Foundation Relations Officer

POSITION SUMMARY

The newly created position of Foundation Relations Officer will lead the generation and cultivation of unique foundation partnerships for significant social impact from the grassroots to the national level as a frontline fundraiser and relationship manager. The ideal candidate knows how to build dynamic relationships with current and potential foundation supporters, write a compelling grant proposal, and talk about NAACP with all audiences. The Foundations Relations Officer will collaborate within a fast-growing Institutional Relations team, and work with the Vice President, Institutional Relations, and Chief Strategy Officer to create strategies to grow the NAACP’s portfolio of foundation partners. 

As the primary point person for foundations, the Foundations Relations Officer will prospect leads, develop new partnerships, and steward long-time relationships. The candidate is self-motivated and highly organized, with exceptional attention to accuracy; is flexible with the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously, and has a keen passion for racial equity and social justice and strong alignment with NAACP’s mission and values.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES

• In close collaboration with the Vice President, Institutional Relations, and Chief Strategy Officer, design and implement plans to increase the NAACP’s base of foundation support
• Create and write compelling fundraising communications for a variety of funders at all stages of the cultivation process, from letters of inquiry to proposals to annual reports and acknowledgments
• Conduct preliminary funder research and evaluate foundation prospects
• Partner with the Vice President, Institutional Relations to design strategies to engage, solicit, and steward these prospects
• Collect and synthesize information about NAACP’s programs from across departments as needed to make the case for support and report on organizational progress
• Provide briefing and strategy support to the Vice President, Institutional Relations, Chief Strategy Officer, and President & CEO for in-person meetings with current and potential funders, including via the development of talking points
• Support efforts to raise NAACP’s profile in the foundation community, including briefings and speaking engagements
• In partnership with the CRM manager, establish and manage organized and efficient operational systems to ensure accurate records and timely communication with funders; oversee all foundation database records
• Assist in foundation research and the effective use of contact management systems and processes to oversee foundation donor acknowledgments and reporting and track pertinent donor and prospect information in Salesforce
• Represent NAACP at events and convenings featuring priority donors, partners, and influencers
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Educational/Professional Experience

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5+ years of fundraising and/or grant writing experience
• Exceptional writing and editing ability, with experience creating compelling proposals to secure funding
• Excellent relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders, including funders, organizational leaders, and team members at all levels of the organization
• Previous experience with donor databases and/or CRMs, particularly Salesforce
• Capable of multitasking and working in a fast-paced complex environment.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Exhibit keen attention to detail, including follow-through and follow-up.
• Have strong self-confidence but also be a team player.
• Strong communication, writing, and interpersonal skills are required. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written and the ability to effectively and comfortably build relationships;
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment across multiple programs and departments;
• Demonstrated ability for handling multiple, complex fundraising relationships simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating strategic thinking, problem-solving, and attention to detail;
• Highly organized, reliable, and able to balance priorities and meet deadlines;
• Self-directed, self-aware, and self-disciplined;
• Fluency in Salesforce and
• Flexible, energetic, positive, and creative.