Senior Foundation Relations Officer

Environmental Law & Policy Center•Chicago, IL

5d•$95,000 - $110,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC) is seeking a dynamic Senior Foundation Relations Officer with excellent writing skills, proven ability to expand an existing grants program, and a passion for environmental protection. ELPC is the Midwest's leading environmental legal advocacy organization, driving transformational policy changes with national impacts. They combine effective public interest litigation with strategic policy advocacy, sound science, and economic analysis to protect the environment and natural resources in the Midwest region. This role offers an opportunity to join a talented, mission-driven team.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline
7-10 years of development experience
Minimum of 3-4 years focused on foundation relations and grant writing.
Demonstrated track record of identifying and securing increased and new foundation grant funding.
Exceptional writing and editing skills
Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail
Strong relationship-building skills
Results oriented with ability to focus on and meet deadlines and achieve goals
Ability to follow up with current and prospective foundations in a prompt and timely manner
Strong problem-solving and negotiating skills.
Highly creative/innovative with abilities to persuade and motivate others
Ability to operate independently as well as part of a regional and diverse team
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, especially Word

Nice To Haves

Experience and connections within the Midwest environmental philanthropic sector highly desired.
An entrepreneurial approach to fundraising combined with a passion for ELPC’s mission.
Environmental knowledge and experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Plan and effectively manage work to meet a busy calendar of grant deadlines.
Work proactively and with ample lead-time to engage leadership and program staff in the development of proposals and reports.
Produce well-written, compelling, and persuasive letters of inquiry, grant proposals and reports.
Cultivate strong relationships with foundation staff and funders.
Follow up on submissions to ensure funding success.
Research, identify, and solicit new foundation prospects.
Engage regularly with leadership to strategize best approaches to new funders.
Prepare leadership and program staff for funder meetings.
Work with development team to successfully achieve overall fundraising goals, especially by increasing the number of secured grants and amount of revenue raised.
Work collaboratively with development team on fundraising events and campaigns throughout the year including the annual gala, year-end giving, and other fundraising efforts as assigned.