How you’ll impact our mission:

The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) is hiring a full-time Grants Manager to support and advance funding initiatives that strengthen and expand WHS’s grants program. This position is the primary grant writer for the organization and is responsible for all aspects of the grant management cycle as well as the cultivation and stewardship of a growing portfolio of institutional funders with a focus on long-term, strategic partnerships that advance WHS’s mission and impact. The Grants Manager reports to theVice President of Developmentand is a hybrid role working primarily from our Summit Place office in West Allis. If you’re looking for a rewarding career that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of animals and people while working alongside a supportive team, apply today!

Key accountabilities:

Institutional Giving Strategy and Grant Management

• Manage the full grant lifecycle—from research and proposal development to submission, reporting, and stewardship—for a portfolio of institutional funders generating $1M annually.
• Collaborate with the VP of Development and program leaders to align funding opportunities with organizational priorities and emerging initiatives.
• Maintain and monitor a detailed grants calendar, ensuring timely submissions and compliance with funder requirements.
• Track and evaluate grant performance to identify trends, share insights, and drive continuous improvement.

Funder Cultivation and Relationship Growth

• Build and sustain strong relationships with institutional partners and proactively identify and cultivate new funding prospects that align with WHS’s strategic priorities.
• Partner and strategize with program and development staff to design compelling engagement opportunities for funders, including site visits, updates, and events.

Collaboration and Learning

• Serve as a key connector between the development team, program leaders, and other departments to translate program outcomes, stories, and impact metrics into compelling, data-driven proposals, reports, and funder communications.
• Support a culture of shared learning, continuous improvement, and innovation, regularly evaluating and refining grant content and processes for efficiency, effectiveness, and voice.
• Stay current on trends in institutional philanthropy, animal welfare, and human services funding to inform strategic grant initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Four or more years of experience in nonprofit development, grant writing, or institutional giving; equivalent experience in related fields will also be considered.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to translate program needs into compelling narratives.
• Demonstrated success in cultivating and managing relationships with funding partners.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• A collaborative mindset driven by curiosity, growth, and innovation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; experience with Raiser’s Edge or other CRM systems preferred.
• Demonstrated alignment with our mission, people-centered philosophy, and organizational values of compassion, respect, and kindness; innovation; professionalism; equity; and positive approach.
• Ability to navigate emotional aspects of animal welfare work.

Hiring range: $56,000-$66,000

Benefits for our full-time staff include:

• Paid time off, including vacation, wellness, and holiday time
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match
• Paid family leave
• Group term and voluntary life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Flexible spending plans
• Health savings account (HSA)
• Supplemental benefits to cover unexpected expenses

Benefits for all staff include:

• 403(b) retirement plan
• Mental health and counseling support: all employees and members of their household have access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with six free counseling sessions per year
• Limited low-cost wellness and veterinary care services for staff members’ animals
• Discounts on adoption fees, training classes, youth programs, retail and events
• Support for student loans: WHS is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer.

 

Come see why over 280 staff call WHS home! You’ll be happy you did!

 

About us:

The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) is the oldest and largest shelter in Wisconsin. It was founded in 1879 and operates shelters in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Door, Brown, and Kenosha Counties, as well as a Spay/Neuter Clinic in West Allis. The organization offers adoption services, youth programs, low-cost veterinary resources, retail stores, volunteer programs, dog training classes, and much more. The Milwaukee Campus also houses the state’s busiest Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. WHS is an independent nonprofit and receives no general government funding and is not part of any national umbrella group.

The Wisconsin Humane Society is an equal opportunity employer.