Sojourners is an ecumenical Christian media and advocacy organization that works toward social and racial justice. We are looking for someone who seeks to combine their interests in social justice and faith with their fundraising experience to contribute to the mission and future of Sojourners.
The Director of Foundation Relations is a key member of the Advancement Team and will initiate, maintain, and strengthen relationships with foundations to advance philanthropic support for our organization. The director will collaborate with Sojourners’ leadership and staff to develop high quality proposals, reports, and other materials for foundation donors. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who is highly motivated, able to work independently, and adept at juggling multiple priorities.
Responsibilities:
- Design and implement strategies and activities to increase support from existing foundation funders and identify new potential foundation support, working closely with the Chief Advancement Officer and senior leadership to drive fundraising strategy.
- Partner with Sojourners’ senior staff to cultivate relationships with both current and prospective donors and support foundation fundraising.
- Collaborate with program staff to develop concepts and proposals.
- Provide grants management by meeting with program staff on a quarterly basis.
- Prepare foundation materials—including but not limited to proposals, project budgets for proposals, letters of inquiry, grant reports, agreements, emails, presentations, and acknowledgment letters—by drafting original copy, editing, and formatting as needed.
- Ensure high-quality stewardship by coordinating intra-organizational efforts to produce grant reports and meet funder requirements.
- Research the giving interests of foundation funders and stay abreast of philanthropic trends and recent foundation giving.
- Identify new opportunities for funding that align with Sojourners’ programs through prospect research.
- Lead the planning and execution of meetings with foundation staff; research and draft briefings for executive leadership in advance of foundation meetings; and prepare senior staff for foundation meetings and phone calls.
- Liaise with program and finance staff to track grant spending.
- Forecast foundation revenue and participate in annual budget process.
- Perform other duties as assigned or needed to move forward Sojourners’ foundation relations portfolio.
Required and Preferred Skills:
The ideal candidate is goal-oriented, a self-starter, has attention to detail, and is a problem solver.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum five years of professional experience—including at least three years of foundation relations and grants management experience or comparable work with foundations.
- Demonstrated success managing relationships with both program officers and internal colleagues to create the conditions for success.
- Demonstrated success in soliciting and renewing contributions from foundations by articulating a compelling case for support through multiple communication tools.
- Knowledge of social justice philanthropic sectors including democracy, health equity, economic justice, and racial justice is desirable.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Strong analytical and prospect research skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
- Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge database is desirable.
- Support for Sojourners’ mission.
- Candidates in the local area are preferred, but Sojourners is open to a remote position.
To Apply:
Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional reference contacts to jobs@sojo.net or Director of Foundation Relations search, Sojourners, 408 C St. NE, Washington, DC 20002. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Sojourners is an equal opportunity employer that continually seeks to diversify its staff and create an inclusive and equitable culture.
Starting annual salary level for this position is $70,000 - $80,000. Excellent benefits package includes fully paid health insurance, 20 days’ paid vacation, 12 days’ paid sick leave, 401(k) plan with employer match, and a positive, faith-based work environment.