This role is structured as a senior-level independent grants consultant engagement, serving as the primary architect and driver of Shelter Equity's U.S.-focused institutional funding strategy. This is an independent contractor position, not an employment position. The Senior Manager will operate with a high level of autonomy and accountability, owning the full institutional grants function—from strategy and pipeline development through proposal submission and reporting—while collaborating closely with senior leadership.
This role reports to the CEO and/or the Vice President of Global Development.
Scope of Work
Institutional Funding Strategy
- Design and execute a comprehensive U.S.-based institutional grants strategy targeting mission-aligned foundations, corporate philanthropic programs, and institutional funders.
- Identify, prioritize, and pursue grant opportunities from U.S.-based foundations, corporate giving programs, and institutional donors aligned with Shelter Equity’s mission.
- Build and manage a multi-year grants pipeline, including forecasts, timelines, and performance metrics.
- Lead donor cultivation through concept notes, letters of inquiry (LOIs), proposal decks, and investment narratives.
Grant Writing & Proposal Development
- Independently write and submit six- and seven-figure grant proposals with minimal oversight.
- Manage the full proposal lifecycle, including logic models, budgets, theories of change, sustainability plans, and organizational capacity narratives.
- Coordinate with global program partners to collect program data, outcomes, and evaluation metrics.
- Ensure all submissions meet a high standard of clarity, competitiveness, and donor alignment.
Donor Stewardship & Reporting
- Manage and steward relationships with foundation, corporate, and institutional grantmakers.
- Prepare and submit interim and final grant reports in compliance with funder requirements.
- Lead donor briefings, virtual meetings, and formal presentations as needed.
- Support the CEO and/or VP of Global Development in preparation for high-level donor conversations and cultivation opportunities.
Internal Coordination
- Collaborate with finance leadership on grant budgets, forecasting, and compliance.
- Coordinate with program teams to ensure strong monitoring, evaluation, and reporting practices.
- Strengthen internal grants processes, templates, and readiness systems.
Required Experience and Qualifications
- 7–10+ years of senior-level institutional grant writing and fundraising experience.
- Proven record securing multiple six- and seven-figure grants from U.S.-based foundations or corporate philanthropic programs.
- Exceptional strategic writing and storytelling skills.
- Deep understanding of the U.S. philanthropic and corporate giving landscapes.
- Ability to operate independently, manage priorities, and deliver outcomes without supervision.
- Experience working across multiple countries or complex program portfolios.
- Proficiency with grant management systems, CRMs, and pipeline tracking tools.
- BA/BSc/HND qualification.
Compensation & Contract Structure
- Salary Range: KES 160,000–200,000 per month, based on experience and performance.
- Structure: Independent contractor (no employee benefits provided).
- The contractor is responsible for all taxes, insurance, and statutory obligations.
- Location: Fully remote engagement.
- Contract Term: Initial contract term of 6 or 12 months, renewable based on performance.
What Success Looks Like
Within the first 12 months, the contractor will:
- Establish a well-organized, active institutional and corporate grants pipeline.
- Submit multiple high-quality proposals to aligned U.S. foundations and corporate funders.
- Secure significant new funding commitments.
- Strengthen Shelter Equity’s grants systems and internal readiness.
- Operate independently as a senior partner to the CEO and VP of Global Development.
