Senior Foundation Partnerships Manager

About DonorsChoose DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education. Since 2000, more than 6 million people and partners have contributed $1.8 billion to support 3 million teacher requests for classroom resources and experiences. Projects range from drums to teach music students new rhythms, to books that affirm students’ identities, to shoe-making materials for an unforgettable lesson in engineering. We proudly serve all US public schools, public charter schools, and Head Start centers, and work to direct donations to the schools facing the greatest barriers to opportunity . DonorsChoose has been recognized as a best place to work by GOOD Magazine and the Nonprofit Times, while Fast Company named DonorsChoose one of the 50 Most Innovative Companies in the World —the first time a charity has made this list. Our dedicated team works from across the United States to bring classroom dreams to life. About the Foundations Partnerships Team Our team raises funds for classrooms by building and executing philanthropic partnerships with foundations and renewing and growing those partnerships over time. Read more about our partnerships . About the Role DonorsChoose is seeking a Senior Foundation Partnerships Manager to manage and grow strategic partnerships with private foundations and donors that advance educational equity and expand support for teachers and students nationwide. Success in this role requires more than excellent grant writing. Our strongest partnerships are built through thoughtful relationship development, deep understanding of philanthropic priorities, and the ability to connect foundation strategies and individuals’ giving priorities with meaningful opportunities to create impact. This role combines strategic fundraising, business development, and consultative partnership management to build long-term relationships that generate transformational support for classrooms. As a senior individual contributor, you will own a portfolio of sophisticated foundation and donor relationships while helping strengthen DonorsChoose’s approach to institutional and individual philanthropy, identifies new opportunities, and grows long-term investments. This role will focus primarily on a portfolio of sophisticated foundation and major donor relationships, each contributing $250K+ annually. Primary Responsibilities Build and Grow Strategic Foundation Partnerships Own a portfolio of institutional and individual philanthropic relationships, developing long-term strategies that deepen engagement and increase investment over time. Build trusted relationships with program officers, foundation executives, trustees, individual donors, and other key decision makers. Consistently identify opportunities for renewals, increased investments, multi-year commitments, and expanded partnership scope. Contribute meaningfully toward annual fundraising goals by managing renewals and increased investments from a portfolio of sophisticated foundation and individual partners. Develop Strategic Funding Opportunities Design compelling funding strategies that align funders’ philanthropic priorities with DonorsChoose's mission, programs, and long-term organizational goals while creating opportunities for deeper, longer-term partnerships. Develop persuasive grant proposals, concept papers, reports, and presentations tailored to foundations’ and individuals’ interests. Translate DonorsChoose's data, classroom insights, and impact into compelling cases for investment that connect to sector trends and philanthropic priorities. Stay current on philanthropic trends, emerging funding priorities, and evolving giving strategies to strengthen DonorsChoose's fundraising approach Lead Complex Cross-Functional Execution Serve as the primary relationship owner across complex foundation and individual partnerships from cultivation through stewardship and renewal. Partner closely with Marketing, Impact & Insights, Revenue Operations, Finance, and other internal teams to develop proposals, execute grant-funded initiatives, and deliver exceptional funder experiences. Anticipate challenges, coordinate stakeholders, and maintain momentum across multiple concurrent grant cycles and partnership commitments. Ensure outstanding execution across every stage of the partnership lifecycle. Strengthen Team Capability Share successful fundraising strategies and contribute to evolving fundraising best practices. Mentor teammates on strategy, proposal development, and relationship cultivation. Identify opportunities to improve fundraising operations, proposal development processes, and portfolio management practices. Bring an external perspective on philanthropy trends, helping the team continuously strengthen DonorsChoose's approach to institutional fundraising Qualifications You may thrive in this role if you: Have 8+ years of experience in foundation fundraising, institutional giving, philanthropy, business development, strategic partnerships, or consultative relationship management. Have successfully secured and managed complex six- and seven-figure partnerships. Are exceptional at building trusted relationships with foundation leaders and individuals and navigating sophisticated philanthropic organizations. Think strategically—you naturally connect organizational priorities with funder interests and identify opportunities for long-term partnership growth. Are an outstanding writer and communicator, able to translate complex ideas into compelling, fundable proposals. Balance long cultivation cycles with disciplined execution and thoughtful relationship management. Are a master of prioritization, who thrives on turning ambiguity into execution. You know how to scope a project, balance urgency with thoughtful prioritization across