About Illinois Policy Institute

The Illinois Policy Institute (IPI) is the strongest voice for taxpayers in the state. We stand up for regular Illinoisans who deserve a voice in their government, but have been ignored in favor of special interests for too long. We educate and engage Illinoisans from all walks of life to ensure our state is a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Illinois is a place we should all be proud to call home.

The Illinois Policy Institute is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research organization. Our partner organization, Illinois Policy, is an independent, nonpartisan 501(c)(4) advocacy organization.

Position Summary

The Grants Manager is responsible for supporting IPI’s fundraising efforts through foundation and institutional giving. Duties include but are not limited to writing grant proposals, reviewing and compiling reports, written and verbal communications with foundations, managing multiple foundation relationships, research, and supporting the development team with all strategic fundraising initiatives.

The Grants Manager must be willing to travel for foundation and grant meetings as well as team meetings in the Chicago area. Candidates in Chicago would work out of the Chicago office, while candidates out of state are able to work remotely. Salary is commensurate with experience and includes a full benefits package. This role reports directly to the Chief Development Officer.

Responsibilities

  • Manage a portfolio of foundation supporters, maintaining consistent communication and cultivating strong, long-term relationships.
  • Identify, research, and evaluate prospective foundation funding opportunities aligned with IPI’s mission and initiatives.
  • Develop and submit compelling grant proposals, renewal requests, reports, and all other materials.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for foundation supporters and prospective funders, ensuring timely and professional verbal and written communication.
  • Manage the full grant lifecycle, including tracking applications, providing progress reports, renewal deadlines, and overall compliance with funder requirements.
  • Maintain accurate and complete foundation records, correspondence, and additional documentation.
  • Coordinate with internal teams to gather necessary program information, financial information, and any other materials needed for proposals and reports.
  • Partner with the Chief Development Officer regarding any additional development and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

  • 3-5+ years of professional experience in grant writing, foundation relations, nonprofit development, fundraising, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated experience writing compelling grant proposals and securing foundation funding.
  • Ability to travel up to 25%. Candidates located outside of Chicago will have increased travel expectations.
  • Experience managing the full grant lifecycle, including prospect research, proposal development, submission, reporting, compliance, and renewals.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate IPI’s work into persuasive proposals.
  • Strong research skills and the ability to identify, evaluate, and prioritize new foundation opportunities.
  • Professionalism and discretion when working with donors and highly confidential information.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast and entrepreneurial work environment, demonstrating adaptability, resourcefulness, and willingness to take initiative on new projects and challenges.
  • Self-motivated and highly accountable, with the ability to meet deadlines, manage priorities, and deliver results.

Compensation

Range of $75,000 – $95,000 base salary, commensurate with experience. Compensation package includes health (medical and dental plans with employer-paid share), 401(k), flexible spending benefits, and vacation and sick days.

Location

  • Candidates based in the Chicago area are expected to work from IPI’s Chicago office.
  • Candidates located outside the Chicago area may work remotely but must be comfortable traveling to Chicago and other locations as needed for team meetings and donor or foundation meetings.
  • All candidates should be comfortable working with colleagues and external partners in in-person and in remote settings.

How to Apply

To apply, qualified individuals should submit the following application materials in one PDF document:

  • Cover letter including:
    • Your interest in the mission of Illinois Policy Institute, and why you’re a good fit for the role
    • Salary requirements
  • Resume

Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/.

Questions can be directed to Bailey Drouant, Project Manager at Talent Market, who is managing the search process: [email protected].

There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled.

While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.

Talent Market, the liberty movement’s talent agency, is a nonprofit that connects liberty-minded professionals with free-market nonprofit jobs at no cost to candidates or organizations. We work with 501(c)(3) organizations that clearly and directly focus on advancing the principles of economic freedom, free enterprise, free trade, free speech, property rights, rule of law, and limited regulation. Visit Talent Market to explore open roles, join our talent network, or work with us on your next hire.