Alliance for Youth Action

Role Description The Alliance for Youth Organizing (along with our sister 501(c)(4) organization, the Alliance for Youth Action) is searching for a Senior Grants and Donor Engagement Manager. This position will play a pivotal role in advancing the Alliance’s fundraising strategy and strengthening relationships with philanthropic partners. The Senior Grants and Donor Engagement Manager is responsible for: - Written donor engagement - Proposal and report development - Grant management - Donor research - Planning and execution of virtual and in-person donor events This position requires independent judgment, a strong equity lens, and the ability to manage projects, events, and relationships that directly impact the Alliance’s fundraising and organizational goals. This position must have an understanding of 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) fundraising principles, including compliance requirements, donor cultivation strategies, and appropriate messaging for each entity. This position reports to the Development Director and is based in the United States. Alliance for Youth Organizing is a unionized workplace, and staff are represented by the Washington-Baltimore News Guild, Local 32035; this is a full-time (40 hours/week) position that is in the bargaining unit. Key Responsibilities - Proposal & Report Drafting - 50% - Lead drafting compelling proposals and reports that align with the Alliance’s mission, goals, and priorities. - Collaborate across departments to develop clear, persuasive narratives and accurate budgets, integrating data, stories, and outcomes to effectively demonstrate impact for funders. - Manage the preparation, submission, and tracking of proposals and reports in compliance with funder guidelines and deadlines. - Donor Engagement & Fundraising Projects - 30% - Plan and execute donor briefings, convenings, and fundraising events. - Collaborate across departments to develop compelling donor-focused collateral (for example: presentation decks, talking points, briefing packets, and other collateral) for fundraising events that showcase the Alliance’s vision and impact. - Assist with donor outreach and meetings, ensuring communications are effectively tracked, managed, and advanced at every stage of engagement. - Prospecting & Political Donor Development - 20% - Identify and maintain prospect lists (including but not limited to: foundations, individual donors, unions) across all Alliance entities (501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4), PAC), including capacity, interests, geographic focus, and giving history. - Develop cultivation strategies and donor profiles to strengthen outreach by senior staff and board members. Qualifications - Demonstrated specialized knowledge of fundraising, donor relations, and political fundraising. - Demonstrated experience writing for both 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities with an understanding of compliance distinctions. - Demonstrated proficiency in CRM and grant tracking systems (preferably Asana and Every Action). - Independent judgment and analytical skills to evaluate options and propose creative solutions. - Ability to manage and/or oversee projects independently. - Experience shaping departmental strategy and contributing to organization-wide fundraising strategy. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into compelling donor-facing materials. - Demonstrated understanding of racial equity and experience managing across differences. - Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously. Impact & Expectations - Directly contributes to achieving fundraising and political donor goals during a pivotal period. - Shapes donor strategy and helps align resources with organizational priorities. - Ensures proposals, reports, and donor communications meet the highest professional standards. - Serves as a key partner to leadership, supporting strategy execution and long-term donor engagement. Logistics - Compensation: $80,000 - $85,000 - Benefits: - Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance covering 100% of employee premiums and 75% of premiums for employee dependents. - 401k including non-elective employer contributions of 5% of salary. - Employer-paid life insurance, short and long term disability income protection insurance. - Cell phone and internet stipends of $100 per month. - Professional development opportunities and funds. - Generous paid time off policy through which staff accrue 14 hours of PTO per month. - 3 weeks of paid sick leave. - Paid family and medical leave up to 12 weeks. - Paid Sabbatical (after 4 years of service). - 16 paid holidays, including a winter break office closure. - Potential for end of year or other bonuses. - Location: Employees must live within a reasonable distance of an airport (within 1 hour by car or train) that has daily nonstop flights to half of the Alliance’s network. - Travel: This position will include up to 20% travel. Must be willing to work periodically long, irregular hours and to travel as needed. Commitment to Equity Alliance for Youth Organizing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. To Apply Please apply by submitting a single PDF document including the following: - Resume - Three references, preferably at least one that is a previous supervisor (we will reach out to you first before contacting them). - One 501(c)(3) and one 501(c)(4) writing sample along with your application. Examples may include grant proposals or reports, funder-facing memos or emails, or other relevant writing that displays your knowledge and expertise in 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) fundraising. The Priority Deadline to apply is Friday, May 8, 2026, but applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position has been filled. The ideal start date for the candidate is on or around Monday, June 22nd, 2026. If you have any questions, please email aubrey@allianceforyouthaction.org .