Foundation Relations Specialist

Description:

The Foundation Relations Specialist works with Museum staff across departments, and manages relationships both internally and externally. The Director and Specialist raise funds from foundations for the Field Museum’s environmental conservation efforts, education programs, community engagement, exhibitions, scientific research, collections care, general operating support, and endowment, among other funding needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop various writing projects for foundation giving, including letters of intent, narrative proposals, reports, online grant applications, briefings, acknowledgement letters, and other written materials

• Organize, submit, and manage grant proposals and foundation reports

• Cultivate, solicit, and manage a small portfolio of assigned foundations

• Consult with other departments within the Museum in order to obtain the information needed for proposals and reports

• Organize and format various grant attachments

• Research and evaluate potential foundations to ensure that they are aligned with Museum priorities. Prepare research profiles and donor briefings

• Coordinate site visits, exhibition tours, and behind-the-scenes tours for funders

• Manage recognition for foundations, including proper credit lines for publications, Annual Report, Donor Wall, etc

• Collect and maintain relevant Museum information (demographics, visitor and education program attendance, major achievements in the Science and Education Center, current policies, etc.)

• Maintain current, supporting documents for proposals including operating budget, financial statements and reports, board of trustees list, donor lists, etc.

• Maintain foundation documents in electronic files as well as records in the Raiser’s Edge database

• Participate in events, tours, and other stewardship activities as a member of the Institutional Advancement department

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, English, humanities field, or equivalent required

• Three years of work experience required, including previous grant writing experience

• Strong written communication skills; ability to write and edit clear, structured, articulate, and persuasive proposals and reports

• Outstanding grammar, editing, and research skills. Strong organizational and detail-oriented skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Collaborative spirit and ability to be flexible as well as work independently

• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and meet all deadlines

• Knowledge of basic fundraising techniques and strategies preferred

• Knowledge and familiarity with research techniques for prospect research preferred

• Required to work occasional evenings and weekends for events and tours.

• Computer skills: proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Docs required, Raiser’s Edge preferred