Director, National Grants and Foundation Relations

Description

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is seeking an experienced, strategic, and mission-driven development professional to serve as National Director, Grants and Foundation Relations. This is a growth-oriented leadership role responsible for building and scaling a dynamic national foundation and grants program that generates over $40 million annually as part of the Partner and Corporate relations portfolio, in support of ADA’s national and global initiatives.

As a key architect of this evolving function, the National Director will lead the expansion of the ADA’s grants infrastructure—designing systems, developing and growing team capacity, and driving a bold vision to increase support for innovative research, critical programming, and accredited education. The ideal candidate brings a strong track record in developing science- and medical-led seven-figure proposals, securing funding from U.S. and global foundations, and managing complex stakeholder relationships.

This is a unique opportunity for a proactive, entrepreneurial leader to shape and grow a high-impact program that will deepen ADA’s reach and accelerate its mission.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy, execution, and growth of ADA’s foundation and grants program, with direct accountability for $10M+ in annual revenue.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective foundation partners, including program officers, through effective stewardship, collaboration, and aligned vision.
• Design and implement fundraising strategies to increase long-term support from existing funders while identifying new domestic and international opportunities that align with ADA’s mission.
• Drive a robust foundation fundraising program aimed at increasing philanthropic investment in the organization’s key priorities over the next several years.
• Collaborate closely with the Chief Development Officer, executive team, and senior leadership to align grant priorities with ADA’s mission, programs, and emerging opportunities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop current team member, building capacity to manage a diverse and growing foundation portfolio focused on results, collaboration, and execution excellence.
• Champion cross-functional collaborations across departments to support multidisciplinary grant proposals that reflect the full scope of ADA’s work.
• Ensure high-quality proposal development and stewardship, including project planning, stakeholder coordination, deliverable tracking, and funder communications.
• Proactively research philanthropic trends and foundation giving landscapes to inform strategy and identify high-value prospects.
• Ensure full compliance with all grant requirements, funding guidelines, and reporting expectations.
• Continuously evolve ADA’s internal systems, disciplines, and processes for foundation engagement, from pipeline development to impact reporting.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in a relevant field is a plus.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience leading foundation relations and grant strategy, preferably in a health, science, or policy-focused nonprofit.
• Proven ability to manage and grow a seven-figure portfolio of foundation donors and produce compelling, complex proposals—especially in science, medicine, or public health domains.
• Demonstrated success securing U.S. and global foundation funding, including coordinating internal and external stakeholders to co-create aligned grant concepts.
• Strong writing and communication skills with experience crafting grant proposals, reports, presentations, and budget justifications.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills with acute attention to detail.
• Effective leader and team builder with the ability to collaborate across functions and motivate high performance.
• Strong analytical, research, interpersonal, and facilitation skills.
  
  

WHY WORK HERE

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) offers a rewarding career working for one of the premier voluntary health organizations in the world supporting people with type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. Our employees like working at the ADA because of our mission, the inclusive environment, work-life balance, our benefits and our culture:

• Industry competitive base pay ranging from $110,000 - $130,000 for this role. Base offers are determined by several factors including but not limited to your relevant work experience, education, certifications, location, internal pay equity, etc.
• A culture of recognition including new hire welcome announcements, service anniversary awards, referral bonuses, monthly All Employee Assembly, appreciation awards
• Generous Paid Time Off, including holidays, vacation days, personal days and sick days
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), disability & life insurance, pet insurance and retirement savings
• Guided by our mission, we provide top tier diabetes supply coverage through our medical benefits program
• A company focus on offering mental health programs and work/life balance with most of our employees working remote
• Joining our dedicated team affords the gratification of knowing beyond a doubt that you will impact the lives and well-being of millions
  
  

Req Number DEV-25-00034

About the Organization The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is a leader in the fight to end diabetes. Our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. We provide lifesaving education and resources backed by trusted experts to help people learn how to make life with diabetes easier until the day diabetes is gone for good. Through research, the ADA searches relentlessly for a cure and supports the professionals who provide direct care. Our team is on the ground fighting for those with diabetes who suffer discrimination, health inequity, high health care costs and so much more. Employees of the ADA embrace this mission and vision and keep people living with diabetes at the center of everything we do.

EOE Statement It is the policy of the American Diabetes Association to provide equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.