The Marine Science Institute (MSI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring environmental stewardship and scientific curiosity through hands-on marine science education. Serving approximately 50,000 students annually across Northern California, MSI delivers immersive learning experiences through shipboard Discovery Voyages, shoreside programs, in-school outreach, and camps.

 

Marine Science Institute is located in Redwood City, CA, on the San Francisco Bay. MSI’s site is a “rustic” outdoor education facility that includes both indoor and outdoor settings, live marine animals, and boats.

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Job type: Full-time

Hours: Mostly weekdays with occasional evenings and Saturdays.

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Compensation:

• Salary $75,00 - $85,000

• Eligible for medical and dental benefits after 60 days.

• 2 weeks accrued paid time off, plus holidays

• 1 week paid time off in December around the holidays

• Match of up to 5% of employee’s annual salary contribution to retirement account

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Position Description:

The Institutional Giving Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and managing MSI’s institutional fundraising strategy, including foundation, corporate, and government funding. Reporting to the Development Director, this role partners closely with program, finance, and executive leadership to secure and steward institutional funding that supports MSI’s mission and strategic priorities.

This position plays a critical role in advancing MSI’s contributed revenue goals and ensuring strong funder relationships, accurate reporting, and effective internal coordination.

 

Position Responsibilities: 

 

Grant Proposal Development

• Research, identify, and cultivate institutional funding prospects aligned with MSI priorities

• Develop and submit Letters of Intent, proposals, sponsorship requests, and applications ranging from $5,000 to $500,000+

• Serve as the primary internal point of contact for grant-related questions, ideas, and coordination

• Collaborate with program managers and leadership to develop compelling narratives, metrics, and outcomes

• Create and manage proposal timelines and internal deadlines

• Develop proposal budgets in collaboration with program staff and finance, ensuring fully loaded costs

• Maintain accurate tracking of proposals, submissions, and deadlines in Salesforce

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Donor Engagement

• Manage a portfolio of institutional funders and prospects, including cultivation and stewardship touchpoints

• Attend networking events and conferences to identify and steward institutional funding relationships

• Support donor site visits, stewardship meetings, and corporate volunteer engagement

• Assist with event sponsorships and institutional engagement opportunities

• Track all interactions and engagement activities in Salesforce

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Funder Reporting & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with grant agreements and alignment between funded programs and grant terms

• Coordinate with program and finance teams to collect data, metrics, and financial information for reports

• Prepare and submit timely narrative and financial reports to funders

• Follow up on grant payments and resolve delayed or missing disbursements

• Solicit funder feedback as appropriate and support ongoing relationship building

 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• 3–5+ years of professional experience in institutional fundraising, grant writing, or related development work

• Demonstrated success securing foundation, corporate, and/or government funding

• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly for fundraising

• Experience working cross-functionally with program, finance, and leadership teams

• Proficiency with Salesforce (NPSP preferred)

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience 

 

How to Apply

Submit a cover letter including wage/salary expectations along with resume to ashleyb@sfbaymsi.org. No phone calls or drop-in visits please.

 

Position open until filled.

 

The Marine Science Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building an inclusive workplace where all individuals feel welcome and respected. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, especially those from communities historically underrepresented in the environmental field.

 

Studies show some candidates may hesitate to apply if they don't meet every qualification. If you're excited about this role, we encourage you to apply.

 

MSI does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Reasonable accommodations are available as required by law.