careers
manager of grants + partnerships
what we value
Our mission is to inspire children to care about and change the world. The Museum is an innovative institution that sparks curiosity and wonder and a space where all children feel valued. In order to do this well, we need a team that reflects the dynamic and diverse communities that we serve and brings a variety of perspectives, abilities, and skills. We embrace that this work is critical to our mission and never finished. The more inclusive we are, the stronger our Museum.
the role
National Children’s Museum is a world-class institution that aims to spark the imagination and encourage children to dream. Steps off the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue, National Children’s Museum celebrates the joy of childhood through science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) exhibits and programs. As Manager of Grants + Partnerships, you will help realize this vision for hundreds of thousands of in-person and virtual visitors who engage with the Museum each year.
Reporting to the Vice President of Advancement, you will be a key member of the Advancement Team. You’ll focus on building partnerships with funders, researching and writing grant proposals and reports, coordinating with internal teams to develop new initiatives and gather insights, and ensuring all deadlines are met. This is an ideal role for someone who is passionate about playful learning and STEAM education and who understands the crucial role of donor engagement and grant development in carrying out mission-driven work and delivering impact.
what you’ll do
- Manage funder relationships from award through renewal, including internal kickoff meetings, deliverable and deadline tracking, proactive progress updates, impact reporting, and creative year-round stewardship opportunities that keep partners meaningfully connected to the Museum’s work.
- Cultivate prospective funder relationships and serve as an ambassador of the organization.
- Research and identify funding and partnership opportunities (with foundations, corporations, government), including grants and sponsorships for Museum initiatives, exhibits, programs, and events.
- Develop personalized, persuasive proposals and sponsorship packages that align funder interests with the Museum’s mission, highlighting mutual benefits and strategic partnership opportunities.
- Maintain clear, transparent, and responsive communication with current and prospective partners, ensuring successful fulfillment of partnership benefits, recognition, and other commitments.
- Maintain and update the Museum’s institutional grant calendar to ensure timely submissions and reporting.
- Track deadlines, guidelines, and historical data on past proposals, including recommended request amounts and program alignment.
- Collaborate with team members to ensure data integrity in the Museum’s CRM (Salesforce PatronManager), including gift entry, moves-management actions, and donor notes, and generate useful reports for donor engagement and stewardship.
important experiences + traits for this role
- Bachelor’s degree and/or relevant experience;
- 5+ years of experience in fundraising/development/advancement within the non-profit sector, preferably at a museum, school, or cultural institution;
- High attention to detail and excellent organizational skills;
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
- Ability to balance multiple time-critical projects and pivot quickly;
- Team player who values a collaborative working environment;
- Strong writing skills with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences;
- Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This
position is not eligible for visa sponsorship; and - Passion for the mission of National Children’s Museum.
details
hours + location
Full-time position located at the National Children’s Museum @ 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW. Must be available to work onsite from 9 am to 5 pm at least four days per week, and remotely one day per week. Occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work required. Occasional travel required.
compensation
Range: $65,000 - $78,000 with benefits including health + dental insurance, 403(b), STD/LTD/Life, and paid time off.
to apply
Please send cover letter and resume to hr@nationalchildrensmuseum.org with the subject line: Manager of Grants + Partnerships
The National Children’s Museum is committed to equal opportunity for all employees and prospective employees without discrimination based upon race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, personal appearance, sexual orientation, political affiliation, family responsibilities, disability, matriculation, marital status or any other category protected by law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment at NCM, including, but not limited to recruitment, promotion, compensation, benefits, training and development, access to facilities, discipline, separation of employment and other terms and conditions of employment.