Manager of Institutional Giving

Originally founded in 1991 as Harlem RBI, DREAM has grown to annually serve more than 2,500 youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx through a network of seven PreK-12, extended-day, extended-year DREAM Charter Schools and community sports-based youth development programs. Through our commitment to rigorous academics, social-emotional learning, deep family and community engagement, and health and wellness, we create lifelong learners who are equipped to fulfill their vision of success in and out of the classroom. We dream big, as well, with an aggressive five-year plan to expand to serve 3,500 students across seven schools—growing our organization’s impact and leveling the playing field for all children. To learn more, visit wearedream.org.

The Manager of Institutional Giving will report directly to the Director of Institutional Giving and serve as a key member of a three-person Institutional Giving team, which is part of DREAM’s eleven-person (and growing) Advancement team. The Manager of Institutional Giving will play a central role in managing a $7M institutional grants portfolio, with responsibilities spanning strategic grant writing, portfolio management, and operational excellence. This role comes at an exciting time as DREAM aims to raise $20M in private philanthropy to support its ambitious expansion goals. This role is more than grant writing – it includes supporting meaningful partnerships with funders and serving as a bridge to internal teams such as data, finance, and program staff. The ideal candidate will bring exceptional writing skills, strong organizational abilities, and a collaborative mindset, paired with a passion for educational equity and youth development. All of this will be accomplished under the guidance of – and in partnership with – the Director of Institutional Giving, Head of Advancement, co-CEOs, and other Advancement leadership.

• Develop and submit a minimum of 20 grant proposals and reports, ensuring they align with funder priorities and DREAM’s mission and programs.
• Collaborate with internal teams to streamline the grant operations process, including tracking deliverables, reconciling gifts, and maintaining accurate records in Salesforce.
• Proactively identify and research at least five new funding prospects monthly that align with DREAM’s strategic priorities, presenting recommendations to senior leadership.

• Portfolio Management
• Support the cultivation and stewardship of 75 institutional funders at the $10,000+ level
• Track and manage the strategic next steps for prospective and current donors, with a focus on securing new, renewal, and increased gifts
• Develop meeting strategy, funder briefings, and donor research for senior leadership
• Plan donor visits, tours, and events with funders to showcase the impact of philanthropic contributions and the ongoing needs of DREAM
• Identify and qualify new foundation prospects to build DREAM’s funding base

• Grant Writing
• Write compelling grant proposals, renewals, and reports with persuasive narratives, accurate data, and detailed financials
• Draft program briefings and funding ideas that align with DREAM priorities and specific funder interests
• Clearly articulate DREAM’s case for support to create persuasive proposals tailored to funder priorities
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships key internal stakeholders, including Advancement, Communications, Data, and Finance teams, to support the grant writing process

• Grant Operations
• Adhere to a detailed grant calendar, ensuring all submissions and deliverables are completed on time
• Manage and optimize the operational systems of the Institutional Giving team to ensure efficiency and alignment with the Major Gifts Program
• Track progress towards revenue goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) in collaboration with the Director, proactively identifying areas for improvement
• Accurately allocate and track restricted grant revenue, ensuring compliance with donor restrictions
• Collaborate with the Senior Coordinator of Advancement Operations to maintain Salesforce alignment, reconcile monthly revenue, and oversee donor acknowledgment processes.

• Bachelor’s Degree, required
• A minimum of 3 years grant writing experience and a proven track record of successfully securing institutional gifts, required
• Knowledge of Salesforce, strongly preferred
• Knowledge of the New York City philanthropic sector, especially as it relates to education or youth development, preferred
• Superb written and verbal communications skills, including the ability to write and edit persuasively as well as tailor materials to different audiences
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with staff at all levels, ability to interact with donors, and ability to represent the organization with tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
• Ability to work in a face-paced environment while managing multiple tasks under pressure and meeting deadlines
• Ability to problem-solve and suggest solutions
• Highly collaborative with the capacity to work across departments as well as independently
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, specifically, the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group of donors, staff, students, and families
• A strong belief in the mission and values of DREAM, including the desire to make a difference in the lives of our students, families, and community.

• The Manager of Institutional Giving is part of the Advancement Team, which currently works 3 days in the office and up to 2 days remote, per week (subject to change).

• We offer comprehensive benefits including:
• Flexible Medical Health Plans,  subsidizing the majority of costs for the employee, their spouse/domestic partner and children;
• The ability to select between a variety of medical plans according to what best suits the employee’s needs;
• Dental and vision plans;
• Disability benefits;
• Life insurance;
• Up to 12 weeks fully paid of Parental Leave; 
• Flexible spending account options;
• Pre-tax commuter benefits (parking and transit);
• Fitness and entertainment discounts;
• A variety of support through our employee assistance program (EAP);
• A 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching up to 4% after one year of employment
• Referral bonuses;
• All full-time Network Support Team employees are eligible for approximately 48 days off throughout the year including holidays, sick days, personal days and summer Fridays.
• Benefits are subject to change.

• DREAM offers a competitive salary commensurate with relevant experience with the potential for an annual performance-based increase. The incoming salary range for this position is $80,000  to $95,000 per year. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary closer to the start of the range depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role. All staff are eligible for annual performance-based increases. Because we value staff tenure in each role, we do not currently cap salary ranges.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At DREAM, diversity, equity, and inclusion are a matter of mission. 

From our schools to our playing fields, DREAM is committed to building a team where each individual can bring their full identity and experience to work because representation matters—it enriches our team culture, enhances our ability to innovate, and strengthens our impact in and out of the classroom. DREAM engages staff that represent and appreciate the diversity of our majority Black and Hispanic student body, while working to ensure that our practices are equitable, welcoming, and productive. We are dedicated to creating a world where youth, especially youth of color, have permission to dream—along with the tools and opportunities to make their dreams reality.

Come dream with us.

DREAM Maxims 

All Kids Can. This Kid Can.

DREAM is Family.

Fun is a Serious Value.

Teamwork Makes the DREAM Work.

Fail. Persist. Exceed.

DREAM Big.

Applying to DREAM

We know applying for a new job can be a daunting process. In addition, studies have shown that historically underrepresented individuals often only apply to roles if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We encourage all applications! You may be just the person we need. If you have any questions about your application or interview process, do not hesitate to ask your recruiter; we are here to help!

DREAM provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. If accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact your recruiter.