Director, Philanthropic Foundation Partnerships

National Geographic Society•Washington, DC

1d•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 to identify, develop, secure, steward, and renew funding partnerships with global, national, regional, and family philanthropic foundations. The role is based at the Society’s Washington, DC headquarters and reports to the Senior Director, Philanthropic Foundation Partnerships. The Director works with the Senior Director and colleagues across the Society to secure institutional funding, meet annual revenue targets, and obtain major grants supporting operating programs. The role involves building durable relationships with foundation partners, creating proposals and presentations, coordinating with program teams and leadership, managing partner communications and reporting, and representing the Society at selected philanthropic gatherings. The position has no direct reports.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Work with the Senior Director, Philanthropic Foundations, to secure institutional philanthropic funding from private foundations on behalf of NGS.
Project annual revenue targets in consultation with the Senior Director and support the team with resources needed to meet those goals.
Personally secure a minimum of $3 million in annual foundation support.
Develop and execute strategies, prospect research and outreach, proposal preparation and submission, and internal collaboration to solicit and secure major grants, from proposal through signed commitment.
Develop outreach, engagement, and stewardship strategies for prospects, focused on durable long-term relationships.
Identify opportunities and produce presentation decks, concept notes, and funding proposals with input from NGS colleagues and prospects.
Use available data and tools or systems to measure and enhance the effectiveness of the foundations team.
Meet with prospects and partners, advocate internally for partner interests as appropriate, and communicate effectively with internal and external partners.
Ensure accurate, detailed, timely, and transparent narrative and financial reporting to partners, supporting stewardship and renewal.
Communicate foundation opportunities regularly to NGS staff and collaborate with program teams and leadership to adapt programs to appeal to prospects.
Work with NGS leadership to determine how the CAO, CEO, SLT, program leads, Explorers, Fellows, and Board of Trustees members can initiate or advance conversations with potential philanthropic partners.
Represent the Society at select philanthropic gatherings and events, and monitor industry news, trends, and networking opportunities to identify new opportunities and develop innovative partnerships.

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 paid 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 a paid winter break between December 25 and 31, subject to role requirements.
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 an employer subsidy.
Employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit.
National Geographic discounts and perks.