Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Director of Foundation Giving will develop and direct a foundation and organization fundraising program in support of the mission of Learning Ally.

Specific Responsibilites

• Design, implement, and manage a nationwide comprehensive, proactive development plan focused on expanding and enhancing foundation and organization relationships and increasing philanthropic support.
• Establish long-term partnerships and strengthen existing relationships with the foundation sector, as well as key communities that will result in funding for the immediate and long-term goals of the organization.
• Develop highly competitive proposals for corporate and foundation prospects and leverage diverse corporate and foundation goals and preferences in conjunction with organization goals.
• Manage Foundation program including directing national staff and budget. Inspire, train and support development staff to achieve high fundraising results from foundations.
• Identify and maintain a portfolio of foundation prospects; design and execute identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for each prospect.
• In coordination with the Director, Volunteer Services, engage volunteers, administrators, and national and unit staff in foundation fundraising.
• Manage the design, development and implementation of the corporate grant process for all non-Programs and Services grants. Monitor proposal deadlines, prepare and edit proposals, manage proposal submissions, report on status.
• Build and maintain collaborative and productive relationships with key organizational staff in Programs and Services, OP, Finance and Organizational Relations.
• Participate in other Learning Ally activities required in achieving organizational goals.

Qualifications

• Strong desire to associate with Learning Ally and champion its mission.
• Five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible and proven experience in foundation relations.
• Proven ability to successfully manage a multi-unit, complex environment, resulting in significantly improved development performance and growth.
• Demonstrated record of successful corporate and foundation giving solicitations, including the design and execution of identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
• Significant grant management experience.
• Strong management and administrative experience and ability to establish objectives, set performance standards and organize a successful approach to achieving fundraising goals.
• Effective and successful experience working with volunteers, providing strong support, inspiring action and continued dedication to the development and organizational mission.
• Excellent oral and communication skills. Enthusiasm for and ability to communicate Learning Ally’s mission and programs with sincerity, persuasion and passion.
• Outstanding writing skills, attentiveness to detail, and excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Must be willing and able to travel.
• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred; Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) preferred.