Grants and Engagement Manager

posted 1/8/26

Freshwater Future is a catalyst for community action that strengthens policies designed to safeguard the waters of the Great Lakes region.  We help create and strengthen community action on water by providing grants and professional development services to over 2,000 community groups working on local issues impacting their water. Through this engagement with groups, we learn of and track emerging issues that impact many communities in the region, and are able to synthesize those concerns into strategic policy solutions. We elevate the voices of many communities to the state, provincial and federal level where policy change happens.

The Grants and Engagement Manager is responsible for coordinating and managing Freshwater Future’s outgoing grants programs and supporting a base of community level organizations working to protect water in the Great Lakes region and connecting those organizations to policy opportunities of interest. 

Primary Job Responsibilities:

• Lead and restructure Freshwater Future’s outgoing grant programs.
• Track grant outcomes and develop stories of grant implementation success.
• Write blog posts, newsletter articles, and success stories about grant outcomes.
• Manage grant program staff.
• Oversee grant database maintenance.
• Provide training, coordination and engagement opportunities to grassroots water efforts.
• Connect local community efforts to each other.
• Coordinate networks of grassroots groups.
• Assist with organizational planning and fundraising.
• Initiate and set goals for programs based on the organization’s strategic objectives.
• Plan programs from start to finish, including identifying processes, deadlines and milestones.
• Develop operations plans and budgets.
• Prepare funding proposals and reports to support programs.

General Job Requirements:

• Participate in management decisions for the organization.
• Participate and assist with Freshwater Future staff meetings and events.
• Attend board meetings as appropriate.
• Assist with organizational planning.

Position Type:  The Grants and Engagement Manager position will be a full-time position. Job location is negotiable within the Great Lakes region.  Freshwater Future is an equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications: The Grants and Engagement Manager will have excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrated leadership skills, strategic mindset, problem-solving skills, nonprofit or advocacy background, excellent verbal and written communication skills, excellent computer skills, expertise using and learning digital communications tools, experience with program and staff management, Bachelor’s degree preferred. The position requires excellent organizational skills, ability to work independently and a commitment to equity and inclusion. Travel is required.

Compensation: Salary Range –  $60,000-$68,000, depending on experience.  Full benefits including health, dental, vision, retirement, disability insurance, paid time off. To apply please send by e-mail a resume and cover letter to:  stephanie@freshwaterfuture.org