Foundations Relations Officer

Working as a member of the Corporate Foundation Relations team and reporting to the Director, Foundation Relations, the Foundation Relations Officer (FRO) will engage private foundations and key prospects in the mission and work of Boston Medical Center Health System (BMCHS). The FRO will contribute to the team’s fundraising goals by developing compelling funding opportunities, managing a portfolio of foundation partners and prospects, and moving prospects through all stages of the donor cycle. This role builds and maintains a growing pipeline of foundation donors with the capacity to make high five-figure, six-figure, and seven-figure gifts (and beyond).

About the role

The FRO partners closely with principal investigators, program leaders, providers, and internal stakeholders to align institutional priorities with funder interests and to develop competitive, high-quality proposals and funding requests. This position requires a strategic, collaborative, and entrepreneurial approach, along with strong writing, project management, and relationship-building skills. The FRO demonstrates sound judgment and political acumen; performs well under deadlines; cultivates and stewards long-term foundation relationships; brokers internal and external collaborations; and contributes to significant growth in foundation revenue while working collaboratively across the Development team and campus.

Responsibilities

• Develop deep understanding of BMC’s mission, programs, relevant departments, and priorities to effectively communicate cases for support and funding opportunities.
• Engage donors through personal/virtual visits, phone calls, and written correspondence.
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 40-50 foundation partners, and engage in corporate opportunities as needed.
• Meet, and when possible, exceed set revenue targets and related metrics.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects to raise funds in support of BMC’s mission.
• Under the direction of the Director of Foundation Relations, assist and/or lead the preparation of foundation grant proposals, including writing letters of inquiry, concept papers, and proposals.
• Own and manage the full grant lifecycle, including coordinating with internal stakeholders to gather required materials; developing proposal narratives, budgets, and budget justifications; preparing and editing all proposal components and attachments; ensuring compliance with funder guidelines and award requirements; and drafting funder correspondence and stewardship materials.
• Partner with Prospect Development to research and identify new potential foundation funders, intentionally growing our donor pipeline and broadening support to the institution.
• Retain and upgrade a portfolio of current foundation donors and prospects, fostering these relationships through regular communication and stewardship.
• Regularly collaborate with key clinical leaders, PIs, and program directors to understand and support departmental and programmatic priorities, ensuring alignment with donor interests and facilitating meaningful donor engagement where appropriate.
• Develop compelling proposals that align with institutional and donor interest & need.
• Provide necessary briefing and background information to these stakeholders when needed.
• Submit timely contact reports, proposals, and other necessary documentation using Raiser’s Edge NXT; have familiarity with fundraising CRMs.
• Participate in annual program planning, goal setting, and opportunity assessment; actively contribute to donor engagement activities and strategic planning across the donor pipeline and opportunity development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

About Boston Medical Center

As an employer, Boston Medical Center is one of a kind—delivering the benefits of well-regarded institutions with the innovative spirit found in smaller organizations. BMC is a leading academic medical center with a deep commitment to health equity and a proud history of serving all who come to us for care. BMC provides high-quality healthcare and wrap-around support that treats the whole person, extending beyond our physical campus into our vibrant and diverse communities. This ranges from food and transportation all the way to economic mobility initiatives including jobs and financial literacy. Behind the scenes, BMC is a proud advocate for social, racial and environmental justice, and engages with the community to create two-way dialogues to best inform our work. BMC is advancing medicine, while training the next generation of healthcare providers and researchers as the primary teaching affiliate of Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• A minimum of five years of successful foundation relations, grant writing, or development experience in a complex, mission-driven institution similar in size to BMC. Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in health care, public health, social service, or research setting a plus.
• Prior experience and familiarity with partnering with clinical and programmatic leadership strongly preferred.

Skills

• Demonstrated success in managing the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of five+ figure foundation prospects & opportunity development.
• Detail oriented and able to perform well under deadline while managing multiple tasks/projects effectively and efficiently.
• Curiosity and a continuous improvement mindset, with strong problem-solving, analytical, and prioritization skills in a deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills; must effectively communicate in a highly professional manner and have comfort working with all levels of internal management and staff, as well as with external partners.
• Proven ability to use metrics to drive decisions and achieve strategic objectives.
• Enterprising professional with strong interpersonal skills, a desire to learn and implement knowledge, and a keen sense of diplomacy.
• Positive attitude and eagerness to own all aspects of a project.
• Ability to manage up; comfort sharing perspective and analyses.

Pay

Compensation range: $78,000.00 - $113,000.00. This range offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications. However, our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and a broad range of factors is considered when making an offer. This includes education, experience, skills, and certifications/licensures as they directly relate to position requirements; as well as business/organizational needs, internal equity, and market-competitiveness.

Benefits

• Generous total compensation including discretionary annual bonuses and merit increases.
• Flexible Spending Accounts and 403(b) savings matches.
• Paid time off and career advancement opportunities.
• Resources to support employee and family well-being.
• Highly subsidized health care plan for employees and their family members (medical, dental, vision, pharmacy).

Schedule

Full Time, Hybrid.