Manager, Foundation Relations

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Arlington-VA, Seattle-WA, Belgium, or United Kingdom (remote)

Conservation International seeks an experienced and passionate fundraiser to join our high-performing Foundation Relations (FR) team. The FR Manager will cultivate partnerships with, and secure revenue from, professional foundations based in the U.S. and abroad. They will manage a portfolio of foundations and will work—independently and alongside colleagues across the institution—to identify new prospects, develop cultivation strategies, engage foundation staff, lead solicitation of foundations and proposal development, ensure excellent donor stewardship, expand the number of CI’s foundation partnerships, and ultimately help increase revenue from this donor segment. The FR Manager will also contribute to the work of CI’s Development Division more broadly, which strives to bring more private philanthropy to the aid of Cl's mission—a mission that grows in step with the increasing challenges facing nature and people. Ideal candidates will be collaborative, entrepreneurial, dynamic, accustomed to fast-paced environments, and committed to CI’s mission. They will also have experience working in global and/or diverse organizations and should be interested in joining a team where they can contribute and grow in the years to come.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contribute toward the Foundation Relations annual fundraising goal of $20-30M by meeting a revenue target aligned with the opportunities in their portfolio.
• Support and/or lead the development and implementation of donor fundraising strategies. 
• Coordinate with CI colleagues and leaders globally to cultivate and steward foundation donors.  
• Conduct prospect research and build a strong pipeline of donor accounts.
• Manage and support the development of concept papers and proposals.
• Ensure high-quality stewardship and management of existing donors and grants in portfolio.
• Support fundraising efforts for CI programs and/or priorities.
• Track fundraising efforts in Raiser’s Edge or related databases.
• Prepare or support the preparation of fundraising progress reports and analyses.

Other related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Typical office environment.
• Flexibility in the work schedule to accommodate time differences with HQ and field programs may be necessary.
• Occasional travel to meet with donors may be required.
• Guidance on flexible work arrangements will be shared during the interview process. 
• Candidates should be EU or UK nationals or have a valid work permit for Belgium or the UK. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree and 4-6 years of fundraising experience.
• Successful experience in managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors.
• Knowledge of current trends and metrics in philanthropic giving.
• Effective interpersonal skills, including diplomacy and tact, the ability to listen, and the ability to build strong relationships with donors, volunteers, and all levels of staff.
• Well-developed written and oral communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge or similar fundraising database software.

Preferred

• Advanced degree in relevant field.
• Passion for making the planet a better place.
• Experience in corporate and/or corporate foundation fundraising.
• Experience working in global and/or diverse organizations.
• Ability to communicate in a second language.
• A demonstrated understanding of conservation and/or fundraising issues.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility-committed employer. We are proud to have a diverse, global workforce where employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, position requirements, business needs, market conditions, merit, and other legitimate nondiscriminatory factors.

As a science-based organization, CI follows CDC recommendations for COVID-19 and other vaccines. Accordingly, for the health and safety of our employees, their families, and our community, subject to applicable local law, all Conservation International staff are expected to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, vaccination is no longer a mandate or condition of employment and employees are not required to provide proof of vaccination. This means we will not require an individual to be vaccinated to enter a CI office, attend CI events or travel on CI-related trips. This applies for our community partners as well. This vaccine expectation applies to all team members working remotely, in a hybrid work arrangement, and on-site. Job applicants are NOT required to state their COVID-19 vaccine status in their application.