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Director, Foundation Relations
Chicago, IL
Job Description
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is a community where people who care about global affairs can connect — in person or virtually — with each other and with global leaders, influencers, and experts to explore ideas that will shape our future.
If you are passionate about our work, bringing people together and our mission that drives our work, apply today.
THE CHICAGO COUNCIL ON GLOBAL AFFAIRS MISSION
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an independent, nonpartisan organization that provides insight on crucial global issues, advances policy solutions, and fosters dialogue about what is happening in the world and why it matters to the people in Chicago, the United States and around the globe.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs (Council) continues to expand the growth of its research and studies efforts currently focused on a highly regarded annual survey of American public opinion, global food security and agriculture developments, the role of global cities, and global security challenges. To help drive this effort, the Council is looking for an experienced Director, Foundation Relations to engage philanthropic foundations in securing support for its priorities.
The Director, Foundation Relations is charged with developing and implementing a well coordinated strategic plan for cultivating, soliciting, and securing support from institutional and family foundations in the US and abroad. The goal of this plan will be secure a two- to three-fold increase in foundation funding for Council research and other priorities.
Specific responsibilities of the Director include:
including drafting, budgeting, and reporting. The Director will be skilled at building and sustaining relationships at multiple levels with varied fundraising streams, articulating the Council's work with precision across all levels.
The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:
As the premier, nonpartisan global affairs organization in America's heartland, we believe an informed, engaged public with access to fact-based and balanced views on global issues helps to ensure effective US engagement and supports a more inclusive, equitable, and secure world.
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, handicap or disability, marital status, military service or veteran status, genetic information, or for any other reason prohibited by applicable law.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We are committed to weaving diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the fabric of the Council, and we believe people — their identities, experiences, beliefs, knowledge, and ideas — are critical to our success and to global affairs. We will elevate diverse voices and identities and a full range of perspectives, advance equitable and inclusive access to exploring and shaping ideas, and ensure our organization reflects the diversity of Chicago, our nation, and the world.
To learn more, visit: https://www.thechicagocouncil.org/about-us/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-council
Vaccination Statement
For the safety and well-being of our staff, the Council requires that all prospective employees submit proof of an up-to-date COVID vaccination and booster record or seek a reasonable accommodation for a religious or medical reason prior to their first day of employment.
If you are passionate about our work, bringing people together and our mission that drives our work, apply today.
THE CHICAGO COUNCIL ON GLOBAL AFFAIRS MISSION
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an independent, nonpartisan organization that provides insight on crucial global issues, advances policy solutions, and fosters dialogue about what is happening in the world and why it matters to the people in Chicago, the United States and around the globe.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs (Council) continues to expand the growth of its research and studies efforts currently focused on a highly regarded annual survey of American public opinion, global food security and agriculture developments, the role of global cities, and global security challenges. To help drive this effort, the Council is looking for an experienced Director, Foundation Relations to engage philanthropic foundations in securing support for its priorities.
The Director, Foundation Relations is charged with developing and implementing a well coordinated strategic plan for cultivating, soliciting, and securing support from institutional and family foundations in the US and abroad. The goal of this plan will be secure a two- to three-fold increase in foundation funding for Council research and other priorities.
Specific responsibilities of the Director include:
- Leading the creation and execution of the Council's foundation fundraising strategy, including identification, cultivation, and successful solicitation of foundation donors to meet and exceed the annual foundation fundraising target
- Managing a multi-million dollar yearly grant portfolio including seven-figure, multiyear grants, and devising, implementing, and participating in strategic donor outreach, including briefings, calls, and donor meetings with leadership and relevant Council staff
- Independently drafting letters of inquiry, grant proposals, and reports for submission
- Working closely with all relevant stakeholders across the Council around emerging institutional projects and priorities
- Actively monitoring grant reporting deadlines and requirements, and ensuring reporting requirements are met on a timely basis, fully compliant with foundations' reporting standards
QUALIFICATIONS
The Director will be a strategic and innovative thinker and be highly organized, having the character and confidence to work comfortably and effectively with a range of foundations and other donors, locally, nationally, and globally. They will excel at creating strategies for successfully expanding the Council's foundation fundraising and executing all related activities,
The Director will be a strategic and innovative thinker and be highly organized, having the character and confidence to work comfortably and effectively with a range of foundations and other donors, locally, nationally, and globally. They will excel at creating strategies for successfully expanding the Council's foundation fundraising and executing all related activities,
including drafting, budgeting, and reporting. The Director will be skilled at building and sustaining relationships at multiple levels with varied fundraising streams, articulating the Council's work with precision across all levels.
The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:
- 10 years of experience at a think tank or nonprofit organization working in the international arena with progressive responsibility in institutional fundraising with foundations
- Advanced degree or equivalent experience with a focus on international affairs, foreign policy or international business is preferred
- Ability to strategically think, anticipate and interpret trends and issues in philanthropy as they relate to and inform the Council's mission
- Proven record in foundation development, including direct interaction with high level foundation officials, and a successful track record of developing and maintaining lasting relationships with donors and prospects
- Demonstrated success in developing and securing complex, seven-figure, multiyear grant proposals preferred especially from global foundations (based outside US)
- Experience successfully soliciting funding from large family foundations a plus
- Ability to understand family and philanthropic legacies (and the intersection between the two)
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills and demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Strong background working with donor databases; experience with Salesforce desirable; proficiency required in the use of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- Maintaining accurate records in master database and in hardcopy, including application guidelines, grant proposals/applications, signed contracts, and other items related to securing and reporting on each grant
As the premier, nonpartisan global affairs organization in America's heartland, we believe an informed, engaged public with access to fact-based and balanced views on global issues helps to ensure effective US engagement and supports a more inclusive, equitable, and secure world.
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, handicap or disability, marital status, military service or veteran status, genetic information, or for any other reason prohibited by applicable law.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We are committed to weaving diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the fabric of the Council, and we believe people — their identities, experiences, beliefs, knowledge, and ideas — are critical to our success and to global affairs. We will elevate diverse voices and identities and a full range of perspectives, advance equitable and inclusive access to exploring and shaping ideas, and ensure our organization reflects the diversity of Chicago, our nation, and the world.
To learn more, visit: https://www.thechicagocouncil.org/about-us/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-council
Vaccination Statement
For the safety and well-being of our staff, the Council requires that all prospective employees submit proof of an up-to-date COVID vaccination and booster record or seek a reasonable accommodation for a religious or medical reason prior to their first day of employment.
Job Summary
Employment Term and Type
Regular, Full Time
Required Education
Bachelor's Degree
Required Experience
0 to 10 years
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