Institutional Giving Officer

Aquarium of the Bay
Aquarium of the Bay

Posted on Nov 4, 2026

Reporting to the Director of Development, the Institutional Giving Officer is responsible for raising financial support from institutional funders requiring proposals, both for unrestricted and restricted revenue. The candidate should have a proven track record in producing successful grant proposals, excellent writing and communication skills and the ability to work in an innovative work environment.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Identify, cultivate, solicit, and secure funding from a growing portfolio of institutional funders including foundations, state and federal sources, corporations and individual donors.
  • Set and achieve specific fundraising goals for all 5 divisions of bay.org including programs of The Bay Institute, the Eco Center, the Sea Lion Center and Aquarium of the Bay.
  • Write proposals, reports, letters of inquiry, briefing materials for meetings and site visits, internal memos, and other documents.
  • Work with Director to conceptualize, develop, and implement strategies and craft pitches to fit funders’ goals and requirements. Work with colleagues throughout the organization to gather information and data for proposals and reports, and develop content for proposals and program budgets.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with funders.
  • Identify new potential funders including foundations, state and federal sources, corporate and individual funders to grown the institutional giving pipeline.
  • Plan and lead funder meetings and special events, engaging other staff and board members as needed.
  • Manage and oversee grant revenue status; work closely with the finance team to assure accuracy.
  • Work with Development Director to create annual institutional funding plan and set fundraising goals for programs of bay.org
  • Support activities that encompass the entire Development team, including event support.
  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
The successful candidate will have the following minimum qualifications:

  • Proven grant writing abilities of $100K or more with 3+ years of experience in positions with progressively increasing responsibility
  • Familiarity working with foundations, state and federal funders, as well as corporate and individual donors
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple time-driven deadlines
  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, advanced degree desirable
  • Track record of identifying and cultivating institutional funders
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate technical complexities with clarity and simplicity
  • Energetic go-getter who is a quick learner, resourceful, flexible, and can thrive in an innovative, dynamic, nonprofit environment
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Specific knowledge of PC-based computers with expertise in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
  • Expertise in donor database management systems a plus
  • Willingness and ability to travel, some weekends and evenings required

TO APPLY

To apply, please submit cover letter and resume to: Human Resources Director, Laura Canaya at [email hidden]. Please put “Institutional Giving Officer” in the subject line. Please include a writing sample and a portfolio of awarded grants.

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