Foundation Relations Specialist, Western Region

~ SCA’s mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land. ~

Every year we motivate and deploy thousands of young people who care passionately about improving their natural world. We put them to work in our parks and public lands and urban green spaces to make improvements and learn conservation and sustainability practices. We teach them how to plan, enact, and lead, all while making a tangible impact in conservation.

Position Overview

The Student Conservation Association (SCA), a national force of youth conservation volunteers, has an exciting opportunity in our Advancement Department. The position is based in either Seattle, Washington or Oakland, California.

America’s #1 youth conservation service organization seeks a qualified applicant who will secure grant funding by maintaining relations and fulfilling proposal and reporting requirements with current national foundation partners.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions (90% of time):

• Meet and support revenue targets for a defined portfolio of foundation donors and prospects. Identify funding opportunities and develop strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of those.
• Write compelling grant proposals, concept papers, letters of inquiry, reports, and acknowledgement letters for foundations.
• Prepare financial information, including budgets and financial reports, in collaboration with program and finance staff.
• Engage in meetings with funders and prepare meeting materials and talking points for visits to funders.
• Research and vet foundation and corporate grantmaking prospects in collaboration with Foundation Relations team and Advancement team.
• Manage and track all relevant deadlines within the portfolio.
• Participate in select program planning sessions to help identify funding opportunities for SCA programs and strategic initiatives.

Supplemental Functions (10% of time):

• Coordinate with advancement colleagues and leadership team to maximize fundraising opportunities.
• Maintain familiarity with SCA programs through program research, possible field visits, and communications with program and partnership development teams.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Performance Measures/Accountabilities:

• Ensure annual revenue goals are met.
• Maintain, or grow, foundation revenue by ensuring the consistent and timely submission of successful, competitive proposals.
• Maintain regular and timely reporting on progress to goals.
• Work effectively and collaboratively with other Advancement Team members to achieve annual philanthropic goals for assigned foundation donors.
• Understand and follow the guidelines in SCA’s Staff Handbook.
• Understand and model SCA’s Operating Values and Leadership Behaviors.

Experience and Skills:

• 5 or more years of relevant experience, particularly foundation and corporate relations required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Experience with grant writing required.
• Demonstrated successful track record in managing relationships by telephone and email.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously required.
• Strong Constituent Management Database and MSOffice skills required particularly Word, Outlook and Excel a must.
• Valid driver’s license and MVR that meets SCA standards required.
• Willingness to travel nationally (10-20%).

Benefits

• Heatlh and Dental
• Basic Life Insurance
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account
• 403(b) Savings Plan
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Community Service Leave
• Casual Dress

To Apply

Please be sure to click here and follow the application instructions provided on our website.

Student Conservation Association is a proud partner with AmeriCorps and encourages AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, or other national service alumni to apply for job opportunities with SCA.

~ SCA is an EOE dedicated to workforce diversity. ~