Foundation Relations Officer

National Wildlife Federation

4d•$80,000 - $90,000•Remote

About The Position

Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation has grown into America's largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization with 53 state/territorial affiliates and more than six million members and supporters, including hunters, anglers, gardeners, birders, hikers, campers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and stripes. The mission of the National Wildlife Federation is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world. We advance this mission through programming focused on conserving wildlife, restoring habitats and waterways, expanding outdoor opportunities, connecting children with nature, advancing environmental justice, and addressing the causes and consequences of climate change. To advance our mission, the National Wildlife Federation seeks a Foundation Relations Officer with strong interpersonal, collaborative, written and verbal communications skills—as well as demonstrated abilities to juggle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. Reporting to the AVP of Institutional Giving, the Officer will join a high-performing and accomplished team that is working to grow and diversify institutional funding. This is an exciting time of growth at the National Wildlife Federation. This role is ideal for a deadline-driven, well-organized, adaptable, and entrepreneurial self-starter who seeks opportunities to leverage professional talents and expertise to contribute meaningfully toward accomplishing the Federation’s ambitious conservation agenda.

Requirements

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science is required.
At least 3-5 years of foundation relations experience or comparable work with foundations.
Experience managing a seven-figure portfolio of foundation donors, and managing relationships with both foundation program officers and internal colleagues to help advance successful fundraising efforts and relationship building.
Experience writing foundation grant proposals and reports, as well as reviewing budgets and financial reports.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to adapt as needed to evolving programmatic priorities and timely funding opportunities.
Exemplary written and verbal communication skills.
Strong analytical and prospect research skills.
Solid interpersonal skills.
Ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
Ability to work additional hours as needed to meet deadlines and manage workflow.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree is desirable.
Knowledge of Microsoft CRM database is desirable.
Consistently brings a high level of empathy and interpersonal skills to work and social interactions.
Exhibits a responsible and respectful demeanor with colleagues and partners.
Actively seeks feedback, direction, and guidance from all team members and keeps staff informed of decisions that impact them.
Committed to deepening an environmental justice approach in policy priorities, program development and partner engagement.
Commitment to and strong skills related to leadership, strategy development, fundraising, and personnel management.
Passion for and commitment to NWF's mission.

Responsibilities

Collaborate and work in concert with colleagues to implement a donor-centered foundation relations program aimed at securing significant financial support for a range of conservation and education programs.
Actively manage a portfolio of institutional funders, delivering on all aspects of relationship management and funder engagement.
Develop and implement engagement strategies designed to substantially increase support from existing funders, while dedicating sufficient time to identify, qualify, and begin building relationships with new funders and partners.
Research giving interests of institutional funders, and stay abreast of philanthropic trends and recent institutional giving, particularly for assigned funders.
Identify new opportunities for funding that align with National Wildlife Federation’s cross-cutting programs through prospect research, working closely with philanthropy and foundation team research staff.
Work closely with the Federation’s Institutional Relations team, program staff, and leadership to drive fundraising strategy to support program expansion.
Prepare funding materials, including but not limited to proposals, letters of inquiry, grant reports, agreements, emails, presentations, and acknowledgment letters. This includes drafting original content, editing, and formatting as needed.
Assist with planning and executing meetings with institutional funders; research and draft briefings for staff executive leadership in advance of meetings; and prepare senior staff for funder meetings and phone calls.
Partner with National Wildlife Federation program staff to cultivate relationships with both current and prospective donors, and support institutional fundraising on the part of the Federation’s leadership.
Track grant requirements and deadlines, as well as funder contacts.
Liaise with program, program operations, and finance staff to monitor grant spending.
Perform other duties as assigned or needed to move forward National Wildlife Federation’s foundation relations portfolio.

Benefits

Paid time off: Vacation that starts off at three weeks accrual based on a full-time schedule, unlimited wellbeing (this time can be used for physical, spiritual, emotional, cultural, religious or financial wellbeing for yourself, a partner, or family member – including pets), and 11 holidays
We close down for a paid winter break between December 25 to January 1 to recognize end of-year stress, and time for reflection, rejuvenation, and spending time with family.
Up to 16 weeks of fully paid Family and Medical Leave
Low-cost health, dental, and vision insurance options – all outpatient mental health is covered at in-network rates
Therapist available at no cost
Pet insurance and discount perk program
Annual wellbeing allowance
Retirement plan with immediate match and vesting
Annual year end retirement contribution
Tuition Reimbursement
Adoption and Surrogacy assistance
Pet adoption stipend
Student Loan management