Foundation Relations Specialist

Job Title: Foundation Relations Specialist

Reports to: Director of Institutional Giving

Status: Full-Time Exempt, Permanent 

Salary: $60,000 – $70,000 Annually 

Location: Remote (East-Coast) 

Position Summary:

Foundation Relations Specialist will manage a portfolio of foundations, including writing grant proposals and reports and retaining and growing partnerships. The Specialist will also identify and research potential new foundation partners and develop a pipeline of long-term foundation support. The Foundation Relations Specialist will reside in the Philanthropy department’s Institutional Giving team under the leadership of the Director of Institutional Giving. This position will be focused on foundation relations in the U.S. East (defined as East of the Mississippi).

Job Responsibilities:

Essential

• Manage a portfolio of foundation funders and prospects and meet annual foundation revenue targets for SCA’s regional program priorities. Identify funding opportunities and develop strategies and materials for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of those.
• Write compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, reports, and acknowledgement letters for foundations.
• Prepare financial information, including budgets and financial reports, in collaboration with program and finance staff.
• Represent SCA and develop relationships with current and prospective funders. Prepare meeting materials and talking points for site visits and other funder engagements.
• Conduct prospect research to identify potential new foundation funders in collaboration with Institutional Giving, Philanthropy, and other departments.
• Manage and track all relevant deadlines within the portfolio.
• Participate in cross departmental team meetings and select program planning sessions to help identify funding opportunities for SCA programs and strategic initiatives.

Supplemental

• Coordinate with philanthropy colleagues and leadership team to maximize fundraising opportunities.
• Support advancement of national foundation partnerships and strategy.
• Maintain familiarity with SCA programs through program research, field visits, and communications with program and partnership development teams.
• Other duties as assigned.

Accountabilities 

• Ensure annual revenue goals are met.
• Maintain, or grow, foundation revenue by ensuring the consistent and timely submission of successful, competitive proposals.
• Maintain regular and timely reporting on progress to goals.
• Work effectively and collaboratively with Philanthropy Team members to achieve annual philanthropic goals for assigned foundation donors.
• Understand and follow the guidelines in SCA’s Staff Handbook.
• Understand and model SCA’s Operating Values and Leadership Behaviors.

Qualifications: 

• 5 or more years of relevant experience, particularly foundation and corporate relations required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Ability to understand the needs and interests of foundation partners to develop and maintain mutually beneficial partnership.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Experience with grant writing required.
• Demonstrated successful track record in managing relationships by telephone and email.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously required.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn Salesforce, Intacct, Raiser Edge software (or comparable fundraising software) and other business-related presentation software required.
• Proficiency in MS Office skills required.
• Valid driver’s license and MVR that meets SCA standards required.
• Access to reliable internet service.
• Willingness to travel regionally (10-20%).

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.