Foundation Relations Officer

• Portfolio Management/Expansion
  • Engage in qualification strategy and relationship building with foundation entities with a view toward sustained transformational giving over time. The individuals portfolio will be a mix of larger-capacity grant-making foundations whose mission and strategic giving aligns with Food Bank for the Heartlands strategy and activities. The size and mix of the portfolio will be based on the need of the team and the divisions strategic focus.
  • Steward relationships with current foundation donors guided by regular portfolio review and team-driven strategy for continued giving.
  • Strategically outline development activities (moves management for foundation relations) strategy development for all foundations in portfolio written proposal preparation and solicitation executed within 12-24-month timeframe.
  • Work collaboratively proactively and in a professional service-oriented manner with all internal and external stakeholders while representing the core values of the Food Bank.
  • Lead research and collaboration for kickoff process for new relationships grant acceptance due diligence briefing the team on key terms and obligations from the support entering information in CRM and ensuring the team knows and understands their roles and responsibilities in the partnership or grant acceptance agreement.
  • Participate in prospect management initiatives to deepen foundation portfolios and build a foundation donor pipeline by identifying specific prospects to research and then qualify through prospect interaction. Work to also identify and qualify potential new foundations to establish relationships that will result in a major gift. Capture new information for entry into donor databases regarding foundations interests and information about capacity for philanthropic giving.
  • Contributes to the design and focus of the annual development plan and budget in support of the foundation strategic plan and philanthropic priorities for Food Bank for Heartland. This position will support the planning and implementation of the foundation donor stewardship program to include efforts for donor recognition reporting and engagement activities.
  • Collaborate on support and attend Food Bank special donor events special marketing events and planned giving events in order to connect with foundation donors and discover new prospects.
  • Conduct tours of the Food Bank for prospective donors volunteers and guests. Ensure follow up with appropriate tour participants to cultivate a relationship. Represent the Food Bank at various speaking engagements and check presentations to create brand awareness and build Food Bank brand within the community.
• Strategy Development
  • Work with the Director of Development and Vice President of External Affairs to research cultivate and solicit targeted foundations. Engagement activities with foundations-whether in the research cultivation solicitation or stewardship phases-would include contact through calls virtual meetings or in-person visits.
  • Develop a broad and deep understanding of current fundraising priorities across the I Food Bank as outlined as part of The Food Banks strategic plan.
  • Work with the Development team and other stakeholders across the organization on targeted foundations: creating an annual plan for each assigned foundation based on strategy that includes key leadership champions and volunteer/board connections; moves management engagement scheme; thoughtful solicitation at the right time; and continuation of stewardship for deeper relationship building over time.
• People and Program Management
  • Work closely with the Director of Development and Vice President of External Affairs to drive the strategic growth of the Foundation program focusing on expansion of portfolio with new or unengaged foundations. The Foundation Relations Officer must create and foster a collaborative work environment among different groups across the organization and within the External Affairs Department to support successful foundation solicitation.
  • Manage and prepare reporting of progress in achieving grant requirements across stakeholders.
  • Serve as a representative for the Food Bank. as needed at Food Bank gatherings (presenting on the programs areas) or externally with potential funding bodies.
  • Display excellent and proven communication skills (written and verbal) demonstrate mastery of mission related terminology.
• Other duties that are entrusted within your scope of practice.

• Commitment to the FBFH mission and values
• Proven track record in a successful fundraising program and soliciting and closing charitable gifts from corporate and private foundations. Experience with moving foundation donors along the donor pipeline.
• Demonstrated experience with donor relations and stewardship activities.
• Able to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately and with discretion.
• Demonstrated customer relations and customer service skills.
• Initiative tenacity strong results orientation entrepreneurial mindset and proven track record in setting and achieving ambitious goals.
• Must be highly motivated creative and able to work independently as well as in a team-based environment.
• Strategic thinker and superb organizational verbal and writing skills.
• Maintain positive working relationship with supervisor co-workers and other Food Bank staff.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
• Demonstrated experience with using a donor database or CRM such as Charity Engine Ellucians Advance Blackbauds Raisers Edge Sales Force or like platform.
• Professional dress and demeanor.
• Valid drivers license and the ability to travel.
• Availability for occasional night and weekend work.
• Availability for travel and ability to drive organizational vehicles.

• Bachelors degree required. Advanced/graduate degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in direct institutional (philanthropic institutional foundations corporate foundations) or individual fundraising.
• Track record of successfully managing high level relationships. with a proven record of soliciting major gifts.
• Lived experience with the impacts of systemic racism or marginalization is a plus.

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority