Grants Manager

Title: Grants Manager

Reports to: Development Director

Job Type: Full-Time

Salary Range: $72,000 to $80,000

We invite you to join our fun, book-loving team of 18 to fulfill the mission of SAL as our Grants Manager. SAL offers thoughtfully curated experiences through programs that are intergenerational in nature, bolstering both emerging and established literary artists, and inviting change and new perspectives in our audience. We believe these activities are essential to continuously and courageously revitalize equity, justice, and belonging. Our work both internally and externally is guided by our core values: joy, equity, curiosity, community, and accessibility.

Organizational Overview:

SAL champions the literary arts by engaging and inspiring readers and writers of all generations in the greater Puget Sound region. Through public literary events, arts education programs, and community partnerships, SAL brings people together around the power of words and ideas. Since launching our first season in 1988, we have brought leading writers and thinkers to Seattle while investing deeply in the region’s literary community. Through our Public Programs and Arts Education Programs, we connect readers, writers, youth, families, and educators with the power of storytelling. Each year, over 33,000 audience members and 6,000 students participate in programs designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and connection.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Access:

All staff actively participate in SAL’s ongoing efforts to become an anti-racist organization and embody an organizational culture that supports and reinforces our inclusion, diversity, equity & access goals. SAL’s Equity Accountability Reports are available on the SAL website under “About.” This commitment and understanding should be demonstrated throughout the performance of the Grants Manager responsibilities and staff activities.

Position Overview:

The Grants Manager plays a key role in advancing Seattle Arts & Lectures’ institutional fundraising strategy by managing a diverse portfolio of foundation, government, and corporate grants. This position is responsible for the full grant lifecycle, from prospect research and proposal development to reporting and stewardship, while collaborating across departments to support SAL’s continued growth in philanthropic revenue.

Responsibilities:

Grant Writing & Proposal Development (40%)

Develop compelling letters of inquiry (LOIs), grant proposals, and reports for foundations, corporations, and government entities that clearly communicate SAL’s mission and programs.
Create and maintain high-quality collateral materials, including one-pagers and details RFPs for all SAL’s programs, including Writers in the Schools (WITS), our Literary Programs, and General Operating Support.
Serve as a liaison to government agencies (local, state, and federal) to secure and sustain public funding.

Grants Management & Compliance (20%)

Manage a grants portfolio currently valued at approximately $750,000, with expectations for steady growth in the coming years, overseeing all stages from pre-award through post-award.
Ensure timely submission of applications, budgets, and reports in compliance with funder requirements.
Track grant progress, monitor program outcomes, and maintain accurate records and participant data for reporting purposes.
Collaborate closely with the Executive Director, Development Director, Finance Director, and program staff to gather necessary information and align funding strategies with organizational goals.

Prospecting & Institutional Growth (20%)

Conduct in-depth research to identify new funding opportunities, including foundations, corporations, and government grants.
Develop strategies to expand SAL’s institutional donor base by leveraging staff and board networks.
Cultivate relationships with prospective funders to support long-term revenue growth.
Prepare detailed briefing materials for Executive and Development leadership ahead of donor meetings.
Provide research insights and engagement strategies for foundation and corporate prospects.
Support Development team on event execution, sponsorship deliverables, and post-event reporting.
Oversee invoicing and tracking of corporate sponsorship contributions.

Additional Responsibilities (20%)

Monitor institutional giving revenue against annual fundraising goals.
Maintain accurate internal tracking systems to measure progress and inform strategy.
Maintain accurate donor and grant records in PatronManager and coordinate with Finance Dept to reconcile contributions.
Participate in Development meetings, staff meetings, and SAL events.
Attend select SAL pre-event receptions and provide on-site support.
Ensure appropriate recognition of institutional donors across SAL materials, including the Annual Report, website, and event collateral.

Diverse Workforce statement:

SAL values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture in all areas of our work and culture. SAL is an equal opportunity employer. We recognize that opportunities in the arts have historically excluded and continue to disproportionately exclude Black and Indigenous people, people of color, people from working class backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ people. We strongly encourage individuals with these identities to apply. Strong candidates will bring a diverse set of skills, characteristics, and experiences, both professional and lived. SAL focuses on a holistic view of potential candidates and understanding that no single candidate will offer every desired skill and characteristic. The following offers an aspirational view of the ideal candidate profile, and we encourage applications from candidates with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds.

Minimum Qualifications:

Minimum of 4 years of experience in fundraising or development, preferably in nonprofit arts or education.
Demonstrated success in securing and managing institutional funding.
Strong understanding of nonprofit fundraising strategy and revenue growth.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally.

Desired Qualifications:

Deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace and file-sharing tools (e.g., Dropbox).
Experience with CRM’s (PatronManager/Salesforce preferred) and grant prospecting tools.
Familiarity with the Puget Sound philanthropic landscape.
Working knowledge of nonprofit finance and budgeting, including grant forecasting and reporting.

Additional Considerations:

Evening/weekend hours required (typically 3 to 5 times per month, September to June).
This is a hybrid position based in Seattle, WA, with an expectation of working in the office a minimum of three days per week.
Relocation assistance is not provided for this position.

Benefits overview:

Generous paid time off, including 20 vacation days/year starting your second year (15 days in year one), as well as wellness time, 3 personal days, and holidays.
100% of medical, vision, and dental insurance. Long-term disability, and group life insurance is also covered, including an Employee Assistance Program.
403(b) retirement plan with a 3% gross salary contribution funded by SAL and an optional employee pre-tax distribution available.
Flex time as appropriate.
Hybrid/remote schedule: During a three-month orientation/probation period, you will be required to be in the office for 3-4 days a week. After that period, SAL currently expects Development staff to work in-office at least three days per week, schedule permitting.
Support and budget for professional development and growth.

Application Instructions:

Send a resume and cover letter that tells us why this position is a good fit.
Submit applications electronically in one PDF document to salhr@lectures.org. The email subject line should be “Grants Manager.”
Open until filled. For best consideration, please submit no later than June 1, 2026
Please Note: Resumes submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.