Director, Foundation Partnerships

📌 Core Information

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director, Foundation Partnerships

🔹 Company: American Humane

🔹 Location: Washington, DC, United States

🔹 Job Type: Hybrid

🔹 Category: Non-profit Organizations

🔹 Date Posted: July 15, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Securing over $1.5M in annual revenue through corporate and private foundations
• Developing and executing strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward foundation funders
• Collaborating with the AVP, Partnerships to execute American Humane’s existing partnership and foundation engagement strategy
• Leading strategies to maximize institutional investments through the development of six- and seven-figure commitments with donors and prospects
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with foundation funders and community stakeholders

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record in corporate and foundation fundraising. The ideal candidate will be passionate about American Humane’s mission and committed to fostering a welcoming, supportive workplace.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead Generation and Portfolio Management

• Build and steward a portfolio of partnerships generating $1.5M+ in philanthropic revenue annually
• Lead the writing, research, and submission of proposals and reports in partnership with Program Managers
• Craft compelling progress reports and program updates to funders that capture programmatic success and support larger organizational communications to funders
• Build and maintain strong relationships with foundation funders and community stakeholders
• Stay current on trends and best practices in institutional giving, including foundation grants, contracts, and impact reporting

ASSUMPTION: The Director, Foundation Partnerships will be responsible for managing a portfolio of partnerships, leading the development of proposals and reports, and maintaining strong relationships with foundation funders and community stakeholders. This role requires exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Experience: Six to eight years of proven experience in corporate and foundation fundraising and business development

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to secure six- and seven-figure gifts
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Track record of success creating compelling proposals to secure grant funding
• Experience and expertise identifying and qualifying new foundation prospects
• Ability to create and deliver persuasive presentations from scratch
• Ability to shift gears quickly and manage multiple priorities
• Able to work well both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Highly skilled at building internal and external relationships
• Exhibits sound judgment, discretion, diplomacy, and professionalism
• Passion for the American Humane mission and the animals and people we serve
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Teams, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint
• Experience with donor database management programs, such as Raiser’s Edge or SalesForce

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a Bachelor's Degree and six to eight years of proven experience in corporate and foundation fundraising. Exceptional communication skills and a track record of securing significant gifts are essential. The ideal candidate will be passionate about American Humane’s mission and committed to fostering a welcoming, supportive workplace.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $135,000 annually, depending on experience

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Employee assistance program
• Professional development opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time, hybrid schedule with an estimated 25% travel requirement

ASSUMPTION: The salary range for this role is $120,000 - $135,000 annually, depending on experience. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan with company match, paid time off, employee assistance program, and professional development opportunities. The ideal candidate will be comfortable with occasional travel and working some evenings and weekends.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Non-profit Organizations

Company Size: 51-200 employees

Founded: 1877

Company Description:

• American Humane is dedicated to promoting the welfare and protection of animals and the human-animal bond
• Since its founding in 1877, American Humane has been at the forefront of animal welfare, working to ensure the safety, welfare, and well-being of animals
• American Humane is committed to fostering a welcoming workplace where employees can make a real difference in animals' lives

Company Specialties:

• Animal welfare and protection
• Humane education and advocacy
• Research and policy development

Company Website: americanhumane.org

ASSUMPTION: American Humane is a well-established non-profit organization with a strong commitment to animal welfare and protection. The company offers a supportive, professional environment where employees can make a real difference in animals' lives.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the AVP, Philanthropic Partnerships

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (with an estimated 25% travel requirement)

Growth Opportunities:

• As the team grows, the Director will have the opportunity to lead future team members to secure foundation funding
• With experience and success, the Director may have the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities or move into a management role

ASSUMPTION: The Director, Foundation Partnerships role is a mid-level position with significant growth potential. The ideal candidate will be eager to take on new challenges and responsibilities as the team and organization grow.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (with an estimated 25% travel requirement)

Office Location(s): 1400 16th Street NW, Suite 360, Washington, DC 20036, US

Geographic Context:

• Washington, DC, is the capital of the United States and is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and political significance
• The city offers a diverse range of neighborhoods, each with its unique character and amenities
• Washington, DC, is home to many non-profit organizations, government agencies, and international institutions

Work Schedule: Full-time, with an estimated 25% travel requirement and some evenings and weekends

