Director of Philanthropic Partnerships and Government Relations
Summary
The Director of Philanthropic Partnerships and Government Relations will play a critical role in advancing the organization's mission by securing transformative philanthropic investments and cultivating enduring relationships with major donors, philanthropic foundations, and government partners. This position is responsible for identifying, building, and managing high-level partnerships to secure significant funding opportunities and strategic collaborations. The Director will work closely with the advancement team to develop and implement fundraising strategies, including advocacy, government relations, and public-private partnerships, to drive the organization's growth and impact.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Partnership Development and Fundraising Strategy
- Cultivate and manage relationships with key philanthropic partners, government agencies, and major donors across Texas and beyond.
- Secure and maintain annually from major donors, foundations, and strategic partnerships.
- Develop a pipeline of high-potential donors annually.
- Strategize to identify, pursue, and secure large-scale funding opportunities through grants, major gifts, and government contracts.
- Lead the development of funding strategies, including cultivating new partnerships and maintaining existing relationships with high-net-worth individuals and philanthropic organizations.
- Represent the organization at meetings with potential donors, government officials, and community leaders to advocate for the organization’s mission and secure support.
- Research and identify new funding sources, including corporate and government grants, philanthropic foundations, and public-private partnerships.
- Leverage personal and organizational networks to identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with high-net-worth individuals and philanthropic organizations, particularly those aligned with poverty alleviation and economic empowerment.
- Serve as a contact for high-value donors, engaging them in the organization's mission and fostering long-term partnerships.
Government Relations and Advocacy
- Represent the organization upon request with policymakers, agencies, and elected officials to advance legislation and funding initiatives related to the organization's mission.
- Support government engagement efforts, including identifying strategic opportunities for public funding and advocating for policies aligned with the organization’s mission.
- Represent the organization in coalitions and forums related to advocacy and public policy in the nonprofit, government, and economic development sectors.
Donor Stewardship and Reporting
- Oversee stewardship efforts to ensure ongoing engagement and satisfaction of major donors and key partners.
- Work with the Advancement and Development teams to ensure proper acknowledgment and recognition of donors, aligning with organizational goals and priorities.
- Develop detailed reports on funding activities, including progress on major campaigns, government relations efforts, and key partnerships.
- Create compelling communication materials that engage and update current and potential donors on funding initiatives and the organization’s impact.
Collaboration and Leadership
- Collaborate with leadership, including the CEO, to align fundraising efforts with organizational goals and strategic priorities.
- Partner with internal teams to ensure the effective implementation of funded programs and manage funder expectations regarding progress and outcomes.
- Assist in the development of organizational budgets and projections related to new funding sources.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; Master’s degree preferred.
- At least 7 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, government relations, or a related field, with a proven track record of successfully securing high-level partnerships and significant funding.
- Knowledge of the philanthropic and public/private partnership landscape in Texas and elsewhere.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and public speaking skills, with the ability to effectively engage high-level stakeholders.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated ability to craft and deliver compelling cases for support, both in writing and in person, tailored to sophisticated audiences.
Travel:
Routine travel within Texas and potentially out-of-state to meet with donors, partners, and government officials. Occasional overnight travel required.
Position Type, Days and Hours:
This is a full-time, exempt position. The days and hours of work are generally Monday through Friday, but the schedule may vary based on the needs of the position and the timing of key meetings and events.
Physical Demands:
Work is performed in a routine office environment, with some travel required. Must be able to operate standard office equipment and handle the physical demands of occasional travel.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
LiftFund Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all our applicants and employees without regard to age, color, mental or physical disability, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Also, LiftFund provides reasonable accommodation, and it is committed to engaging in the interactive process.
