Grants and Partnership Manager

Grants and Partnership Manager

Position Title: Grants and Partnerships Manager

Reports To: Executive Director and Board

Job Type: Contract

Tenure: 12 Months (Renewable, subject to performance and funding availability)

Location: Remote

Role Summary

We are seeking a Grants and Partnerships Manager to lead the development and implementation of strategies that expand our resource base through fundraising, proposal development and strengthen partnerships with donors, corporates, foundations, and allied organizations.

This role is central to securing institutional support for our growing portfolio of programs and campaigns. The ideal candidate is one who understands the landscape of African-led philanthropy, bilateral and multilateral funding, and social impact storytelling. A strong writer, systems-thinker,persuasive writer and partnership builder with a proven record of securing competitive grants.

This is a remote position, with optional hybrid collaboration for team meetings, events, and stakeholder engagements. Exceptional performance may lead to an extended or full-time role with additional leadership opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Grant/Proposal Writing and Management

• Lead the end-to-end development of compelling grant proposals, concept notes, and reports to foundations, corporations, and multilateral institutions.
• Coordinate input from program, communications, and finance teams to ensure alignment and accuracy in all submissions.
• Research and identify new funding opportunities that align with TSO’s mission, goals, and thematic focus areas.
• Maintain the organizations grants calendar, tracking deadlines, deliverables, and reporting requirements.
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements and maintain high standards in documentation, reporting, and budget integrity.

Partnership Development

• Cultivate and sustain relationships with key stakeholders, including development agencies, NGOs, corporate partners, and philanthropic networks.
• Represent The Smile Outreach in strategic partnership meetings, conferences, and donor convenings.
• Support co-creation of partnership proposals and memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with aligned organizations.
• Collaborate with leadership to explore joint funding opportunities and innovative partnership models.

Fundraising and Business Development

• Identify and pursue new funding sources through details research
• Collaborate with program staff, develop and implement monitoring procedures to track grant implementation.
• Identify avenues for fundraising, including CSR programs, social enterprises, and digital giving campaigns.
• Support the design and implementation of fundraising events and campaigns in collaboration with the communications team.
• Maintain strong relationships with existing donors, ensuring timely updates and impact reports.
• Contribute to strategic donor communications, ensuring consistent messaging and visibility.

Relationship Stewardship and Reporting

• Develop a deep understanding of TSO’s mission, history, and programs to articulate our value proposition effectively.
• Manage and update TSO’s donor database, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
• Track partnership performance and provide periodic updates to leadership, funders, and stakeholders.
• Prepare quarterly and annual partnership reports, summarizing key wins, lessons learned, and next steps.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field
• Minimum of 2 years’ proven experience in grant writing, fundraising, or partnership management within the non-profit or social impact sector.
• Track record of successfully securing grants from foundations, corporates, or international donors.
• Excellent knowledge of proposal development and funding cycles.
• Exceptional writing, storytelling, and presentation skills.
• Solid research skills and familiarity with donor databases and funding networks.
• Proficiency with productivity and CRM tools (Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Airtable, HubSpot, etc.).
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and competing priorities.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills.
• Integrity, attention to detail, and commitment to TSO’s mission and values.

Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional research, proposal writing, and reporting abilities.
• Proficiency in donor management tools, CRM systems, and fundraising platforms.
• Ability to build and nurture relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset.

Core Competencies

• Self-motivated and able to work independently in a remote setting.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach to teamwork.
• Passionate about addressing critical social issues such as gender equality, adolescent health, and community empowerment.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should fill out this form to answer a few qualification questions, submit their resume, cover letter, and a sample of grant writing or partnership-related work.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

All inquiries should be sent to hr@thesmileoutreach.africa.

Disclaimer

This is a 12-month contract role, and renewal is subject to funding availability, project needs and performance review.