Associate Director, Foundations

Overview

CFR relies on charitable contributions from individual and institutional donors to help support its programs and launch new initiatives. Development’s fundraising efforts include a $10+ million Annual Fund program, a planned giving program, foundation grants, major gifts, and various endowment programs. CFR is in the process of expanding the Development department to maximize grant opportunities for CFR fellows and president strategic initiatives. CFR’s David Rockefeller Studies Program—CFR’s “think tank”—is home to more than seventy full-time, adjunct, and visiting fellows. Their expertise covers the world’s major regions as well as the critical issues shaping today’s global agenda.

 

The Associate Director, Foundations serves as the point person in the Development department to support CFR fellows in their fundraising efforts, establishing and managing effective pre-award strategies, systems, and processes. Reporting to the Director, Major Gifts and Development Strategy and working closely with the Vice President and Chief Development Officer and the rest of the Development team, the Associate Director, Foundations will manage the grant process, conduct prospect research, track and monitor prospect activity, coordinate proposal development, and cultivate collaborative working

 

This position is based in CFR’s New York office on a hybrid basis. CFR currently defines hybrid status as working at least three days a week onsite, with Tuesdays and Thursdays considered institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite.

The major responsibilities of this position will include (but are not limited to):

• Serve as the Development department’s liaison to Studies and other departments as needed on matters related to foundation giving

• Manage grants, including assisting fellows and program staff in navigating the grant seeking and proposal development process

• Liaise with Finance on budget development for foundation grants

• Conduct and present foundation prospect research

• Help develop strategies to broaden existing foundation funding opportunities and identify new sources of support

• Establish and oversee a pipeline management system for strategically feeding and expanding the foundation pipeline, developing a list of targets, and systematically tracking progress and cultivation moves

• Organize funding needs and prospecting check-in meetings with CFR fellows and their research associates

• Monitor grant timelines while working with fellows and research associates to ensure that deadlines and other requirements are met

• Assist with preparing and submitting timely and compelling reports to foundations as needed

• Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required

Qualifications

Education

• BA in international relations or related field with high academic credentials and interest in current foreign policy issues and/or nonprofit management and fundraising

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in fundraising, grant management, and prospect research, preferably in a policy environment
• Strong understanding of the philanthropic landscape, including private foundation funding priorities and application processes

Related Skills & Other Requirements

• Excellent research and analytical skills
• Excellent communication, writing, editing, and proofreading skills
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and comfortable working with all levels of staff and management
• Prior experience working with budgets
• Detail-oriented self-starter with strong organizational skills to manage multiple deadlines and handling several projects at once
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team
• Outstanding professional judgment, discretion, and demeanor
• High degree of proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and database management; Microsoft Dynamics database experience a plus

 

Required Application Materials

• Please submit a résumé and cover letter stating your interest in the position

Compensation and Benefits

The full-time annual compensation range for this position is $75,000 – $90,000 depending on experience.

 

In addition to competitive salaries, the Council on Foreign Relations offers a benefits package that is among the best offered by nonprofit institutions today, including an award-winning health and wellness program, an on-site fitness center, and generous leave policies and health insurance programs.

About CFR

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is committed to fostering a forei