Senior Foundations Manager

Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc.•Washington, DC

6d•$100,000 - $110,000•Hybrid

About The Position

NRDC (the Natural Resources Defense Council) works to safeguard the Earth, its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. NRDC combines the power of more than 3 million members and online activists with the expertise of some 800 policy advocates, lawyers, scientists, and communication experts to confront the climate crisis, protect nature, ensure the rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. As an international nonprofit environmental organization, NRDC is working to address the world’s most urgent environmental challenges, and advance innovative, science-based, and enforceable solutions. Since our founding in 1970, NRDC has helped craft and deliver many of America’s foundational environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act. Today, we continue to lead in advancing and defending strong environmental protections at the local, state, federal and international levels, as well as through the marketplace. Our team works across the United States and around the world, from offices in Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., as well as in Beijing, London, and New Delhi (a subsidiary of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd.). Supported by our members and online activists, NRDC is driving impactful solutions that confront the climate crisis, defend nature and safeguard public health across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. At NRDC, we believe lasting change happens when people bring their talent, passion, and expertise together for a common purpose: to build a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient world. Learn more at nrdc.org. NRDC is seeking a Senior Foundations Manager to work with our Development team in one of our U.S. based offices. The Senior Foundations Manager will be responsible for managing a portfolio of U.S.-based foundations, working strategically and collaboratively to raise six-, seven- and eight-figure grants towards institutional fundraising goals. This role works closely with foundation staff and leadership, NRDC program staff and experts, Development and Executive leadership, grant writers, and others to develop and execute strategies to maximize funding opportunities. This portfolio manager role is a key member of the Institutional Philanthropy team within NRDC’s Development Department. The ideal candidate will have significant experience working in a high-volume, fast-paced foundation fundraising operation, the ability to craft creative engagement strategies and compelling donor-facing materials, and a commitment to NRDC’s environment/climate mission. The position you are applying for is part of the bargaining unit represented by The Washington Baltimore News Guild (WBNG / The Newsguild-CWA Local 32035).

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
4-7 years’ experience in raising funds from foundations
Demonstrated experience closing six- and seven figure gifts
Exceptional analytical skills and ability to develop creative engagement strategies in collaboration with program staff and Development and Executive leadership
Exemplary interpersonal skills and ability to maintain productive external and internal relationships
Superior writing skills and demonstrated ability to develop proposals, reports and other donor-facing materials, including budgets and financial reports
Strong organizational skills; ability to prioritize, delegate, and simultaneously oversee multiple streams of work to meet overlapping deadlines
Detail-oriented with high standards of excellence
Ability to travel domestically (NRDC U.S. based offices, foundation meetings, approx. 10% annually)
Commitment to NRDC’s mission, values, and DEI principles

Nice To Haves

Experience with Salesforce a plus
Knowledge of environmental issues and environmental foundations preferred

Responsibilities

Manage relationships with a portfolio of approximately 50 foundation donors and prospects to secure revenue including: developing engagement strategies, managing proposal and reporting processes, and providing updates, briefings and other engagement opportunities
In collaboration with development research staff and others, identify and cultivate foundation prospects for specific programs and NRDC overall
Working closely with program staff, writers, finance and grants management staff, oversee preparation and delivery of proposals, concepts, reports and other materials to foundations
Orchestrate and coordinate interactions with foundations across the organization, serving as a key partner to leadership and staff
Stay current on foundation trends, news, and priorities and incorporate into fundraising plans
Maintain up-to-date records and follow organizational and departmental processes, including moves management systems
Collaborate with all Development stakeholders including writers, grant managers, researchers, principal and major gifts, donor systems, and donor relations teams
Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting all deadlines