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. 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.

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