Job Description
The Director, Foundation Relations is responsible for securing philanthropic support from private foundations and related organizations who provide critical funding for the Institute’s education, research, and patient care programs. This role aligns the Institute’s strategic initiatives and fundraising priorities with donor interests and oversees the planning, management, and execution of annual and capital foundation fundraising activities. The position identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards local and national foundation partners, developing compelling written proposals in collaboration with faculty and departmental leaders to advance long-term foundation relationships. In addition, the incumbent leads and manages the private grants and proposal submission process, ensures compliance with funding requirements, and drives achievement of annual fundraising and proposal metrics. The role collaborates closely with Institute leadership and Philanthropy colleagues to support institutional priorities and maximize philanthropic investment.
1.Identify, cultivate, and solicit private foundations and related organizations to support Kennedy Krieger by matching the Institute’s strategic initiatives and
fundraising priorities with prospective donors’ interests.
2. Manage and supervise Philanthropy’s private grant and proposal submission process, including writing, proofreading, and editing; reviewing and including
budgetary information and all other related materials; tracking proposals; and adhering to proposal funding restrictions, promised outcomes, timelines,
reporting requirements, etc.
3. Continuously build, manage, and mentor the Foundation Relations team to consistently meet or exceed the overall objectives of the Philanthropy
Department.
4. Develop written solicitation strategies and proposals in conjunction with department leaders and faculty and scientists.
5. Advance and steward portfolio of donors, including purposefully guiding foundations to make significant investments in Kennedy Krieger; communicating about the Institute’s programs; hosting visits and tours with organization representatives; and developing and strengthening relationships
to maximize giving potential over time.
6. Meet yearly fundraising goals for the Foundation Relations program including dollars generated, number of proposals submitted, and other measurable
objectives.
7. Establish and maintain strong collaborative relationships with the Institute’s President, Vice Presidents, department chairs, program directors, key faculty
and staff members, and Philanthropy directors and gift officers to foster their involvement in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding prospects.
8. Provide support to and work closely with Philanthropy Team members who have submissions for corporate or family foundation grant portals.
EDUCATION:
• Bachelor’s degree in related field of study is required. Significant experience beyond the minimum requirement and demonstrated ability to write favorable
grant proposals may be substituted for the education requirement at the discretion of department leadership.
• Advanced degree is preferred.
EXPERIENCE:
• Minimum seven to ten years of relevant professional fundraising and/or development experience is required.
• Emphasis on foundation solicitation is preferred.
• Experience working in non-profit, healthcare, or education is preferred.
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