Director of Foundation Relations

Job Description

Job Description

The  Director of Foundation Relations is a senior fundraising strategist, and relationship manager responsible for leading and growing JF&CS's institutional fundraising program— raising over $2M a year. The Director deepens foundation relationships, secures new grants and partnerships, supervises one foundation relations staff member, and positions JF&CS for long-term philanthropic growth— building off a strong track record of successful foundation fundraising.

The Director helps organizational leaders connect programmatic work to broader priorities and translate complex human-service challenges into compelling philanthropic opportunities. The ideal candidate brings deep institutional fundraising skills, sound judgment, strong project management ability, and a highly collaborative approach.

This is a full-time position with a hybrid schedule, requiring a minimum of 3 days per week of in-person work in Waltham.

Essential Duties, Responsibilities, and Expectations

Strategic Foundation Fundraising Leadership

• Develop and implement a growth-oriented foundation relations strategy aligned with JF&CS fundraising goals and organizational priorities, grounded in a deep understanding of and connection to JF&CS strategy

Foundation Relationship Development and Stewardship

• Grow fundraising from institutional funders through cultivation, planning and solicitation of existing funders, and through developing new institutional relationships
• Manage a portfolio of foundation funders and prospects, including cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, renewals, and annual relationship plans
• Ensure accurate and timely submission of all proposals, reports, grant agreements, budgets, and stewardship materials
• Develop strong grant proposals, letters of inquiry, concept papers, reports and other institutional communications
• Maintain meaningful communication with current and prospective funders about JF&CS priorities, impact, and opportunities

Organizational Storytelling and Strategic Thought Partnership

• Collaborate with program, finance, evaluation, and executive leaders to understand outcomes, community needs, priorities, and opportunities
• Translate programmatic insights into strong cases for support, grant concepts, and funding strategies
• Shape organization-wide narratives that connect programs to broad agency goals and community impact

Cross-Departmental Engagement and Partnership Building

• Build trusted relationships across the agency to support donor strategies, cultivation, research and stewardship
• Coach, mentor, and develop foundation relations staff member to strengthen fundraising effectiveness, strategic thinking, and professional growth
• Collaborate with finance and program teams to deliver accurate grant budgets, outcomes reporting, and compliance with funding requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, with a strong track record in foundation relations and institutional giving
• Demonstrated success securing five- and six-figure grants and building long-term funder relationships
• Exceptional writing skills, with the ability to craft compelling proposals, letters of inquiry, and reports
• Strong strategic thinking and the ability to translate complex program work into clear cases for support
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities
• Experience supervising, coaching, or mentoring staff preferred
• A highly collaborative, relationship-oriented approach and the ability to work effectively across teams
• Proficiency with fundraising databases (e.g., Raiser's Edge/Blackbaud) and prospect research and grants management tools (e.g. Instrumentl)
• Comfort using AI tools to enhance research, writing and productivity, along with sound judgment about their appropriate use
• Commitment to the mission and values of JF&CS to serving people of all faiths, backgrounds, cultures, and abilities

Please note that a cover letter is required. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

About JF&CS

For more than 150 years, Jewish Family & Children's Service has been helping individuals and families build a strong foundation for resilience and well-being. We intentionally serve and employ people of ALL faiths, backgrounds, cultures, and abilities.

We have a strong culture of professional development, work-life balance, and promotion from within. 

JF&CS is an equal opportunity employer who serves and employs people of all cultures and faith traditions. Employment opportunities are available to all without regard for race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

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