The Director of Foundation Relations will be responsible for developing and executing plans to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward foundation funders to advance DC-CAP’s mission. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Director will lead strategies to maximize institutional investments in support of DC-CAP’s programming through the development of major multi-year commitments with donors and prospects.
Description
FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports to: Chief Development Officer
Department: Development
DC-College Access Program’s Mission
DC College Access Program (DC-CAP) is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to equip DC students for college and career success by helping them access and attain meaningful college education credentials with little to no debt.
Job Summary
The Director of Foundation Relations will join DC-CAP at an exciting inflection point. Our demonstrated best practices and industry-leading student persistence results are leading to increased investment from foundations. With excellent fundraising opportunities already lined up for FY25, we are seeking an experienced foundation relations professional to deepen our engagement and relationships with current and potential funders, and to collaborate with our stellar programs and data teams to craft compelling proposals and increase philanthropic support.
Essential Functions
- In collaboration with the team, manage existing pipeline of donors toward a $2.5M FY25 foundation fundraising goal.
- Grow the pipeline of donors by identifying, prioritizing, qualifying, and cultivating prospective funders and partners.
- Collaborate with the programmatic and data teams to create unique and compelling funding opportunities, cases for support, and proposals in alignment with funder priorities and DC-CAP initiatives.
- Lead the writing, research and submission of proposals and reports in partnership with programmatic team members.
- Craft compelling progress reports and targeted program updates to funders that capture programmatic success and support larger organizational communications to funders.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with foundation funders and community stakeholders.
- Work closely with the Chief Development Officer to engage the Leadership Team and Board of Directors to identify and cultivate prospective institutional investors.
- Work with Chief Development Officer to build, maintain, coordinate, and evaluate internal systems to support an organizational culture of philanthropy and accountability.
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s degree required in any field of study.
- 5-7 years of experience in nonprofit development with responsibility for securing funds from institutional investors.
- Track record of success creating compelling proposals to secure grant funding.
- Experience and expertise identifying and qualifying new foundation prospects.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent relationship-building skills.
- Capacity to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines.
- Facility with donor databases and/or CRMs; experience with SalesForce or Raiser’s Edge preferred.
- Passion for helping students to complete college.
Salary Range
This position is full-time with a base salary within the range of $125,000 – $145,000 annually, depending on experience.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a personalized cover letter to In your cover letter, please describe your professional journey, and why this feels like the right role for you today. Please include a personal story about a professional challenge that required you to demonstrate some of the traits described above.
Hours of Work
Hybrid environment currently available, with many team members scheduled to work in-person Tuesdays and Thursdays and work from home M, W, F.
EEO Statement
DC-CAP is committed to ensuring an environment free from discrimination and an equal employment opportunity. As such, employment decisions at DC-CAP are based on merit, qualifications, experience, and skillset.
Other Duties
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
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