Manager, Foundation Relations

The Conservation Law Foundation is New England's oldest and most respected environmental advocacy organization. The Conservation Law Foundation works to solve the most significant environmental challenges facing New England.  CLF's advocates use law, economics and science to create innovative strategies to conserve natural resources, protect public health and promote vital communities in our region.  Founded, in 1966, CLF is a nonprofit, member-supported organization with offices in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Position Overview:

The Foundation Relations Manager will oversee its foundations relations program and work closely with CLF staff and volunteers to increase foundation giving across the organization.  The successful candidate will join a 5-member development team that is charged with raising $4.5M in FY09. 

Reporting to the Vice President for Development, the Foundations Relation Manager will work collaboratively with colleagues across CLF in designing and implementing specific development plans for current and potential foundation funders.  The candidate will need to be able to work both independently and as part of a team, and will need to have superior communication skills. 

Responsibilities include:

• Prepare foundation proposals and reports, working in close collaboration with CLF Program and Advocacy Center Directors;
• Ensure CLF meets ambitious annual and long-term foundation fundraising goals;
• Develop and implement comprehensive annual foundation fundraising plans together with specific plans for every identified foundation prospect, working collaboratively with relevant program and advocacy center staff in the process;
• Maintain and continue to develop relationships with existing funders;
• Conduct on-going research to identify potential new funders and develop strategies for cultivating relationships with/obtaining monies from them;
• Support efforts to enhance and expand existing program and advocacy center work to create opportunities for new funding;
• Ensure that program and advocacy center staff and board members have the information and support they need to forge and maintain productive foundation relationships;
• Supervise the creation and maintenance of  templates, models and systems for facilitating and tracking foundation fund-raising plans and assignments, working with relevant development staff in the process;
• Work with development and finance department staff to ensure that there is a shared system for the accurate and timely tracking, monitoring and reporting of foundation monies raised;
• Draft or coordinate the drafting of all foundation letters, proposals, reports and updates;
• Work to ensure close coordination between foundation fundraising and individual giving;
• Collaborate with the rest of the Development department, Finance, Communications and Board Development Committees on fundraising and membership development.

Qualifications include: 

Bachelor's degree, at least five years of professional development experience with increasing responsibility working with foundations, and grant writing experience. Experience with an advocacy organization is a plus, but not required.  Excellent writing and interpersonal skills, ability to create and implement organizational systems, and ability to manage multiple projects and initiatives in a deadline-driven environment.  Team player and leadership ability expected. 

Compensation will be commensurate with the successful candidate's experience, and includes a competitive benefits package.  The position is a full-time, exempt position. 

To Apply

Please email cover letter, resume and salary requirements by June 13.

CLF values a diverse community and is an equal opportunity employer.