Director, Philanthropic Foundation Partnerships

National Geographic • Washington, DC

2d • $145,350 - $153,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Philanthropic Foundation Partnerships is a leader within National Geographic Society Advancement, responsible for identifying, cultivating, securing, and stewarding philanthropic foundation partnerships while implementing the Society’s advancement strategy and priorities. The Director develops and executes fundraising strategies for global, national, regional, and family foundations, and personally secures at least $3 million in annual foundation support. The role works with Society leaders and program staff to secure major grants, typically at the six- to eight-figure level, and to build durable relationships with foundation partners. The Director reports to the Senior Director, Philanthropic Foundation Partnerships, and is based at the Society’s Washington, DC headquarters in a hybrid work arrangement requiring two days per week onsite, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The position has no direct reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• At least 10 years of experience with a robust foundation relations program at a nonprofit organization or philanthropic foundation.
• Verifiable record of securing significant grants at the six- and eight-figure level.
• Strategic thinking and ability to shape philanthropic partnerships with private foundations.
• Demonstrated ability to work with program staff to define and fulfill programmatic objectives.
• Highly effective written and oral communication skills.
• Detail- and deadline-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple partnerships simultaneously.
• Ability to support presentations to external audiences on projects involving diverse and technical subject matter.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States; the position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree.
• Concise, persuasive, versatile writing for different mediums, audiences, and subject matter.
• Ability to work with a small, efficient team of grants professionals, Advancement staff, and a range of other NGS staff.
• Knowledge of Raiser's Edge or an equivalent donor database.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Senior Director to secure private foundation funding for NGS, project annual revenue targets, and support the team in meeting goals; personally secure at least $3 million in annual foundation support.
• Develop fundraising strategies, research prospects, conduct outreach, prepare and submit proposals, and collaborate with NGS leadership and program staff to secure major grants from proposal through signed commitment.
• Develop prospect outreach, engagement, and stewardship strategies; identify opportunities and produce presentation decks, concept notes, and funding proposals with input from colleagues and prospects; use data and tools to evaluate and improve team effectiveness.
• Meet and engage with prospects and partners, advocate internally for partner interests as appropriate, and maintain productive internal and external relationships.
• Ensure accurate, detailed, timely, and transparent narrative and financial reporting to partners, supporting stewardship and renewal.
• Communicate foundation opportunities regularly to NGS staff and work with program teams and leadership to adapt programs to appeal to prospects.
• Coordinate with NGS leadership to determine how the CAO, CEO, SLT, program leads, Explorers, Fellows, and Board of Trustees members can initiate or advance philanthropic partner conversations.
• Represent the Society at selected philanthropic gatherings and events, and monitor industry news, trends, and networking opportunities to identify partnership opportunities.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Wellness program.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after six months of employment.
• Flexible paid time off, including up to 22 days of annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated) and 10 days of sick leave.
• 12 paid holidays and paid winter break between December 25 and 31, with exceptions for some roles.
• Paid parental leave.
• Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement.
• Fertility benefits.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Lifestyle Spending Account.
• Pet adoption assistance and pet insurance.
• Pre-tax transportation benefits with employer subsidy.
• Employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit.
• National Geographic discounts and perks.

What This Job Offers

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