Director, Government Grants

At San Diego Foundation, we value our diverse and experienced staff who are committed to our mission of improving the quality of life within all of San Diego’s communities. We strive to be an employer of choice, offering a competitive compensation package, and a professional and vibrant work environment for those who have a passion for our mission that is carried out every day by providing leadership for effective philanthropy and promoting community solutions.
The Director, Government Grants (DGG) is responsible for identifying, developing, drafting, and pursuing grant proposals to federal, state, and local government, agencies, and private foundations and selected donors to bring resources to the region. The DGG combines strategic thinking and sharp execution to enable (SDF) to reach targets, goals, and attain objectives.
This role will support San Diego Foundation and report to the Chief Innovation Officer of SDF.
Design, lead and implement an integrated resource development strategy to support new grants to the region (focus is on non-San Diego funding, including federal and state).
Expand SDF traditional funding sources by creating new and innovative funding sources through leadership in funding research/opportunities and strategic partnerships.
Facilitate and drive funding growth by working with SDF donor services, Policy and Innovation Center staff, partners, and key stakeholders.
Build and maintain high-level contacts with current and prospective grantors.
Lead interactions with external stakeholders that support internal development efforts.
Identify and drive prospects through to award (including identifying new funding opportunities, options, and proposal preparation).
Continually and proactively assess demographics, macroeconomics, and competitive market issues impacting SDF and the Policy & Innovation Center and develop solutions.
Apply financial reason to any new opportunity to increase the probability of future sustainability.
Work with internal partners to build financial analyses and models to evaluate potential funding and impacts.
Create a culture of positivity and success across the organization.
Develop and produce analytic reports that synthesize the funding opportunities, insights for improved proposals, and informed decision-making.
Evaluate and participate in the drive to use innovative technology funding vehicles.
Provide strategic and marketing insight to all donor materials and strategic support on the full range of external stakeholder communications.
Support Chief Innovation Officer at SDF and CEO of the Policy and Innovation Center and with the preparation of board materials and funding proposals.
Provide government grant support, mentorship and guidance to SDF subsidiary, San Diego Regional Policy and Innovation Center.
Additional Responsibilities as assigned by the Chief Innovation Officer.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, creative writing, or a related area (master’s degree preferred).
A minimum of 10 years’ experience of successful progression in grant writing at the federal, state, and local government/agency level, and expertise obtaining grants from significant foundations preferred.
Passion for the work and mission of San Diego Foundation to inspire enduring philanthropy and enable community solutions to improve the quality of life in our region; and Policy & Innovation Center to unlock the region’s potential by cultivating and building partnerships that address intractable issues that can only be solved with cross-sector, multi-jurisdictional collaborations in the areas of climate resilience, critical infrastructure, community wealth disparities, and housing affordability.
Operate with a positive, well-defined sense of self and be self-directed while demonstrating political savvy and diplomacy.
Ability to draw accurate conclusions from quantitative and qualitative data and programmatic goals and then identify and develop supporting grant proposals and resources.
Demonstrated skill for creating a climate focused on achievement and results
Proven willingness to be accountable for the success of the organization’s vision and business plans through a funding and resource lens that are in support of the vision
Exceptional communicator with the ability to present concepts and strategic objectives in clear, concise, and fundable grant proposals.
The ability to articulate how your work and grant funds improve or improve the communities we serve.
Proven ability to present, articulate, and inspire potential donors and grantors with our work, community impact, and vision to support proposals.
A style that emphasizes openness, collaboration, and connectivity.
Passion for learning and relentless improvement.
Excellent relationship-building skills.
Excellent knowledge of federal, state, and municipal proposal submission and fundraising process and experience with private foundations.
Ability to study and understand programs and funding requirements of the organizations.
Strong research skills and knowledge of information sources.
Multitasking, organizational, and time management skills.
Ability to handle confidential matters with the utmost integrity.
Background check required.
All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000-$170,000 per year
San Diego Foundation is committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. Actual offers will be reflective of qualifications, skills and experience, internal equity, alignment with market data, among other relevant factors.
Supportive, inclusive company culture; awarded Top Workplace by the San Diego Union Tribune 4 years in a row
Hybrid work environment with support for at home office setup
100% Employer paid medical, vision, dental, life, AD&D and long-term disability premiums; 75% Employer-paid premiums for all dependents on your benefits
403B Retirement plan match up to 4% + Annual discretionary contribution
Earned Incentive Program
3 weeks of paid time off + 1 additional week off with pay in July for all staff
4-to-6-week sabbatical for every 5 years of service
13 paid holidays + 2 paid volunteer days off each year
Extended Health Care Time accruing at 2.77 hours per pay period to a cap of 480 hours: use for sick time, family care, and parental leave baby bonding
$1,000 staff development annual tuition reimbursement
$100 monthly cell and internet reimbursement
$75 quarterly gym reimbursement
Donor Advised Fund contribution with no minimum and $600 annual match from the Foundation to a nonprofit of your choice
Annual service award $100 donation to nonprofit of your choice