Advancement Manager at Project Lead The Way (PLTW) – Indianapolis, Indiana

OVERVIEW

The Advancement Manager oversees all funder reporting and deliverables, working cross-functionally to obtain data and resources necessary to complete deliverables and to maintain grant compliance for all grants awarded to PLTW. The Advancement Manager will use discretion and independent judgement to develop and implement strategies to enhance partner recognition and engagement, with a focus on securing renewed and increased financial support. The Advancement Manager is pivotal in fostering strong relationships with partners, leveraging insights and data to maximize engagement and support. Occasional travel required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage a master calendar of grant deliverables and collaborate with the Research Team to collect and analyze data for detailed reports. Work with account owners, project leads, and the grants team to ensure accurate and timely submissions.
• Build and implement streamlined, scalable onboarding processes for new partners and philanthropic supporters. Develop and maintain onboarding materials, internal workflows, and communication templates. Onboard new partners with a partner toolkit, share and track ongoing engagement opportunities.
• Plan and coordinate partner stewardship and engagement activities—including school visits, the bi-annual virtual CEO Corporate & Foundation Forum and thought leadership opportunities in collaboration with the Impact team. Ensure these activities deepen relationships, showcase impact, and highlight partner stories that demonstrate the value of collaboration.
• Manage PLTW’s comprehensive recognition and stewardship program in collaboration with the Advancement team, ensuring partners receive timely and meaningful engagement that strengthens satisfaction, retention, and alignment with PLTW’s mission. Coordinate closely with the Marketing team to amplify recognition efforts and highlight impactful partnerships through storytelling and promotion.
• Foster strong relationships with both new and existing partners. Oversee and maintain partner approvals for promotional and marketing preferences in collaboration with the Marketing Team.
• Design and execute surveys and other feedback mechanisms to assess partner satisfaction and identify areas for improvement. Analyze data and trends from partner feedback to recommend improvements to onboarding, messaging, and relationship management practices.
• Collaborate with the Vice President of Advancement to qualify new corporate and foundation prospects through discovery meetings and initial engagement, assessing alignment with PLTW. Manage select partner relationships directly and support the transition of prospects to senior account owners as appropriate, contributing to pipeline development and long-term revenue growth.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in education, philanthropy, social impact sectors, or a related field of study, or relevant experience.
• Experience in fundraising, strategic partnerships, relationship management, program management, or related fields.
• Experience with CRM systems.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and be detail-oriented.
• Ability to take initiative and work proactively.
• Ability to work independently, resourcefully seek answers, and remove obstacles.
• Results-oriented with the ability to consistently meet deadlines.
• Ability to perform at both the strategic and tactical levels.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters with discretion, integrity, and tact.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to influence professionally and constructively.
• Accountable and takes ownership.
• Excellent judgment and ability to adapt to changing priorities with ease and efficiency.
• Ability to think analytically to assess partner needs and develop tailored strategies.