Director of Foundation Relations

The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) is seeking a Director of Foundation Relations in our Charlottesville, VA office. This individual will join the fundraising leadership team and report to the Chief Development Officer. The Director of Foundation Relations will lead SELC's foundation relations program and oversee a growing team. The Director will develop and execute strategies and initiatives to expand philanthropic support from leading environmental and national funders, advancing SELC's long-term goals and impact. This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly successful, nationally recognized organization that is effectively addressing some of the most pressing and challenging environmental issues throughout the South and the nation.

The ideal candidate will bring a deep commitment to SELC's mission, at least ten years of professional fundraising experience, demonstrated success in foundation relations, and a proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.

SELC has a hybrid work model that offers employees flexibility to work remotely up to two days per week. This is a full-time exempt position.

Employment is contingent on successful completion of a criminal background check.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead and execute a comprehensive foundation relations strategy that increases philanthropic support from national, regional, and local foundations aligned with SELC's mission and priorities.
• Manage, supervise, and mentor the foundation relations team, currently two foundation relations officers and two grant administrators. Oversee hiring and training processes for all new foundation staff. Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture and support continued team growth and professional development.
• Lead the strategic buildout of SELC’s foundation fundraising efforts. Design and implement systems and infrastructure to enable the department to operate efficiently, scale effectively, and achieve long-term strategic goals. Engineer solutions to meet capacity needs.
• Establish and track performance metrics for the foundation relations program, ensuring progress toward annual fundraising goals and long-term growth objectives.
• Partner with organizational leadership to strengthen SELC’s foundation engagement capacity by institutionalizing practices, systems, and training that support relationship-building with key funders, while cultivating opportunities for SELC leaders to enhance their visibility and influence within the philanthropic community through strategic external engagement and thought leadership.
• Oversee a portfolio of major foundation prospects and donors, developing customized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
• Partner closely with the Chief Development Officer and development leadership to establish fundraising goals and team workplans, establishing clear priorities, goals, and accountability measures while fostering strong collaboration and buy-in across the foundation relations team.
• Serve as a strategic partner to organizational leadership in translating SELC’s priorities, emerging work, and impact into compelling foundation funding opportunities.
• This is a position with region-wide focus and responsibility that requires occasional travel.  

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum ten years of professional fundraising, grantmaking, or related experience.
• Previous management experience, preferably during a period of revenue growth or institutional expansion.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, particularly in the context of donor/prospect actions. 
• Strong knowledge of philanthropic trends, foundation priorities, and best practices in institutional giving.
• The ability to quickly grasp and thoughtfully articulate complex concepts while maintaining a sense of intellectual curiosity.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Comfortable with picking up the telephone and welcomes face-to-face contact.
• A demonstrated ability to work with a wide range of individual styles, both in the office with colleagues, and externally with donors and volunteer leaders.
• Experience facilitating change and adjusting to changes in work processes and environments. Open to receiving new ideas and perspectives.
• Highly organized; Demonstrated success in setting priorities, coordinating multiple projects, handling details, and working effectively under pressure.
• Commitment to ongoing personal learning and an eagerness to contribute to our organizational efforts in this area.
• Commitment to environmental, climate, and environmental justice issues, with the ability to quickly learn and develop knowledge on these issues.

Desired Qualifications:

• Familiarity and experience with engaging donors about climate change and environmental issues.
• A genuine interest in and commitment to helping SELC create and foster an equitable and inclusive workplace that welcomes people from across the rich racial and cultural diversity of our region. 

About SELC:

The Southern Environmental Law Center is one of the nation’s most powerful defenders of the environment, rooted in the South. With a long track record, SELC takes on the toughest environmental challenges in court, in government, and in our communities to protect our region’s air, water, climate, wildlife, lands, and people. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, the organization has a staff of 250, including more than 160 legal and policy experts and advocates. Headquartered in Charlottesville, VA, SELC has offices in Asheville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Chapel Hill, Charleston, Nashville, Richmond, and Washington, DC.

At our core, we are place-based, rooted in our region, and connected with the communities and clients we serve. We believe in an equitable and inclusive workplace that welcomes people from across the rich racial and cultural diversity of our region and values diverse perspectives. We approach our work with the highest level of integrity, holding ourselves to high standards with an emphasis on honesty, accountability, and thoughtfulness. We value collaboration and camaraderie, realizing we are strongest when we work together and knowing that everyone has a critical role to play. We strive for impact through a strategic, bold, pragmatic, and ambitious outlook that is dedicated to achieving powerful results. We believe in these values and in the power of SELC. We hope you consider joining us. Learn more at

Compensation & Benefits:

SELC offers salaries competitive with other leading environmental nonprofits nationally and provides an excellent benefits package. The salary range for this position is $160,000 - $177,900, based on experience. Actual placement within the range will depend on factors such as relevant experience, education, skills, and internal equity considerations. For more details about our benefits package, please visit our Careers page.

SELC is a PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness) eligible employer.

All employees are required to reside in our region. SELC will provide relocation reimbursement up to a specific dollar amount for those relocating at least 50 miles from their current primary residence.

To Apply:

To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below to be directed to an online application where you may upload your application materials. Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and professional references. The initial deadline for receipt of complete applications is Sunday, September 27th at 11:59 pm ET.

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SELC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace environment. We are eager to welcome new team members who share this commitment. Qualified individuals of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.