Director, Foundation Relations

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position:              Director, Foundation Relations

Department:      Foundation Relations

Supervisor:         Chief Development & Marketing Officer

Overview

Special Olympics Florida is seeking a dedicated and experienced Director of Foundation Relations to lead and manage the organization’s efforts in cultivating and maintaining relationships with foundations and grant-making entities. The Director will play a crucial role in securing funding to support the programs and initiatives of Special Olympics Florida, aimed at enhancing the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Qualifications:

·        Bachelor’s degree in a related field; advanced degree preferred.

·        Minimum of 5 years of experience in foundation relations, grant writing and fundraising within a nonprofit setting.

·        Proven track record of successfully securing grants and contributions from foundations and grant-making entities.

·        Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse stakeholders.

·        Exceptional writing skills and the ability to craft persuasive and compelling grant proposals.

·        Detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

·        Familiarity with the Special Olympics movement and the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities is a plus.

·        Proficiency in fundraising software, database management, and Microsoft Office suite.

Responsibilities:

·        Develop and Execute Fundraising Strategy: Design, implement, and oversee a comprehensive foundation relations strategy to secure funding for Special Olympics Florida’s various programs and projects.

·        Cultivate Relationships: Build and maintain strong relationships with foundation representatives, program officers, and other stakeholders to identify funding opportunities, align objectives, and communicate the impact of the organization’s work.

·        Grant Proposal Development: Lead the development of compelling and persuasive grant proposals and grant applications, ensuring alignment with funders’ priorities and organizational goals.

·        Prospect Research: Conduct thorough research to identify new foundation prospects and funding opportunities, staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.

·        Collaboration: Collaborate closely with program managers and other internal teams to gather information, data, and stories that effectively communicate the impact of Special Olympics Florida’s programs.

·        Grant Management: Oversee grant reporting and ensure timely submission of required reports, acknowledgments, and other communication to foundations, demonstrating accountability and transparency.

·        Strategic Planning: Contribute to the overall strategic planning process by providing insights and recommendations related to foundation relations, fundraising goals, and revenue projections.

·        Budgeting and Analysis: Collaborate with finance and leadership teams to develop and manage the foundation relations budget, tracking expenses and revenue generation.

·        Networking and Events: Represent Special Olympics Florida at relevant networking events, conferences, and workshops to enhance the organization’s visibility and relationships within the philanthropic community.

·        Team Leadership: Supervise and mentor foundation relations staff, providing guidance, training, and support to ensure their professional growth and success.

Special Requirements:

Must be able to travel and complete weekend and evening duties as assigned

Must be able to lift 50 lbs

Status:                               Full-time exempt position

Salary:                                Based on experience