Who We Are:
A Black queer female-led organization, Research in Action leads projects that center community expertise to create stronger organizations and actionable solutions for racial justice. Using our Equity in Action model, we elevate community members as project leaders and support them in using their expertise to describe the problem, design the process to understand it and develop and use tools to gather information that gives them the insight to solve the problem — while also growing their power to create change in their communities beyond the project.
Work schedule
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There may be occasional evenings or weekends.
Location
This position is located in Minneapolis, MN 55411. No relocation assistance is being offered. Candidates must be able to meet twice per month with RIA team in Minneapolis.
Start date
Monday, June 1, 2026
Compensation
$58,000 - $62,000 annually, commensurate with experience. RIA provides medical benefits, technology stipend, paid national holidays, three weeks PTO, and two annual paid weeks of renewal (Dec 25-Jan 2, July 6-10)
Job Description
The Special Events & Grants Manager plays a pivotal role in advancing Research in Action's values and impact by implementing new and ongoing fundraising and grant management efforts that are critical to the organization's financial success. Supporting RIA's working relationship with the non-profit, the Equity in Action Way Foundation, this person will manage grant submissions and reporting, execute impactful special events or convenings while supporting the monthly engagement calendar, and foster program quality and outcomes aligned with secured funding.
As an Event Manager, you are to plan, manage, and execute key special events with support from the broader RIA team and in direct collaboration with the Statewide Partnerships Coordinator. This includes supportive maintenance of the monthly public engagement calendar as well as 2-3 major organizational events each year. For instance, this person will project-manage and execute the national convening, among other key events that raise our public profile in the community and bring in more potential funders.
As the Grants Manager, you are responsible for managing and stewarding a mature grants program. This role will manage RIA's grant portfolio, including writing proposals, leading funding execution, and completing reporting requirements. This includes a yearly report on the grant program's success shared with all RIA staff and other relevant stakeholders.
As Development and Fundraising Support, this person is responsible for supporting annual fundraising events or campaigns, maintaining a donor list, and fostering donor confidence.
Research in Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs.
This person must have the following:
• Strong oral and written communication skills to convey the mission and values of RIA to funders, board members, and other stakeholders who are important to the organization's fundraising success.
• Knowledge of grant writing standards and research techniques for prospect research. Strong critical thinking skills and ability to achieve results both individually and with others. Ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a team.
• Excellent time and project management skills with the ability to manage priorities to ensure work is completed in a timely and productive manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively in oral and written communication on an interpersonal or group level, including effective listening and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work with a positive outlook in a changing environment, quickly adjusting key priorities in response to the ever-changing dynamics of the organization.
• High degree of confidentiality, diplomacy, discretion, and tact.
• Knowledge of and ability to ethically use technological resources to accomplish work.
• Ability to effectively resolve a variety of problems and concerns within the scope of the organization's policies, practices, and procedures.
• Ability to occasionally work evenings and/or weekends, thereby adjusting their workweek accordingly.
• Will be expected to travel throughout the Twin Cities metro area to attend meetings and other events.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Supervisory Responsibilities:
• Provides leadership and direction to event volunteers and temporary project while coordinating with the broader RIA for input and review of draft proposals.
• Does not directly supervise anyone.
Events Management (40%)
• Plan, execute, and lead special and annual events that engage donors, raise funds, and strengthen stakeholder relationships.
• Manage event budgets, including tracking expenditures, forecasting costs, and ensuring alignment with approved funding allocations.
• Recruit, lead, and manage event committees and volunteer fundraising projects with the Statewide Partnerships Coordinator.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to create and distribute effective donor communications and marketing materials.
• Engage community partners and other relevant stakeholders for special events with support from the Statewide Partnerships Coordinator.
Grant Writing & Partnerships (50%)
• Manage Research in Action's grant portfolio, including writing proposals, leading funding execution, and completing reporting requirements.
• Conduct research on new grant opportunities aligned with Research in Action's mission and its community partners' needs.
• Collaborate with the Senior team to respond strategically to requests for special reports, collaterals, and non-grant materials.
• Produce a yearly report on the grant program's success
• Maintain and manage grant tracking systems (CRM or grant management database), including deadlines, reporting cycles, and funder communications.
• Coordinate and update the supervisor on timely gift entry, acknowledgment, and donor recognition.
Development & Fundraising Support (10%)
• Support accurate donor records and assist with CRM-based event forms, data entry, and communications.
• Independently plan, manage, and execute fundraising events and grant initiatives requiring strategic decision-making and independent judgment.
• Lead grant-related tasks, including report preparation and data tracking.
• Lead the creation and execution of the organization's Give to Max fundraising campaign.
• Provide backup support for donor and participant data management in collaboration with their supervisor.
Required Skills/Abilities:
• 3+ years of program leadership and grant writing, special events, fundraising, and/or grant writing.
• Attention to detail, project management, and ability to organize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Proven track record of meeting program outcome and development goals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience measuring data and outcomes of events to determine marketing effectiveness.
• Strong computer skills including demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Google Workspace. Experience with a preferred customer relationship management system, a plus.
• Proven ability and desire to work across differences such as race, gender, ethnicity, age, religious identity, and other aspects of identity.
Education and Experience:
• 3+ years of experience in fundraising and development.
• Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, Business, or a related field.
• Experience using CRM or fundraising databases
Physical Requirements:
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
• Hybrid position with required in-person attendance at key events and convenings
• Regular evening and weekend work required during event cycles
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply, please include:
Cover letter, grant writing sample and three professional references
Application deadline
May 11, 2026
Apply at https://form.asana.com/?k=Wbu6kzmkzqOKNaIDsz3_Kw&d=1201873749931779
Research in Action prioritizes applicants who are Black, Brown, Indigenous, LGBTQ+ and nonbinary.