The Programs Manager serves as a strategic leader responsible for driving Our Client's grants, fundraising, partnerships, and stakeholder engagement initiatives. Reporting to the Executive Director, the successful candidate will oversee the development and implementation of fundraising strategies, identify and secure grant opportunities, manage donor relationships, and ensure effective delivery and reporting of grant-funded programs. The role requires a highly experienced professional who can build strategic partnerships, strengthen stakeholder relationships, oversee grant management processes, and provide leadership to the Grants & Partnerships team while supporting the Foundation's Education, Health, and Shelter initiatives.
Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy & Resource Mobilization: Develop and implement an annual fundraising strategy with clear quarterly and monthly milestones to achieve the Foundation's revenue targets. Identify and pursue new funding opportunities from local and international donors while strengthening existing fundraising channels. Build sustainable relationships with donors, volunteers, corporate organizations, trusts, foundations, and development partners to increase funding, donor retention, and long-term engagement.
Grant Writing & Grant Management: Lead the identification, development, and submission of high-quality grant proposals, concept notes, pitch decks, and donor presentations. Manage the full grant lifecycle, including application, negotiation, implementation, reporting, compliance, and close-out. Coordinate grant agreements and ensure timely execution of donor requirements. Work closely with program teams to monitor project implementation and prepare high-quality donor reports and impact assessments.
Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement: Develop and manage strategic partnerships with corporate organizations, government agencies, development organizations, foundations, and international partners. Build and maintain a comprehensive partnerships database while ensuring effective engagement with key stakeholders. Plan and coordinate stakeholder meetings, donor engagement events, partnership forums, press conferences, recognition events, and other initiatives that strengthen the Foundation's visibility and impact.
Program Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting: Oversee the preparation and submission of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on grants, partnerships, fundraising performance, and program impact for Executive Management and the Board. Collaborate with the Monitoring & Evaluation team to develop baseline studies, impact assessments, and performance measurement frameworks. Regularly evaluate fundraising and partnership performance, identify improvement opportunities, and recommend strategies for increased donor engagement and revenue generation.
Team Leadership & Capacity Development: Provide leadership and direction to the Grants & Partnerships team to ensure high performance and accountability. Build strong collaborative relationships across departments to support organizational objectives. Identify staff development needs through coaching, mentoring, and training while supporting recruitment, onboarding, and performance management of staff, interns, and volunteers.
Budget Planning & Financial Management: Develop and manage departmental budgets and operational plans that support grants and partnership activities. Monitor program expenditures to ensure alignment with approved budgets and donor requirements. Ensure financial reports and supporting documentation comply with funding agreements and organizational financial policies.
Job Requirements
Education
Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Business Administration, Public Administration, Development Studies, International Relations, or a related discipline.
A Master's degree in Project Management, Development Studies, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field is an added advantage.
Professional certifications in Project Management, Grant Management, Fundraising, or Monitoring & Evaluation are desirable.
Experience
Minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience.
At least 5 years in fundraising, grants management, partnerships, client services, or program management within the nonprofit, development, or social impact sector.
Demonstrated success in securing grants from local and international donor organizations.
Proven experience managing donor-funded projects and stakeholder relationships.
Skills & Knowledge
Strong grant writing and proposal development skills.
Excellent fundraising and donor engagement capabilities.
Sound knowledge of grants management and donor compliance requirements.
Experience in stakeholder and partnership management.
Strong project management and program implementation skills.
Excellent report writing, presentation, and communication skills.
Strong analytical, budgeting, and financial management skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Experience using AI tools, research platforms, data analysis applications, and data visualization software.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Attitude & Behavioral Traits
Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving abilities.
Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills.
Results-oriented with strong attention to detail.
Highly organized with excellent planning and execution skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.
Strong leadership and people management capabilities.
Adaptable, innovative, and proactive.
High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
Strong client service orientation and commitment to organizational values.