Director of Foundation Relations

Director Of Foundation Relations

This leadership role sits at the intersection of philanthropy, strategy, and mission-driven impact, driving the development of high-value institutional funding partnerships that sustain and scale critical mental health services. You will own the full foundation fundraising lifecycle, from pipeline development and cultivation to proposal execution and stewardship, ensuring long-term, multi-million-dollar support for programs that save lives. Working closely with senior leadership, including executive stakeholders, you will shape and execute a comprehensive foundation engagement strategy aligned with organizational priorities. The role requires a balance of strategic vision, relationship-building excellence, and operational rigor in managing a complex portfolio of funders. You will also lead and mentor grants staff while ensuring consistency, quality, and impact across all foundation communications. This is a highly visible position where your work directly contributes to expanding access to mental health support at scale.

Accountabilities

Lead the end-to-end foundation relations strategy, building and managing a high-value pipeline of institutional funders while driving cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts that secure sustainable, multi-year funding.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive foundation fundraising strategy aligned with mission priorities and revenue goals
• Build and manage a strong pipeline of private, family, and institutional foundations capable of 5–7+ figure gifts
• Cultivate and steward relationships with program officers, trustees, and foundation stakeholders through tailored engagement strategies
• Oversee the development of high-quality proposals, LOIs, reports, and stewardship communications
• Manage and mentor grants staff, ensuring consistency, clarity, and excellence across all written materials
• Maintain rigorous moves management practices, ensuring accurate tracking, reporting, and portfolio visibility in CRM systems
• Collaborate with executive leadership, program teams, finance, and the board to align fundraising efforts with organizational priorities
• Strengthen internal processes and external engagement strategies to improve pipeline conversion and long-term funder retention

Requirements

This role requires an experienced fundraising leader with a strong background in foundation relations and institutional giving, ideally within mission-driven, nonprofit, or social impact organizations. The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking, exceptional writing ability, and strong relationship management skills.

• 7+ years of fundraising experience with a strong focus on foundation relations and institutional giving
• Proven success securing 5–7+ figure grants, including multi-year and unrestricted funding
• Demonstrated ability to build, manage, and grow a high-value fundraising pipeline
• Exceptional writing and editing skills with experience producing compelling proposals and reports
• Strong project management skills with ability to coordinate across executives, program teams, and finance stakeholders
• Experience managing or mentoring fundraising, grants, or development staff
• Proficiency with CRM systems such as Salesforce for pipeline and portfolio management
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with executive presence in funder-facing settings
• Ability to work collaboratively across complex, cross-functional nonprofit environments
• Experience in mental health, public health, technology, or social services sectors is a strong plus

Benefits

• Competitive salary range: $104,412 – $124,714 (based on location and experience)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer support
• Employer-funded HSA contributions and retirement plan (403b) with employer match
• Generous PTO, sick leave, and 19 paid holidays, including a winter break
• 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave after eligibility period
• Annual wellness, home office, internet, and professional development stipends
• Sabbatical opportunity after 3 years of service
• Flexible, remote-first work environment (U.S.-based eligible states only)
• Strong focus on mission-driven impact and equity-centered benefits design