Senior Foundations Manager

Position Summary

NRDC (the Natural Resources Defense Council) is seeking a Senior Foundations Manager to work with our Development team in one of our U.S. based offices. This role will manage a portfolio of U.S.-based foundations, working strategically and collaboratively to raise six-, seven- and eight-figure grants towards institutional fundraising goals.

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

Qualifications

• Minimum Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree required, 4-7 years’ experience in raising funds from foundations
• Experience with Salesforce a plus
• 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
• Knowledge of environmental issues and environmental foundations preferred
• Ability to travel domestically (NRDC U.S. based offices, foundation meetings, approx. 10% annually)
• Commitment to NRDC’s mission, values, and DEI principles