Foundation Relations Leader for Environmental Impact

Southern Environmental Law Center; Charlottesville (VA); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 178,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Relocation reimbursement

Job summary

The Southern Environmental Law Center, based in Charlottesville, VA, seeks a Director of Foundation Relations to lead SELC’s foundation fundraising and to develop strategies that expand support from national foundations. You will manage a growing team, set strategic priorities, and collaborate with senior leadership to advance SELC’s mission and impact.

The position is full-time, exempt, hybrid (remote up to two days per week) with occasional travel, reporting to the Chief Development Officer.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education/experience.
• Minimum ten years of professional fundraising, grantmaking, or related experience.
• Previous management experience, preferably during revenue growth or institutional expansion.
• Strategic thinking, especially in donor/prospect actions.
• Strong knowledge of philanthropic trends and foundation priorities.
• Ability to articulate complex concepts clearly and with curiosity.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; comfortable with calls and in-person meetings.
• Ability to work with diverse styles in office and with donors/leaders.
• Experience driving change and adapting to new work processes.
• Highly organized with prioritization, multi-project coordination, and resilience under pressure.
• Commitment to ongoing learning and contributing to organizational efforts.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute a comprehensive foundation relations strategy to grow philanthropic support.
• Manage, supervise, and mentor the foundation relations team; oversee hiring and training.
• Design systems to enable efficient, scalable foundation fundraising operations.
• Establish and track metrics toward annual fundraising goals and long-term growth.
• Partner with leadership to strengthen foundation engagement and external influence.
• Oversee a portfolio of major foundation prospects and donors with tailored strategies.
• Collaborate with Chief Development Officer to set goals, priorities, and accountability.
• Translate SELC priorities into compelling foundation funding opportunities.
• Travel occasionally to support region-wide responsibilities.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Grantmaking

Donor relations

Strategic planning

Team management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

The Southern Environmental Law Center, based in Charlottesville, VA, seeks a Director of Foundation Relations to lead SELC’s foundation fundraising and to develop strategies that expand support from national foundations. You will manage a growing team, set strategic priorities, and collaborate with senior leadership to advance SELC’s mission and impact.

The position is full-time, exempt, hybrid (remote up to two days per week) with occasional travel, reporting to the Chief Development Officer.