At USA for UNHCR, our people are the driving force behind our mission of delivering hope and opportunity to refugees worldwide. We're not just a workplace - we're a vibrant community of passionate, forward-thinking professionals committed to making a real difference. If you thrive in a dynamic, transparent, and data-driven environment, and want your career to directly impact lives across the globe, we invite you to join us!
SUMMARY
USA for UNHCR is seeking a highly strategic, relationship-centered, and detail-oriented Manager, Program Engagement to lead the development of high-value proposals for principal donors. This role is essential to ensuring donors and prospects are presented with clear, compelling proposals and other donor facing materials that demonstrate needs, inspire philanthropic investment, and demonstrate the impact of their generosity.
The Manager, Program Engagement is responsible for producing concept notes, proposals, and impact reports, while serving as a key liaison between fundraisers and UNHCR focal points. This role requires the ability to translate complex programmatic and technical content into compelling, donor-centered narratives.
The role drives excellence in project management, cross-functional coordination, and compliance. It also requires strong editorial judgment, advanced stakeholder management, and a private philanthropy perspective that prioritizes relationship-driven, emotionally resonant communications.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage a portfolio of complex funding opportunities involving multiple stakeholders, workstreams, and deadlines, ensuring timely execution, clear accountability, and effective project management throughout the opportunity lifecycle
- Lead the development of concept notes, proposals and reports from conception through delivery, including outreach to UNHCR to identify programs and activities that align with donor interests, drafting, and finalizing proposals, concept notes, and reports
- Serve as a strategic liaison between fundraisers and UNHCR focal points, maintaining strong relationships, transparent communication, and effective coordination to advance donor cultivation and stewardship
- Lead complex negotiations with UNHCR and internal stakeholders, ensuring objectives, project terms, and deliverables are clearly defined, agreed upon, and met
- Develop compelling, relationship-centered proposals and donor materials that synthesize complex programmatic, technical, and budget information into clear, persuasive content demonstrating need, impact, and funding outcomes for principal gift audiences
- Craft concise, emotionally resonant narratives that incorporate human stories and context to strengthen donor engagement, deepen connection, and inspire philanthropic support
- Coordinate and guide the creation of evergreen content tailored for private philanthropy audiences, ensuring alignment with annual priorities and donor engagement calendars
- Serve as a subject matter expert on UNHCR programs, emergencies, and thematic priorities, and on USA for UNHCR and donor requirements, proactively identifying opportunities and strengthening donor-facing materials
- Ensure strict compliance with USA for UNHCR and UNHCR policies, donor requirements, technical specifications, and reporting obligations, including conducting quality reviews prior to submission
- Establish standardized workflows, resource materials, and process improvements to streamline collaboration, enhance efficiency, and elevate organizational practices in funding opportunity development
- Build organizational capacity by supporting and delivering staff training on UNHCR priorities, donor expectations, funding processes, and effective proposal development
- Support the development of corporate, foundation, and civil society funding opportunities as needed, including outreach to UNHCR, proposal development, and donor reporting
- Perform other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred
- 5 or more years of experience in proposal and grant writing for principal donors and in project or grant management
- Experience in international programs and fundraising/donor relations for private philanthropy preferred.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Proven ability to synthesize complex and technical information into clear, compelling content for principal donors as well as to develop technical materials, including proposals, grant applications, budgets, and impact reports
- Experience managing or supervising staff, including goal setting, coaching, and performance monitoring, with the ability and interest to take on people management responsibilities to support organizational growth
- Strong knowledge of grant management, project management principles, and proposal development processes
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple high-priority projects in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail, follow through, and adaptability
- Strong decision making, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities, with skill in navigating diverse stakeholder dynamics and communicating diplomatically
- Ability to identify and implement workflow and process improvements that increase team efficiency and operational clarity
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, Salesforce or similar CRMs, and project management tools such as Jira
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, respond quickly to evolving needs, and maintain an inclusive, growth-oriented team environment
- Commitment to providing high-quality customer service to internal and external stakeholders
- Understanding of refugee issues, humanitarian programs, and global affairs, gained through professional or lived experience
WORK LOCATION
Hybrid + DC + May also involve travel to some locations within the company’s region of operations and select donor locations.
COMPENSATION
$100,485 - $109,620
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Please apply immediately or by September 20, 2026
WHY YOU'LL LOVE WORKING HERE
We're proud to be consistently recognized as a Great Place to Work, a reflection of our deep commitment to employee well-being, growth, and purpose. Our benefits are designed to support your whole life, not just your work life. While specific offerings may evolve over time, highlights currently include:
- Comprehensive health coverage, including employer-paid employee medical options (traditional and HSA plans)
- Flexible savings accounts, including FSA and HSA
- Industry-leading 401(k) match
- Lifestyle Spending Account to support your wellness
- Mental and financial wellness resources
- Paid time off, including a paid winter break and sabbatical leave at key milestones
- Volunteer Time-Off to support your community engagement
- Professional development support
- Access to tools like Headspace for mindfulness and mental health
Please note: Benefits are reviewed regularly and subject to change.
DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS
USA for UNHCR will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
USA for UNHCR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Refugees and all other protected classes are encouraged to apply.
Why Join USA for UNHCR?
Joining USA for UNHCR means becoming part of a people-first organization that lives its values every day. We're passionate about creating meaningful change, dynamic in our collaborative approach, and transparent in how we work together to support refugees. By embracing cutting-edge solutions and a data-driven mindset, we stay forward-thinking, ensuring your unique talents fuel innovation and impact. Here, you'll grow alongside a supportive team, develop your skills in a nurturing environment, and see the transformative power of your work - on the lives of refugees and on your own journey.
Ready to make a difference while being a part of a team that truly cares about you? We'd love to hear from you! Apply today, and let's create a brighter future together.