Director of Institutional Engagement Director of Institutional Engagement Peninsula Open Space [...] (Palo Alto)

We are thrilled to announce the search for our next Director of Institutional Engagement in partnership with Potrero Group, an executive search and strategy firm that services leaders across sectors who are shaping a better future.

POST seeks a strategic, experienced, relationship-driven Director of Institutional Engagement to lead development efforts with large philanthropic foundations and government agencies.

• Ten years of experience in increasingly responsible positions, including five to seven years of experience preparing and managing institutional grant proposals and reports
• College degree or a combination of work and life experience that provides a comparable level of skill and competence for the role
• Expertise in natural and working lands conservation policy and funding
• Able to work effectively across departments and with senior leadership
• Professional demeanor and good judgment
• Strong problem-solving skills, comfortable with pivoting and adapting, and able to balance multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• In collaboration with the Vice President of Development and the Vice President of Land Transactions, create multifaceted, multiyear funding strategies and annual goals for institutional fundraising that align with POST’s mission, program, and strategic plan objectives.
• Work closely with programmatic staff to understand program priorities and projected funding needs and to identify potential institutional funding sources for POST and its partners.
• Keep abreast of changes that may impact funder priorities, including new sources of public or private funding, policy changes, and trends in grantmaking.
• Develop and lead the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for institutional donors capable of making six-figure grants, especially California state natural resource agencies and major private foundations.

Legislative Engagement

• Direct and implement POST’s state and federal legislative activities, overseeing strategy planning, priority setting, and coordination with the President, Institutional Engagement Officer, and senior staff on high-profile bills, investments in political campaigns and other legislative matters to ensure influence on public funding sources and agencies.
• Advance POST’s policy goals and maintain expertise on major issues through networking, thought leadership, and by representing the organization externally, including in legislative proceedings.
• Direct ballot measure strategy, language, and materials and oversee campaign execution in coordination with consultants, the Institutional Engagement Officer, the President, and internal teams.
• Serve as a resource on public policy and funding procedures, regulations, and best practices, including IRS and California Fair Political Practices Commission regulations.
• Track upcoming legislative issues to inform internal planning and maximize organizational effectiveness.

Communication and External Affairs

• Stay informed about POST projects and goals to identify funding and policy opportunities, and to communicate effectively with funders and policymakers.
• Collaborate with partners to develop and implement funding strategies for joint projects and manage cross-departmental and partner coordination to ensure high-quality communications with funders. Offer funding strategy and grant writing support to partners when needed.
• Broaden and strengthen POST’s relationships with institutional funders, including government agencies and foundation leadership and staff with grant-making responsibilities.
• Ensure funders are aware of POST’s priorities, anticipated needs, and alignment with funder objectives.
• Cultivate relationships with local, state, and federal legislators and their staff.
• Communicate the organization’s position on legislative and policy matters internally and externally. Review public comment letters and other policy communications on behalf of POST.
• Collaborate with external partners and constituents to gather input, build community buy-in, and position ballot measures for successful passage.
• Work closely with programmatic staff to understand funding needs and identify potential funding sources.
• Manage proposal development processes and oversee staff grant writing, ensuring that proposals present competitive projects.
• Ensure appropriate internal review of grant agreements and ensure administrative compliance.
• Oversee grant compliance and reporting, ensuring that grant requirements are fulfilled and reports foster long-term partnerships.

Supervision and Administration

• Build a collaborative, effective, and self-reliant Department.
• Manage and support the Institutional Engagement Officer and Senior Manager of Institutional Grants, providing coaching, performance management, and professional development opportunities.
• Oversee the Institutional Engagement Officer and Grants Accountant to ensure accurate accounting of grants in POST’s financial, land, and donor databases, and timely, professional communications with funders.
• Define monthly and annual deliverables for staff and consulting grant writers and political consultants, and oversee progress toward outcomes.
• Manage POST’s legislative consultants in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., to track and respond to relevant legislative actions, develop new sources of funding, and align funding program implementation with POST’s goals.
• Develop and manage POST’s external affairs budget.

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time, exempt position. The anticipated starting salary for this position is $145,000–$175,000, commensurate with experience.

BENEFITS

• Full premium for basic medical, dental and vision coverage and a
• portion of upgraded or dependent plans , plus life and long term disability coverage
• Flex Spending Accounts and a 401(k) plan with employer contribution and match after
• one year of service
• Paid vacation and sick leave , paid maternity/paternity and family medical leave after one year of employment, paid holiday and flex days
• Caltrain GoPasses , flexible schedules, physical and mental wellness benefits , and commuter reimbursement programs and a dog-friendly office

LOCATION

This position is based at POST’s office in Palo Alto, California. Flexible work is possible, though it will be necessary to be in the office or field 3 or 4 days per week. Occasional travel to Sacramento and elsewhere is required for legislative visits and donor meetings. This position may have occasional short periods of long hours to meet deadlines.

START DATE

Spring 2026

TO APPLY

Applications should include a resume and a cover letter describing your qualifications that match the position criteria and what you will bring to the role.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For additional information regarding this opportunity, please contact Jena Kuznik, Senior Consultant at Potrero Group, at View email address on apply.placed-app.com .

Our Mission: POST protects open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all. Our Vision: POST is creating a network of protected lands where people and nature connect and thrive. These lands are preserved forever so present and future generations benefit from the careful ...