Foundation Giving Officer (CAS)

The California Academy of Sciences; San Francisco (CA); Remote; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Academy of Sciences is seeking a Foundation Giving Officer to manage a portfolio of foundation donors, develop compelling proposals, and ensure timely stewardship and reporting. The role supports Academy programs in scientific research, education, and sustainability.

The officer will collaborate with leadership to advance donor strategy and engage prospects through multiple channels. Remote work is noted temporarily, with occasional events and in-person meetings as needed.

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects.
• Demonstrated success delivering high-quality work and meeting deadlines.
• Proactive and solutions-oriented approach to challenges.
• Ability to work collegially in a team environment but also independently.
• Computer proficiency and ability to learn new software quickly.
• Demonstrated database experience, particularly with Tessitura, is a plus.
• Comfort working in grant research portals preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a portfolio of foundation donors in the $10,000 to $100,000+ range.
• Develop compelling proposals for Academy-wide programs; write templates and reports; research and write attachments for institutional funders.
• Fulfill stewardship activities and outstanding reports promptly; work with staff to collect data on program outcomes.
• Assist with donor strategy development with Academy leadership and program staff.
• Engage with donors and prospects through calls, emails, and in-person meetings.
• Serve as a content expert on Academy projects related to environment, sustainability, education.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Time management

Team collaboration

Independent work

Computer literacy

Tessitura experience

Grant research portals

Tools

Tessitura

Job description

Reporting to the Associate Director of Foundation Philanthropy, the Foundation Giving Officer will work with a portfolio of foundation donors and prospects, and will spend a majority of their time cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding grants in support of Academy exhibits and programs in scientific research, education, and sustainability. This position will help build a strong financial base for the Corporate & Foundation Philanthropy team through the acquisition and retention of new and existing donors. This is a full-time position.

The California Academy of Sciences welcomes people of all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs to join us in achieving our mission to explore, explain, and sustain life. We place diversity, equity, and inclusion at the heart of our recruiting efforts and strive to build a culture centered on mutual respect, equal treatment, and the opportunity to succeed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable persons with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Maintain a portfolio of foundation donors in the $10,000 to $100,000+ range
• Develop compelling proposals for Academy-wide programs; write proposal templates and reports; research and write proposal attachments for institutional funders
• Fulfill stewardship activities and outstanding reports in a timely manner, including grant reports, site visits, thank you notes, and endowment reports; work with program and/or project staff to collect information and data on programmatic outcomes
• Assist with donor strategy development in collaboration with Academy leadership and program staff as required
• Engage with donors and prospects through phone calls, emails, and in-person meetings
• Serve as a content expert on Academy projects, such as environmental issues, sustainability solutions, education, and related special projects
• Conduct prospect research to identify new institutional funding opportunities on a regular basis
• Maintain accurate and timely records of all interactions with prospects and donors using Tessitura fundraising software
• Manage a grants calendar for foundation philanthropy to ensure timely submission of proposals and reports; update grant deadlines in donor database as required
• Provide event support (periodically on evenings and weekends)
• Follow all Academy safety regulations
• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills, including ability to produce error-free correspondence and describe complex programs
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects
• Demonstrated success delivering high-quality work and meeting deadlines
• Proactive and solutions-oriented approach to challenges
• Ability to work collegially in a team environment but also independently in an effective and productive manner
• Computer proficiency and ability to learn new software quickly
  • Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • G Suite (Google Apps) experience preferred
  • Demonstrated database experience, particularly with Tessitura, is a plus
  • Comfort working in grant research portals preferred
• Demonstrated interest and/or expertise in scientific concepts related to biodiversity, sustainability, and the natural world preferred
• Ability to interact well with people at all levels, particularly program staff and donors

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups or individuals. Bilingual (spoken and/or written) in Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, or other non-English language preferred but not necessary.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable persons with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. Must be able to lift 25 lbs. Must be able to perform repetitive motions 80% of the time.

In observance of the latest guidelines from local and state public health authorities, the Academy is temporarily closed to the public. While this position would normally be expected to work in the Academy offices with the rest of the Development Division, under current operations the position is expected to be primarily remote for the time being.

We hope you are inspired by what we do and are excited to contribute to our mission. The Academy is looking for candidates who do great work, and we know they may come from a number of different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every one of the qualifications for the position.

The California Academy of Sciences will give full consideration for employment to all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).

The California Academy of Sciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to ensure that all employees and applicants receive equal consideration and treatment, regardless of race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), religion, marital or domestic partner status, age, place of birth, national origin or ancestry, physical, mental or medical disability, height or weight, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship, military service status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law or local ordinance.

The California Academy of Sciences is a non-smoking facility. There is also no smoking in Golden Gate Park.