Vice President, Foundation Relations

American Forests• US,

22h•$150,000 - $160,000•Remote

About The Position

American Forests is seeking a Vice President, Foundation Relations to lead foundation fundraising across the organization as part of its Philanthropy team. The role provides executive leadership for foundation fundraising strategy, drives revenue growth, builds enduring relationships with national, regional, and family foundations, and leads the foundation relations team. The Vice President personally cultivates and secures major institutional commitments and works with the President & CEO, senior philanthropy leaders, and program executives to develop ambitious, fundable initiatives. The position develops and executes a multi-year strategy aligned with the organization’s strategic plan and revenue goals; manages top foundation relationships and prospects through the full fundraising cycle; oversees proposals, reports, grant compliance, and revenue forecasting; and collaborates across Programs, Policy, Communications, Finance, corporate partnerships, and major gifts. The role also supervises and develops staff, strengthens team systems and accountability, and represents American Forests in philanthropic settings. This is a full-time, exempt, remote position open to candidates anywhere in the United States. Up to 20% travel within the U.S. and/or to the organization’s Washington, D.C. headquarters may be required. The budgeted salary is $150,000–$160,000.

Requirements

At least 12 years of progressively responsible nonprofit fundraising experience, including seven years focused on foundation relations or institutional giving and five years of fundraising team leadership.
Proven record of personally securing multiple seven-figure foundation commitments and consistently achieving ambitious fundraising goals.
Demonstrated success developing and executing institutional fundraising strategies, building relationships with major foundations, and securing complex, multiyear funding commitments.
Experience leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams, including performance management, accountability, and organizational change.
Ability to collaborate across departments and build productive partnerships with program leaders, senior executives, and fundraising professionals in a complex, matrixed organization.
Exceptional writing and editing skills, including the ability to turn scientific, technical, and policy information into clear, persuasive funder narratives.
Strong relationship-building skills with internal program staff and external foundation executives and program officers.
Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities accurately and attentively.
Strategic mindset and flexibility in a collaborative, fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.
Commitment to ethical compliance with fundraising best practices as defined by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, project management software, CRM systems such as Raiser’s Edge, and prospect research tools.
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Passion for and commitment to American Forests’ mission, vision, and culture.
Genuine, demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and community-centric fundraising.
Willingness to work flexible hours and be available for donor-related local, regional, and national travel.

Nice To Haves

Existing relationships with funders in the environmental, climate, and conservation philanthropic landscape.
Familiarity with forestry, natural resources, urban greening, or climate resilience issues.
Experience with collaborative or multi-partner grants and campaign fundraising.
Experience at a national nonprofit with field programs across multiple regions.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year foundation relations strategy aligned with American Forests’ strategic plan and annual revenue goals.
Establish and achieve annual and long-term foundation fundraising goals, with accountability for revenue growth, pipeline development, and performance.
Identify and qualify national, regional, and community foundation prospects, focusing on climate, conservation, environmental justice, public health, and workforce development.
Pursue general operating and flexible support where possible while securing restricted funding for priority programs and initiatives.
Manage a portfolio of leading foundation partners and prospects through identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Build relationships with foundation executives and program officers and position American Forests as a thought partner on forest and climate solutions.
Prepare the President & CEO, senior staff, and board members for funder meetings; coordinate site visits, briefings, and field tours.
Provide timely, high-quality stewardship, including impact reports, funder updates, and recognition.
Lead the development of letters of inquiry, proposals, and reports, ensuring strategic alignment, accuracy, and persuasive cases for support.
Partner with program and finance staff on project budgets, logic models, measurable outcomes, grant compliance, and reporting deadlines.
Maintain effective grants-management, portfolio-tracking, revenue-forecasting, and reporting systems.
Collaborate with Programs, Policy, Communications, and Finance to identify fundable priorities and align proposals with program plans.
Coordinate cross-channel strategies and collaborative funding opportunities with corporate partnerships and major gifts colleagues.
Supervise, mentor, and develop foundation relations staff and foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture.
Represent American Forests at philanthropic convenings, affinity groups, and conferences.
Assess and strengthen the foundation relations team, including staff development, performance management, organizational structure, and operational systems.
Set the foundation relations department’s vision, priorities, and annual goals; conduct portfolio reviews and performance check-ins.
Continuously improve systems, templates, and processes for grant development, internal review and approval, and reporting.