Strategic Foundation Partnerships Lead

Environmental Defense Fund, Inc.; Washington; Hybrid; USD 98,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

Environmental Defense Fund seeks an Institutional Partnerships Officer to lead fundraising for a portfolio of foundation donors and prospects, including collaboratives. This role sits in the Global Development Department and reports to a Senior Director of Institutional Partnerships.

You will initiate cultivation plans, manage a small existing donor portfolio, and collaborate with program staff to craft compelling proposals and reports, while maintaining donor records in Salesforce.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with at least six years in nonprofit fundraising, preferably foundations.
• Experience identifying, qualifying, and cultivating donor prospects.
• Experience with donor collaboratives, funder networks, or pooled funds preferred.
• Exceptional writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Strong planning, organization, and multitasking abilities.
• Ability to build relationships across diverse teams.
• Commitment to EDF's mission and values.
• Travel to national destinations 5–10%.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and grow relationships with institutional and foundation donors.
• Develop and execute donor cultivation plans.
• Assist with donor collaborative strategy.
• Manage a small portfolio of existing foundation donors.
• Prepare proposals, reports, and donor materials.
• Provide briefing materials for donor interactions.
• Attend meetings with foundation and institutional donors.
• Maintain Salesforce donor records and portfolio metrics.
• Communicate EDF program impact to donors.
• Collaborate with Global Development, program staff, finance, and leadership.
• Monitor engagement metrics and prioritize outreach.
• Support organizational effectiveness and inclusive culture.
• Achieve assigned fundraising goals.

Skills

Strong communication

Grant/proposal writing

Relationship building

Project management

Analytical skills

Cultural competency and inclusivity

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit fundraising or related field

Advanced degree or equivalent (substitute for up to 2 years)

Tools

Salesforce

Microsoft Office

Job description

Environmental Defense Fund seeks an Institutional Partnerships Officer to lead fundraising for a portfolio of foundation donors and prospects, including collaboratives. This role sits in the Global Development Department and reports to a Senior Director of Institutional Partnerships.

You will initiate cultivation plans, manage a small existing donor portfolio, and collaborate with program staff to craft compelling proposals and reports, while maintaining donor records in Salesforce.