Director of Institutional Engagement

Peninsula Open Space Trust • Palo Alto, CA

67d • $145,000 - $175,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

POST seeks a strategic, experienced, relationship-driven Director of Institutional Engagement to lead development efforts with large philanthropic foundations and government agencies.

Requirements

• Ten years of experience in increasingly responsible positions, including five to seven years of experience preparing and managing institutional grant proposals and reports
• College degree or a combination of work and life experience that provides a comparable level of skill and competence for the role
• Expertise in natural and working lands conservation policy and funding
• Able to work effectively across departments and with senior leadership
• Professional demeanor and good judgment
• Strong problem-solving skills, comfortable with pivoting and adapting, and able to balance multiple priorities in a dynamic environment

Responsibilities

• Create multifaceted, multiyear funding strategies and annual goals for institutional fundraising that align with POST’s mission, program, and strategic plan objectives.
• Work closely with programmatic staff to understand program priorities and projected funding needs and to identify potential institutional funding sources for POST and its partners.
• Keep abreast of changes that may impact funder priorities, including new sources of public or private funding, policy changes, and trends in grantmaking.
• Develop and lead the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for institutional donors capable of making six-figure grants, especially California state natural resource agencies and major private foundations.
• Direct and implement POST’s state and federal legislative activities, overseeing strategy planning, priority setting, and coordination with the President, Institutional Engagement Officer, and senior staff on high-profile bills, investments in political campaigns and other legislative matters to ensure influence on public funding sources and agencies.
• Advance POST’s policy goals and maintain expertise on major issues through networking, thought leadership, and by representing the organization externally, including in legislative proceedings.
• Direct ballot measure strategy, language, and materials and oversee campaign execution in coordination with consultants, the Institutional Engagement Officer, the President, and internal teams.
• Serve as a resource on public policy and funding procedures, regulations, and best practices, including IRS and California Fair Political Practices Commission regulations.
• Track upcoming legislative issues to inform internal planning and maximize organizational effectiveness.
• Stay informed about POST projects and goals to identify funding and policy opportunities, and to communicate effectively with funders and policymakers.
• Collaborate with partners to develop and implement funding strategies for joint projects and manage cross-departmental and partner coordination to ensure high-quality communications with funders. Offer funding strategy and grant writing support to partners when needed.
• Broaden and strengthen POST’s relationships with institutional funders, including government agencies and foundation leadership and staff with grant-making responsibilities.
• Ensure funders are aware of POST’s priorities, anticipated needs, and alignment with funder objectives.
• Cultivate relationships with local, state, and federal legislators and their staff.
• Communicate the organization’s position on legislative and policy matters internally and externally. Review public comment letters and other policy communications on behalf of POST.
• Collaborate with external partners and constituents to gather input, build community buy-in, and position ballot measures for successful passage.
• Work closely with programmatic staff to understand funding needs and identify potential funding sources.
• Manage proposal development processes and oversee staff grant writing, ensuring that proposals present competitive projects.
• Ensure appropriate internal review of grant agreements and ensure administrative compliance.
• Oversee grant compliance and reporting, ensuring that grant requirements are fulfilled and reports foster long-term partnerships.
• Build a collaborative, effective, and self-reliant Department.
• Manage and support the Institutional Engagement Officer and Senior Manager of Institutional Grants, providing coaching, performance management, and professional development opportunities.
• Oversee the Institutional Engagement Officer and Grants Accountant to ensure accurate accounting of grants in POST’s financial, land, and donor databases, and timely, professional communications with funders.
• Define monthly and annual deliverables for staff and consulting grant writers and political consultants, and oversee progress toward outcomes.
• Manage POST’s legislative consultants in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., to track and respond to relevant legislative actions, develop new sources of funding, and align funding program implementation with POST’s goals.
• Develop and manage POST’s external affairs budget.

Benefits

• Full premium for basic medical, dental and vision coverage and a portion of upgraded or dependent plans, plus life and long term disability coverage
• Flex Spending Accounts and a 401(k) plan with employer contribution and match after one year of service
• Paid vacation and sick leave, paid maternity/paternity and family medical leave after one year of employment, paid holiday and flex days
• Caltrain GoPasses, flexible schedules, physical and mental wellness benefits, and commuter reimbursement programs and a dog-friendly office

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees