Director of Foundation Relations

  • Senior-level, Full-time staff position
  • Posted on 30 June 2015

Job Description

Devex is assisting a leading international development organization operating in 50 countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas to promote and protect the rights of children in identifying qualified candidates for the position of Director of Foundation Relations.

This full-time, benefitted position reports to the Senior Director for Business Development and is based in Washington, DC.

The Director of Foundation Relations is a senior member of the Business Development Unit, directly contributing to the pursuit of the organization’s ambitious funding growth targets to support the organization’s child-centered community development efforts in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The Director will refine and implement a Foundation Relations team strategy for the cultivation and stewardship of US-based foundation donor prospects and partnerships, the development and submission of foundation funding requests, and the growth of the foundation funding portfolio. Maintenance and growth of the foundation funding portfolio will contribute to a five-year strategy, helping to diversify the organization’s funding base and expand its work with children and communities worldwide.

Team Management and Strategy:

  • Designs, implements, and manages a comprehensive and proactive development plan, focused on expanding US foundation relationships to reach an annual team revenue target and future goals.
  • Manages a cost center budget to achieve team goals efficiently, including monthly analysis of spending reports and re-forecasting as necessary.
  • Supervises, coaches and motivates direct reports (currently one Senior Associate and one Associate); ensures that they have the requisite skills, tools, and understanding of the work, guides and monitors delegated relationship management to ensure satisfaction and continued support.
  • Establishes long-term partnerships and strengthens existing relationships with the foundation sector, peers/partners, as well as other key communities that will result in funding for the short and long-term goals of the organization.
  • Stays current on funding and philanthropic trends, and manages ongoing prospect research, to identify new funding sources and prospects.
  • Represents the organization to external audiences, especially private foundation leaders and program officers.
  • Represents the US Office and liaises with counterparts in other fundraising offices to collaborate on global foundation initiatives.
  • Initiates opportunities for the CEO, Board members, and senior staff to interact with foundation prospects and establish or strengthen relationships.

Account Management:

  • Manages a portfolio of high-value donor relationships, including cultivation and proposal development for prospects, and stewardship of current donors.
  • Travels domestically and internationally to establish and strengthen relationships with current and prospective foundation donors.
  • Mobilizes staff in country offices, national offices, regional offices, and International Headquarters (IH) to coordinate and collaborate on approach strategies for foundation prospects.
  • Maintains records and data related to the management of his/her accounts in the organization’s CRM and document management systems.

Proposal Development:

  • Secures participation and input from technical staff and experts to ensure high quality and competitive proposal content.
  • Manages the proposal development process for foundation donors; serves as lead writer for proposals in his/her own portfolio of accounts.
  • Researches technical topics as needed to strengthen proposals.
  • Edits / proofreads all concept notes and proposals for foundation accounts.
  • Develops and checks proposal budgets, logical frameworks, work plans, etc.

Grant Management and Stewardship:

  • Maintains positive and proactive relationships with foundation donors throughout grant implementation.
  • Manages the development and editing of reports for all foundation grants.
  • Manages the tracking and monitoring of reporting deadlines, implementation and grant expenditure, working with the country office and Practice Area teams to coordinate reporting for foundation accounts.
  • Coordinates with the Finance / Compliance team on all financial reporting.

Internal Systems and Capacity-Building:

  • Manages systems and protocols for knowledge management, including tracking systems, donor relations database (currently: Salesforce), document retention/filing systems, etc.
  • Integrates Foundation Relations activities and strategies into Business Development Unit systems, as well as broader IP and the organization’s initiatives.
  • Conducts trainings for staff, Country Offices, Regional Offices, and stakeholders on Foundation Relations and other topics that will improve the organization’s capacity to obtain and sustain an increasing foundation funding portfolio.

Skills and Competencies

  • Demonstrated record of success in generating significant grant revenue from foundations, including six- and seven-figure gifts
  • Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills
  • Excellent coordination and organization skills
  • Self-motivation and discipline to regularly set and achieve work goals
  • Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with a diverse international staff
  • Ability to think critically, objectively, analytically, and strategically
  • Ability to maintain a high level of poise and professionalism
  • Attention to detail and timeliness in responding to requests from prospective donors, partners, and colleagues
  • High level computer literacy with internet-based research and basic software including Outlook, Word Excel and PowerPoint
  • Excellent technical skills in writing, editing, formatting, research, negotiation, and verbal communications.
  • Ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Strong working knowledge of the international development donor community and foundation philanthropy trends
  • Working knowledge of international development technical sectors and fields

Education and Experience

  • Master’s degree in International Development, Business Management, Communications, or a related field preferred
  • Minimum of seven years of experience in a fundraising leadership role
  • Proven experience involving foundation development, including direct interaction with high level foundation officials
  • Experience and/or knowledge of international philanthropy required
  • Demonstrated experience managing direct reports is preferred

Physical and Mental Demands

  • Typical Office environment
  • Domestic and global travel may be up to 25%

To be considered for this position, please click “Apply Now” below. So that we may best assess your skills and experience in relation to this opportunity, please submit a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience for this position.

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