director of foundations hiring

Director of Foundations

The Organization

The Commonwealth Foundation (CF) is among the most effective and influential state-based think tanks in the country. With a top-notch team of policy analysts and communication experts, CF transforms free-market ideas into public policies so all Pennsylvanians can flourish.

Our research and advocacy have led to lower taxes on working Pennsylvanians, greater transparency in state government spending and contracts, criminal justice reform that reduced both prison population and crime and increased educational options for thousands of students.

Our work is driven by our core values of:

  • Integrity
  • Treating everyone with dignity
  • Stewardship of our investors’ time and treasure
  • Pursuing productive solutions to problems

Position

CF seeks an experienced, talented, and philosophically committed Director of Foundations to join our fundraising team. The ideal candidate is not only a talented writer and editor, but he or she can also inspire a team of others to achieve this goal and manage the operations of a multifaceted grant capability raising more than $3.5 million each year. This person will be adept at assuming an organizations or individual’s voice and will have a knack for producing high-quality, written materials. He or she will also oversee the grant calendar to ensure all proposals and reports are delivered on time, coordinate grant management to ensure restricted grants are fulfilled, and thrive in a collaborative environment. This person will have a deep passion for free market ideas and CF’s mission.   

The Director of Foundations will work closely with and report to the Vice President of Development and the Chief Executive Officer.  This is a hybrid working arrangement which includes working from home with regular visits to the office in Harrisburg or other events as needed.

Responsibilities include:

  • Write and edit grant proposals, reports, thank you letters, and other materials that provide investors with an exceptional philanthropic experience. 
  • Build and manage a team to work toward a multi-million-dollar grant capability.
  • Manage the timeline for report and proposal deadlines and delegate as appropriate.   
  • Supervise a colleague who researches prospective foundations and builds relationships that result in major gifts.  
  • Build relationships with foundation donors and assist in strategy for relationship building for colleagues.    
  • Be the point of contact for foundation officials to ensure an exceptional philanthropic experience. 
  • Work with multiple teams including development, policy, government affairs, finance, and executives to ensure accurate and timely reporting for all grants, especially restricted ones. 
  • Other duties, as assigned.   

Requirements include:

  • Passion for the mission of Commonwealth Foundation. 
  • 5+ years of professional experience in writing and development, or a related field.
  • Experience building and managing a team of writers and editors. 
  • Demonstrated superior writing, research, and editing skills.
  • Strong attention to detail, including editing skills and familiarity with grammar and style.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a strong ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • A proven ability to work independently, accept and give constructive feedback, prioritize, and manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines. 
  • Experience in Salesforce is not required but is a plus. 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Commonwealth Foundation Benefits include:

  • Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance with up to 80 percent employer contribution.
  • 4% company contributions towards a retirement plan.
  • Monthly stipend for needed mobile technology and home office internet.
  • Unlimited paid time off and flexible work schedules.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their interest in joining the Commonwealth Foundation and their salary requirements.

Please apply here.