We’re currently in build and fundraising mode, preparing for a full-scale public launch in 2026 with expanded services, funder dashboards, and student reach.

Our founding team trained over 300 CDL graduates in 2024, with an 85% job placement rate. We’re now scaling a fully nonprofit, tech-enabled model focused on justice‑involved employment pathways, wraparound support, and donor transparency — with a full public launch planned for 2026.

We are seeking a Philanthropy + Grant Development Manager (volunteer-to-contract role) to help us expand funding from private philanthropists, corporate donors, and ESG-aligned partners. This is a unique opportunity to shape a funder engagement strategy from the ground up, while working directly with the Co-CEOs and board leadership.

In this role, you will:

• Identify and track new grant and philanthropic opportunities (Q1–Q4 cycles).
• Prepare and submit applications on behalf of Skillful Steps.
• Strengthen donor partnerships by highlighting transparency, ESG-alignment, and impact metrics.
• Collaborate with leadership to differentiate Skillful Steps’ model from peer organizations, focusing on efficiency, job placement transparency, and measurable outcomes.

What We’re Looking For

• 10+ years experience in grant management, philanthropy, or nonprofit development.
• Proven success in securing funding for reentry, workforce, or economic mobility programs.
• Strong writer and strategist with a passion for advancing second-chance employment.

This opportunity may begin as volunteer-based but has strong potential to transition into a paid contract role as funding is secured.

Flexible hybrid/remote structure

Direct collaboration with Co-CEOs and board leadership

Leadership visibility in fundraising and strategy

Professional development opportunities

Potential transition to a salaried role with health stipend and benefits in 2026

English (Professional Proficiency)