Sr. Director, Philanthropic Foundations

How You’ll Contribute

The Advancement team cultivates, solicits, and stewards individuals, as well as foundation, government, and corporate funders who invest in the Society to drive impact through its work in science, technology, education, exploration, and storytelling. The team collaborates across the Society to build transformative and impact-driven strategic relationships. It also produces global events that deepen connections and leverage the Society’s power to convene, and directs robust annual, major, and planned giving programs, empowering the Society with a broad base of public support.

In 2025, the Advancement team established a new Institutional Partnerships division tasked with building a comprehensive portfolio of strategic partners focused on driving significant revenue and impact for the Society. This division encompasses three core areas: Corporate Partnerships, Philanthropic Foundation Partnerships, and Government Partnerships. Reporting to the Vice President, Institutional Partnerships, and working collaboratively across the National Geographic Society, the Senior Director, Philanthropic Foundations will lead the development and management of the Philanthropic Foundations Team. This new leadership role will define and implement a strategic vision, planning framework, and sector targets that position foundation partnerships as a core driver of both revenue and impact for the Society’s programs and initiatives. The incumbent will spearhead high-level engagement with foundation partners, guide team strategy and performance, and serve as a visible leader representing the National Geographic Society externally and across the institutional landscape.

The ideal candidate will bring proven strategic and people leadership, an entrepreneurial mindset, and the ability to navigate a complex organization with diplomacy and decisiveness. They will inspire a high-performing team, foster collaboration across departments, and cultivate impactful relationships with senior leaders and foundation executives to advance the Society’s mission.

The Senior Director must demonstrate exceptional initiative, judgment, and leadership maturity, balancing strategic oversight with hands-on execution. This individual will lead multiple projects and direct reports simultaneously while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence. They will engage directly with senior Society leadership and external partners at all levels to advance institutional priorities, ensure funder satisfaction, and uphold the highest standards of partnership management.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include

• Develop and implement strategic vision and execution plan for securing impact-driven, philanthropic foundation partnerships that advance the Society’s mission and programs. (20%)

• Lead cultivation and solicitation of major foundation partnerships, overseeing strategy, proposal development, deliverables, and budget creation in close coordination with Advancement and Program teams. Respond promptly and strategically to partner feedback, escalating issues as appropriate to leadership. (40%)

• Provide strategic leadership and cross-departmental coordination to identify, cultivate, and secure transformative foundation partnerships. Oversee the full lifecycle of partnership development, from prospecting and proposal development to negotiation and stewardship. Manage a portfolio of complex, high-value grants supporting Society programs, collaborating closely with program leads and executive leadership. Serve as a senior leader within the organization to elevate the visibility, value, and rigor of philanthropic foundation partnerships. (20%)

• Lead the Philanthropic Foundations team in developing actionable solicitation strategies, draft proposals, budgets, timelines, and deliverables. Oversee budget preparation and grant term negotiation in coordination with Finance and Legal. Partner with the Grants Manager to ensure exceptional stewardship of all open grants, including reporting, expenditure tracking, and site visits. Collaborate with Advancement Operations to support identifying and prioritizing new foundation opportunities and align them with institutional goals. Provide strategic counsel to team members on renewals, new initiatives, and long-term growth opportunities. (20%)

• Other areas as required. 

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background

Master’s degree preferred

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

12+ years of experience in a nonprofit or business development environment, with demonstrated success leading matrixed teams and creating and executing strategic growth p