Foundation Relations Associate

Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation has grown into America's largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization with 53 state/territorial affiliates and more than six million members and supporters, including hunters, anglers, gardeners, birders, hikers, campers, paddlers, etc. The mission of the National Wildlife Federation is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world. The organization's programs focus on conserving wildlife, restoring habitat and waterways, expanding outdoor opportunities, connecting children with nature, and addressing the causes and consequences of climate change. 

To advance our mission, we are seeking a full-time Foundation Relations Associate to join the Federation’s Corporate, Foundation, and Government Relations team. This position can be based at the Federation’s Reston, Virginia headquarters or our National Advocacy Center in Washington, D.C. This position will involve occasional travel between the Federation’s D.C. and Virginia offices, and may also involve occasional domestic travel (up to 5 percent).

Please Note: Due to COVID-19 all employees are working remotely until we make return to work decisions.

This position reports to the Senior Officer for Foundation and Government Relations. The Foundation Relations Associate plays a crucial role advancing corporate, foundation, and government funder relationships to secure grant funds for the Federation’s conservation and education programs. Primary responsibilities for this role include assisting a seven-person institutional fundraising team with all aspects of a relationship-driven fundraising program. Tasks will include but are not limited to compiling research briefings and funder profiles; analyzing and distributing information on funder Requests for Proposals; assisting with prospect research; taking and distributing meeting notes to assist with funder solicitation and stewardship; and more.

In this role, you will:

• Conduct institutional prospect research (using tools like Foundation Search, Foundation Directory Online, etc.) to prepare professional, comprehensive research briefings and funder profiles.
• Regularly monitor key funder websites and sources such as Grants.gov, Philanthropy News Digest, GrantStation, and others to keep abreast of new Requests for Proposals (RFPs). When RFPs of interest are announced, create summary documents and briefs to assist Foundation Officers and program staff in donor outreach and decision-making.
• Develop detailed lists of proposal and application requirements (such as attachments and other supporting documentation needs), and create proposal templates for specific funding opportunities.
• Develop detailed lists of reporting requirements, and create report narrative templates for funded grants.
• Attend institutional fundraising meetings; help Foundation Officers to compile agendas and take clear, detailed notes highlighting action items and key next steps to ensure proposal development process and other donor stewardship activities are coordinated across teams.
• Prepare briefing documents and ensure participating staff understand objectives for various meetings, teleconferences, and other funder interactions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• College degree required.

• At least 3 years of previous professional experience required, ideally in a non-profit development setting.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to work well under pressure by prioritizing and managing multiple tasks and competing deadlines effectively.
• Strong communication and editing skills; proven capabilities to draft correspondence, reports, and other written communications in a clear and professional manner.
• Your actions are expected to reflect the values of the National Wildlife Federation: collaboration, mindfulness, empowerment, inclusivity, and mission focus.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience with institutional fundraising strongly preferred.
• Passion for the preservation and protection of wildlife and wild places a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required. Familiarity with CRM and other fundraising and research software preferred.

Application:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The salary range for this position is currently $60,000-$65,000 annually, dependent upon qualifications and experience.

The National Wildlife Federation values work-life balance and a family-friendly atmosphere.  Our paid time-off includes 3 weeks of vacation leave, open wellbeing leave, 10 paid holidays, 3 floating holidays, a week-long winter break, and additional leave options, per year.  In addition, our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, AD&D, short and long-term disability, 16 weeks of paid FMLA leave, 403b retirement plan with employer matching and annual contribution, adoption benefits, and flexible work options including telecommuting, non-traditional work hours, and compressed work weeks. Applicants are invited to learn more about National Wildlife Federation’s benefits package at https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers.

We strive to increase diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) in all elements of our work and with our partners to support the interdependent needs of wildlife and people in a rapidly changing world.  We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  Applicants are invited to learn more about National Wildlife Federation’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at nwf.org/equity. 

If you have a disability and require an accommodation or assistance with our online application process, please tell us how we can help by calling us at 703-438-6244.

The requirements listed in our job descriptions are guidelines, not hard and fast rules, and if you have 75% of the qualifications listed we encourage you to apply.  Your experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work, which helps build the competencies, knowledge, and skills that translates directly to our openings.  Applying gives you the opportunity to be considered.

Candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

If selected for this position, a background check will be conducted. 

www.nwf.org