The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) is an educational nonprofit that is changing the world by developing leaders for a free society. Our transformational programs teach the principles of limited government, free-market economics and honorable leadership to students and young professionals in America and around the world.

By offering a portfolio of more than 20 different academic programs, fellowships and seminars, the TFAS Journey helps cultivate future leaders from high school all the way through to their university studies and professional careers.

Today, there are more than 49,000 TFAS alumni making a difference by upholding the values essential to the preservation and success of a free society.

About the Role

To advance the mission of TFAS, the development office exists to build and cultivate strong relationships with supporters by partnering with them to achieve their philanthropic interests with the goal of increasing support for TFAS’ work to educate students in free-market economics, the ideals of liberty, and honorable leadership.

The Director of Foundation Relations manages the full life cycle of institutional foundation relationships to secure funding for TFAS. The Director is responsible for writing and editing compelling and timely grant proposals, applications, and supporting documents, identifying and soliciting new foundation partners, and supporting the overall development office through written materials as needed. The ideal Director will be innovative and entrepreneurial. He/she will constantly seek ways to do things better and create exceptional experiences for TFAS donors to increase their connection to and investment in our work.

This role could be a fit for someone with two years of grant writing/foundation relations experience, but also for someone with five-plus years into their career who is eager to take on a more significant role on a high-impact team. Candidates with 2+ years of other professional writing experience who are interested in transitioning into grant writing are also encouraged to apply.

The Director of Foundation Relations will ideally work from the TFAS Washington, D.C., office. Fully remote arrangements may be possible for exceptional candidates.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for all aspects of the lifecycle to maintain and cultivate ongoing relationships with institutional foundations
• Write and edit compelling, high-quality grant proposals, applications and supporting documents
• Track grant prospects and submissions; prepare progress reports and other reports as required by granting agencies
• Create, update, and maintain an accurate grant database/calendar to track grant writing activities, reporting, renewal requests and deadlines
• Ensure timely submission of all proposals and reports
• Identify and solicit new foundation partners
• Work with program and finance staff to gather pertinent information and metrics as needed for grant writing and reporting
• As appropriate, visit foundation partners, with and without senior staff to cultivate the relationship
• Support overall development office efforts through written materials as needed
• Stay informed of trends in foundation funding that may affect TFAS programs

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of professional writing experience, grant writing and/or foundation relations experience
• Passion for and alignment with the mission of TFAS
• Demonstrated success in maintaining grant writing and reporting schedules ensuring deadlines are not missed
• Ability to effectively work under pressure, use independent judgment and produce a quality work product within tight time constraints
• An obsessive desire to win; you are frustrated with complacency
• Ability to anticipate challenges, take initiative and provide solutions to achieve department and organization objectives
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred
• Some travel, but less than 15% expected
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite; familiarity with Salesforce or comparable CRM software strongly preferred
• Knowledge of free-market, conservative, and libertarian grant-making organizations helpful

Salary and Benefits

The projected salary range for this role is $75,000-90,000, contingent upon the specific skills and experience of the selected candidate. We are willing to explore higher compensation for an exceptional candidate with significant, relevant experience or a lower range for a promising, less experienced candidate.

TFAS also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and life insurance; retirement contributions; and a generous paid time-off plan.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials in one PDF document:

Resume + Cover Letter (explaining the applicant’s interest in the position and mission of TFAS, as well as your salary requirements) should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: https://www.tfaforms.com/4667238.

Questions can be directed to Stephanie Keaveney, Senior Manager of Outreach at Talent Market, who is managing the search process: Stephanie@talentmarket.org.

There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled.

While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.