Principal, Institutional Giving

Ownership Works is seeking a Principal, Institutional Giving to help strengthen our institutional fundraising pipeline and portfolio to support the organization’s continued growth.

This senior individual contributor role will manage a portfolio of independent and corporate foundation funders and prospects, with additional responsibility for collaborating with team members on the development of a corporate sponsorship program for the organization.

Reporting to the Director of Advancement & Partnerships, the Principal will be a lead member of the Advancement team and focus on cultivating and stewarding relationships with high-leverage corporate and foundation prospects, advancing practice innovation, and expanding the organization’s funding base. The Principal will work closely with colleagues across the organization, including on the Networks & Partnerships team, to maximize relationships with institutional donors and prospects.

This entrepreneurial role will require a senior front-line fundraiser with deep experience of the institutional funder landscape in New York City and across the country. The ability to manage multiple priorities and manage relationships will be key to success in this role.

The Principal will be a lead member of a 7-person Advancement team and will be integral to the team raising $7M+ annually from institutions, with a focus on securing and stewarding 6- and 7-figure institutional gifts.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio and Pipeline Management

• Effectively manage a portfolio of 30+ independent and corporate foundation funders and prospects, focusing on long-term relationship building and revenue growth
• Conduct regular 1:1 meetings with funders and prospects as needed (specific KPIs are in development).
• Leverage key relationships on the Board to strengthen applications.
• Lead and co-develop cultivation strategies for new prospects and current funders for renewal, including preparing senior leadership for high-stakes meetings and advancing opportunities through to close.
• Demonstrate full grant portfolio leadership, managing a portfolio end-to-end, including prospecting, proposal development, reporting, renewals, and stewardship, while maintaining clear systems and meeting multiple deadlines.
• Analyze portfolio performance and pipeline data to identify trends, risks, and growth opportunities.
• Contribute to refining O.W.’s institutional funding strategy, including segmentation, positioning, and long-term pipeline development.
• Identify and execute on the most promising opportunities to grow revenue from institutional partners across foundation and corporate channels.

Grant Writing

• Craft well-written and concise concept notes, grant applications, and reports that are tailored to the institution’s focus areas.

Corporate Sponsorship Program Management & Innovation

• Working with Advancement and Networks & Partnerships leadership, design and implement a corporate sponsorship strategy.
• In collaboration with the Networks & Partnership team, secure corporate sponsorships that support O.W.’s programs and priorities.

Cross-Team Leadership & Internal Collaboration

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the institutional team lead, Senior Director, Advancement, and broader Management team on institutional giving.
• Operate as a force multiplier for the Advancement team by raising the quality, rigor, and impact of our funder deliverables and relationship management.
• Partner closely with Client Advisory Services, Finance, Data & Impact, Networks & Partnerships, and MarComms to align institutional fundraising efforts with team and organizational priorities.
• Provide informal leadership across the Advancement team, raising the bar on fundraising practices, materials, and execution.
• Strengthen internal systems, workflows, and best practices to improve team effectiveness and scalability.

This is a role for someone who can own relationships, close gifts, and shape strategy—and who is excited to help build a high-performing fundraising function in a fast-growing, mission-driven organization.

About You

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (required)
• 6–9+ years of experience working in fundraising, with specific experience in institutional fundraising, including managing relationships with foundations, banks, and corporate philanthropy contacts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to lead relationships with institutions and foundation leaders, building strong connections.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize information and data into clear insights and contribute to strategic decision-making.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparing clear, compelling grant materials, reports, decks, and ability to translate complex programmatic work and impact data into clear, compelling narratives.
• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment with strong judgment and independence.
• Experience in a fast-growing, entrepreneurial, or mission-driven organization (preferred).
• High standards for quality, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Experience operating in complex, multi-stakeholder environments (e.g., investors, companies, donors, or mission-driven partners).
• Familiarity with economic inclusion, corporate responsibility, capital markets, or related fields.

Ownership Works is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway.

Additional Information

Compensation

We offer competitive compensation that reflects the impact of this role and is informed by factors such as experience, skills, and business needs. For candidates based in New York City, the expected salary range is $145,000 - $160,000, plus an annual discretionary, performance-based bonus.

Benefits

We’re committed to making Ownership Works an exceptional place to work. We invest meaningfully in our people and are continually evolving how we support their growth, wellbeing, and success. Our benefits include:

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage for you and your family (medical, dental, and vision)
• Unlimited paid time off and a generous holiday schedule (including the last week of the year), so you can recharge when you need to.
• 401(k) with generous employer contributions to support your long-term financial wellbeing.
• 18 weeks of fully paid parental leave
• Fully covered life insurance, short-term, and long-term disability plans
• Flexible hybrid work model, with two days in our NYC office per week and additional work-from-home flex time as needed.
• Annual professional development budget to support your growth and learning.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ownership Works is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status.

E-Verify

We use the federal E-Verify system to confirm the employment authorization of all newly hired employees.