Development & Foundation Relations Specialist

Public Library of Science

107d • $67,000 - $88,000

About The Position

The Development & Foundation Relations Specialist cultivates financial support for the mission and programs of the Public Library of Science (PLOS) through its foundation fundraising portfolio. Partnering with the Chief Scientific Officer to ensure effective engagement with a small number of high-value foundations, the Specialist is responsible for producing high-quality written materials, managing the full lifecycle and engagement cadence of donor relationships, and overseeing operational support for fundraising activities. The role works in close collaboration with program officers, internal leadership, and board members, requiring the ability to build strong, trusting relationships. This role requires an understanding of the scientific research ecosystem, exceptional writing ability, strong organizational skills, and the capacity to manage both strategic and tactical tasks within PLOS’ evolving fundraising function.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality, donor-facing written materials with minimal oversight.
• Strong interpersonal skills; able to represent the organization effectively in meetings with senior donor representatives.
• Proven organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Familiarity with Salesforce and/or other database systems is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Advanced degree in a relevant scientific field; PhD strongly desired.
• Background in science, publishing, or research, with the ability to understand and communicate complex scientific concepts and familiarity with the scientific research ecosystem.
• Experience in fundraising, grant writing, development, or a related field; experience coordinating multi-stage fundraising or grant processes from proposal through reporting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Produce and refine high-quality written materials that advance PLOS' foundation fundraising priorities and clearly communicate organizational impact.
• Draft and refine compelling proposals, grant reports, meeting briefs, and donor correspondence, working in partnership with the Chief Scientific Officer and other internal stakeholders to refine positioning and content.
• Translate complex scientific and programmatic information into clear, accessible narratives for funder audiences.
• Edit and streamline materials to improve flow, concision, and overall impact.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, productive relationships with foundation partners to support long-term funding and strategic collaboration.
• Attend selected donor and program officer meetings to document discussions, manage follow-up, and support relationship-building.
• Coordinate with program officers, internal leadership, and board members to ensure consistent donor engagement.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of assigned foundation grants, from proposal development through final reporting.
• Establish and manage timelines for all grant reporting deliverables, ensuring compliance with funder requirements.
• Coordinate input from internal teams to meet submission deadlines and quality standards.
• Manage end-to-end logistics for Development Advisory Committee meetings, including scheduling, agenda design, note-taking, and follow-up.
• Support and prepare board members for participation in donor meetings, including preparation of briefing materials and pre-reads.
• Provide operational and administrative support to ensure seamless execution of foundation fundraising activities and related governance.
• Maintain organized systems for donor correspondence, proposal drafts, and reporting schedules.
• Ensure the highest level of accuracy and professionalism in all donor-facing materials and communications.
• Maintain accurate records of donor interactions, proposals, and reporting milestones in Salesforce.

Benefits

• 401k with employer match
• Employee sponsored health, dental and vision insurance (Dental and Vision 100% employer paid)
• Paid Vacation, 11 public holidays and sick leave
• Parental leave
• Birthday and three winter holidays days off
• Short term and long term disability insurance
• 2 days paid time off for volunteering per year
• Fully remote work environment with stipend on joining for home office

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees