Director, Foundation Relations

General Summary:

The Alzheimer's Association is looking for a dynamic, experienced professional to design and implement a high-level foundation giving program on a national scale.

The Director will report to the Senior Director of Major & Strategic Gifts, and will work with nationwide colleagues and leadership to engage and solicit prominent foundations across the country. She/he will develop strategies to engage and proposals to secure grants from private foundations. The Director will also serve as a home office resource to our chapter staff who work to engage local private foundations.

This is an outstanding opportunity to build a strong foundation revenue program with an organization that is a global leader in Alzheimer's disease. The preferred location of position is Chicago, IL - but other metropolitan cities would also be considered.

Essential Job Functions:

• Develop a strategic foundation fundraising plan with both short and long-term objectives designed to meet the organization's comprehensive fundraising goals
• Prepare, submit and manage all proposals and reports for foundations 
• Proactively manage a portfolio foundation donors and prospects 
• Build a pipeline of support from foundations and be responsible for a personal revenue goal
• Provide expert counsel in foundation engagement strategy to colleagues across the country
• Work closely with the Senior Director, Major & Strategic Gifts to set goals and strategies to meet nationwide revenue and activity metrics 
• Work collaboratively with program, advocacy and scientific staff across the institution to identify specific and appropriate opportunities to engage donors and fund core programs
• Ensure that prospect and donor information is recorded accurately in the donor database and collaborate with the strategic initiatives on systems, reports and other infrastructure needs 
• Contribute to the nationwide Relationship Development team and serve on the Relationship Development Directors Team 
• Embrace and live out professionalism and fundraising best practices

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required. CFRE or advanced degree a plus
• Ten or more years of progressively responsible experience and demonstrated success in developing a foundation giving program, preferably in an academic medical center or related to medical research
• Superior writing, verbal communications and public speaking skills
• Experience in working with high net worth leaders and demonstrated success in personal cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and closing of foundation gifts at the six and seven figure levels
• Highly creative/innovative with abilities to persuade and motivate others
• Strong analytical skills to drive strategic development of region
• Ability to add strategic value to various donor situations
• Able to overcome barriers and challenges with positive, can-do attitude
• Superior interpersonal skills including ability to listen, observe and interact well with diverse individuals and groups
• Tactful, diplomatic, and appropriately assertive
• Results oriented with ability to focus on and meet deadlines and goals
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks
• Team leader and team player with ability to work collaboratively with Association colleagues, and leadership locally and nationally
• High integrity and professionalism, respecting the confidential nature of donor information and the Alzheimer's Association's business practices
• Ability and willingness to travel when needed, including overnight travel