Director of Foundation Relations

College Track • Washington, DC

4d • $115,000 - $165,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Foundation Relations, reports to the VP of Institutional Philanthropy within the Philanthropy Department. This role will be located in the Bay Area or Los Angeles. The Director of Foundation Relations is a strategic leader on College Track's Philanthropy team, responsible for cultivating the foundation partnerships that fuel our 10-year commitment to first-generation college students. This role blends relationship-building with big-picture thinking, working closely with senior leadership to grow revenue, deepen funder engagement, and expand our national impact.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a focus on foundation relations
• 4 year college degree
• Proven success cultivating and closing six-figure foundation gifts
• Strategic thinker with experience developing funder engagement strategies that align with organizational growth goals
• Track record of leading cross-functional initiatives to drive fundraising outcomes
• Strong analytical skills and comfort using data to inform portfolio strategy and decision-making
• Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills
• sedentary work that primarily involves sitting, standing, typing on a keyboard, manipulating a mouse to use a computer's operating system/internet
• Ability to move around an office environment and communicate with stakeholders (conveying and receiving information).

Responsibilities

• Own and drive the strategic growth and long-term financial sustainability of foundation giving in partnership with the VP of Institutional Philanthropy, by developing and implementing a comprehensive plan.
• Initiate, cultivate, manage, and steward relationships with a portfolio of 75-90 foundation partners, targeting funders with the capacity to make six-figure+ gifts.
• Develop high-level concepts and compelling cases for support tailored to foundation priorities and College Track's strategic goals, in partnership with stakeholders
• Lead segmentation of the foundation portfolio across prospecting, cultivation, and stewardship tiers to maximize engagement and revenue potential.
• Identify new opportunities for foundation relationships aligned with College Track's programmatic priorities and geographic footprint.
• Identify and pursue public funding opportunities aligned with College Track's programmatic priorities and capacity for compliance.
• Set and track revenue goals for foundation giving, maintaining accountability for pipeline health and annual targets.
• Partner with the Program Evaluation and Research (PEAR) team to leverage impact data and outcomes storytelling in funder communications.
• Collaborate with the Education Division to surface program insights that strengthen funder conversations and proposal narratives.
• Work with Executive Site Directors to coordinate funder engagement across College Track's 13 sites and four key geographic markets.
• In collaboration with the Grants and Impact Project Manager, grants consultant, and Finance team, oversee the development and submission of concept papers, solicitation letters, proposals, budgets, and reports.
• Work with the VP of Philanthropic Operations to ensure grant compliance for restricted funding.

Benefits

• College Track provides access to extensive benefits centered around three core areas of wellness: health care, work-life balance, and financial security.
• We believe time off is essential to success and provide up to 23 discretionary time off days (Sick and Vacation) in addition to 23 paid office closures and holidays in your first year of employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director