U.S. Foundations Officer

Purpose of the Job

The Foundations Officer will identify and generate new business development opportunities, create and steward partnerships, and manage awards with private foundations, with a particular focus on larger opportunities.  The position is expected to cultivate and grow relationships with potential and current foundation funders, and to track, capture and respond to funding opportunities by coordinating and submitting proposals for and manage grants from private foundations based in the US for the purpose of supporting HI's mission and projects.

This position will work closely with members of the US and global Institutional Funding teams, other US-based personnel (technical, communications, private fundraising, advocacy), HI staff based at headquarters and in field programs, and external donors and partner organizations.

The position will be responsible for managing the coordination and submission of proposals to foundations, including adherence to internal due diligence processes and procedures and donor requirements.   

The Foundations Officer will be responsible for creating and internally disseminating appropriate tools and training materials for private foundation grants related to applications, grant management and reporting, and project closeout. The position will measure progress according to agreed-upon performance indicators and report on this monitoring at regular intervals. The position will ensure that all materials produced will be made available through shared drives or other knowledge management.

Because private foundations regularly revise or establish new procedures, this position will help create and update internal best practices in donor compliance for private foundations, working across teams within HI. The position is expected to communicate regularly with colleagues in HI’s global network and other national associations concerning developments of general interest for foundation grants.

The position will manage the US portfolio of private foundation grants, and steward the HI relationship among private foundations. This includes organizing regular exchanges, briefings, and other contacts between relevant US-based and other HI staff as well as external foundation representatives.

Required Skills

Existing knowledge of U.S. private foundations providing support to international humanitarian and development activities, preferably those aligned with HI’s mission, with a proven track record of successful proposal submission and grant management. Strong English-language writing, verbal and presentation skills; professional level French highly desirable. Ability to manage pressure and to meet deadlines.  Ability to work in multicultural, matrixed team environment and to mobilize key staff based in remote locations through appropriate channels. Strong networking ability, and cross-cultural sensitivity; existing network of major private foundation contacts highly desired.

Bachelor's degree highly preferred in international development, international affairs or a related field.

At least five years of experience and proven success seeking and obtaining private foundation grants for nonprofits, preferably from those engaged in and supporting international humanitarian and development initiatives.

Willingness to travel both domestically and internationally (5-10% annually).  If teleworking, regular visits to Silver Spring, MD, office required.

People with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply!