Foundation Relations Officer

Environmental Law & Policy Center; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The Environmental Law & Policy Center seeks a Foundation Relations Officer in Chicago to expand its foundation grants program. This role requires cultivating relationships with funders, writing grant proposals, and collaborating with the Development Team. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree, 4-6 years of development experience, and a strong background in environmental philanthropy. ELPC offers a competitive salary ranging from $62,000 to $78,000, depending on experience, in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• 4-6 years of development experience with at least 2 years in foundation relations and grant writing.
• Demonstrated track record of securing major grants.
• Experience in the Midwest environmental philanthropic sector is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Research and develop new foundation prospects.
• Cultivate relationships with foundation staff and funders.
• Write compelling letters of inquiry and grant proposals.
• Collaborate on reports and renewal proposals.
• Achieve overall fundraising goals.

Skills

Exceptional writing skills

Strong organizational skills

Good problem-solving skills

Negotiating skills

Environmental knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Title: Foundation Relations Officer

Location: Chicago, IL (hybrid work environment with required days in the office each week)

Hours per week: Full time (40 hours/week)

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

Job Summary

The Foundation Relations Officer will work to expand ELPC’s foundation grants program and manage a portfolio of current grants, including institutional and family foundations at various levels. The incumbent will identify new funding opportunities, engage with funders and foundation program officers, write persuasive grant pitches and proposals, and collaborate with the Development Team and program staff on grant reporting and proposal writing. This role also supports fundraising events and outreach activities as needed.

Essential Job Functions

• Research, identify and develop new foundation prospects.
• Proactively cultivate relationships with foundation staff and funders by representing ELPC at a variety of events.
• Produce well-written, compelling letters of inquiry and grant proposals in a timely manner and pitch them to funders to secure new funding.
• Work with ELPC’s development team and program staff to prepare reports, other funding requirements, and renewal proposals in a timely manner.
• Persuasively follow up on submissions to drive funding success.
• Work with development team to successfully achieve overall fundraising goals, especially by increasing the number and amount of secured grants and revenue raised.
• Collaborate with development team on fundraising events and campaigns throughout the year, including the annual gala, year-end giving, and other efforts as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline.
• 4-6 years of development experience with a minimum of 2 years focused on foundation relations and grant writing, ideally in the environmental space.
• Demonstrated track record of foundation fundraising successes achieving major grants.
• Experience and connections within the Midwest environmental philanthropic sector is highly favorable.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Entrepreneurial approach to fundraising with a passion for ELPC’s mission.
• Exceptional writing skills combined with careful attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills and timely follow-up with foundations.
• Good problem-solving and negotiating skills.
• Highly creative/innovative with ability to persuade and influence others.
• Results oriented, able to focus on and meet deadlines and goals.
• Environmental knowledge and experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to operate independently as well as part of a regional and diverse team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, especially Word.

Estimated Travel & Related Conditions

• Ability to attend a variety of environmental events that may be breakfast or evening events.
• Occasional overnight travel expected.

Salary

ELPC offers an attractive salary and benefits package competitive to leading national environmental non-profits. Depending on experience, salary ranges from $62,000 to $78,000.