Marine Science Institute: Institutional Giving Manager

The Marine Science Institute is seeking an Institutional Giving Manager responsible for planning, executing, and managing the organization’s institutional fundraising strategy, which includes securing funding from foundations, corporations, and government sources. Reporting to the Development Director, this role involves close collaboration with program staff, finance, and executive leadership to secure and maintain funding that supports MSI’s mission and strategic priorities. This position is essential for advancing MSI’s revenue goals through contributions, ensuring strong relationships with funders, maintaining accurate reporting, and facilitating effective internal coordination.

About Marine Science Institute:

The Marine Science Institute offers hands-on adventures that engage students of all ages with the rich marine life of the San Francisco Bay Area. Led by expert educators, these experiences not only provide interactive learning but also foster a sense of respect and stewardship for marine ecosystems. The organization strives to inspire a future where everyone feels a deep connection to marine life, promoting ecological responsibility. With a commitment to resilience, integrity, and community engagement, the Institute ensures adaptability in leadership and accountability in its programs, all while delivering passionate and exciting educational experiences.

Responsibilities

Grant Proposal Development

  • Research, identify, and cultivate institutional funding prospects aligned with MSI priorities

  • Develop and submit Letters of Intent, proposals, sponsorship requests, and applications ranging from $5,000 to $500,000+

  • Serve as the primary internal point of contact for grant-related questions, ideas, and coordination

  • Collaborate with program managers and leadership to develop compelling narratives, metrics, and outcomes

  • Create and manage proposal timelines and internal deadlines

  • Develop proposal budgets in collaboration with program staff and finance, ensuring fully loaded costs

  • Maintain accurate tracking of proposals, submissions, and deadlines in Salesforce

Donor Engagement

  • Manage a portfolio of institutional funders and prospects, including cultivation and stewardship touchpoints

  • Attend networking events and conferences to identify and steward institutional funding relationships

  • Support donor site visits, stewardship meetings, and corporate volunteer engagement

  • Assist with event sponsorships and institutional engagement opportunities

  • Track all interactions and engagement activities in Salesforce

Funder Reporting & Compliance

  • Ensure compliance with grant agreements and alignment between funded programs and grant terms

  • Coordinate with program and finance teams to collect data, metrics, and financial information for reports

  • Prepare and submit timely narrative and financial reports to funders

  • Follow up on grant payments and resolve delayed or missing disbursements

  • Solicit funder feedback as appropriate and support ongoing relationship building

Qualifications

  • ·3–5+ years of professional experience in institutional fundraising, grant writing, or related development work

  • Demonstrated success securing foundation, corporate, and/or government funding

  • Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly for fundraising

  • Experience working cross-functionally with program, finance, and leadership teams

  • Proficiency with Salesforce (NPSP preferred)

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience

Compensation

  • · Salary range: $75,000 to $85,000, depending on experience

  • Eligible for medical and dental benefits after 60 days

  • 2 weeks accrued paid time off, plus holidays

  • 1 week paid time off in December around the holidays

  • Match of up to 5% of employee’s annual salary contribution to retirement accoun

To Apply

Submit a cover letter including wage/salary expectations along with resume to ashleyb@sfbaymsi.org. No phone calls or drop-in visits please. Position open until filled.

The Marine Science Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building an inclusive workplace where all individuals feel welcome and respected. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, especially those from communities historically underrepresented in the environmental field.

Studies show some candidates may hesitate to apply if they don't meet every qualification. If you're excited about this role, we encourage you to apply.

MSI does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Reasonable accommodations are available as required by law.