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for the Director, Foundation Partnerships role will be comfortable with occasional travel and working some evenings and weekends. They will also be familiar with the Washington, DC, area and its unique cultural and professional landscape.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Submit your application through the provided link
• Phone or video screen with the Hiring Manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the AVP, Philanthropic Partnerships
• Final interview with the CEO

Key Assessment Areas:

• Fundraising and business development skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Strategic thinking and planning
• Cultural fit and alignment with American Humane’s mission and values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your fundraising and business development experience
• Research American Humane’s mission, values, and recent projects to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its priorities

ATS Keywords: Fundraising, Business Development, Proposal Writing, Communication, Relationship Building, Project Management, Data Management, Strategic Planning, Team Leadership, Event Participation, Impact Reporting, CRM Management, Collaboration, Presentation Skills, Judgment, Passion for Animals

ASSUMPTION: The application process for the Director, Foundation Partnerships role will involve a series of interviews focused on assessing the candidate’s fundraising and business development skills, communication and presentation skills, strategic thinking and planning, and cultural fit with American Humane’s mission and values.

🛠 Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Teams, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint)
• Donor database management programs, such as Raiser’s Edge or SalesForce
• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides)

ASSUMPTION: The Director, Foundation Partnerships will be expected to be proficient in using a range of tools and technologies to manage their portfolio, track progress, and communicate with stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have experience with donor database management programs, CRM software, project management tools, and presentation software.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Compassion - Being kind and caring in our interactions with others
• Accountability - Holding ourselves to the highest standards and following through on commitments
• Respect for All - Being professional, listening to others, and honoring diversity in all its forms
• Loyalty to Mission - Staying focused on our purpose and our mission - our nation’s most vulnerable depend on us
• Sustainability - Contributing to being a great place to work and achieving our shared mission and goals to make a difference, now and in the future
• Honesty, Integrity, Trust - Demonstrating transparency, as trusted stewards of donor resources, supporting our leadership and one another

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and flexible
• Results-driven and detail-oriented
• Committed to American Humane’s mission and values

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with American Humane’s value of compassion in your daily work?
• Describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?
• How do you ensure that you maintain a high level of integrity and trust in your professional relationships?

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for the Director, Foundation Partnerships role will be passionate about American Humane’s mission and committed to fostering a welcoming, supportive workplace. They will also be able to work well both independently and collaboratively, with a strong commitment to the organization’s values and work style.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a large portfolio of partnerships and securing significant funding
• Balancing the demands of fundraising with other responsibilities, such as event planning and community engagement
• Working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including foundation funders, community partners, and internal teams
• Navigating the complex landscape of foundation giving, including trends, best practices, and changing priorities

ASSUMPTION: The Director, Foundation Partnerships role presents unique challenges and opportunities. The ideal candidate will be able to manage a large portfolio, balance multiple priorities, and navigate a complex stakeholder landscape with confidence and skill.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• The Director, Foundation Partnerships role is similar to other fundraising and business development positions in non-profit organizations
• However, this role is unique in its focus on securing significant funding from foundations and its requirement for strategic planning and execution
• The ideal candidate will have experience in foundation fundraising and a strong track record of securing significant gifts

ASSUMPTION: The Director, Foundation Partnerships role is similar to other fundraising and business development positions in non-profit organizations, but it is unique in its focus on securing significant funding from foundations and its requirement for strategic planning and execution. The ideal candidate will have experience in foundation fundraising and a strong track record of securing significant gifts.

📝 Sample Projects

• Securing a $1M grant from a major foundation to support American Humane’s animal rescue and welfare programs
• Developing and executing a strategic plan to diversify American Humane’s foundation funding and increase revenue by 25% over three years
• Leading a team to secure $500,000 in foundation funding for American Humane’s humane education and advocacy programs

ASSUMPTION: The Director, Foundation Partnerships role offers the opportunity to work on high-impact projects that directly support American Humane’s mission and make a real difference in animals’ lives. The ideal candidate will have experience in foundation fundraising and a strong track record of securing significant gifts.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the most significant foundation grant you’ve secured, and how you approached the process?
• How do you stay current on trends and best practices in foundation giving, and how do you apply this knowledge to your work?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to pivot your strategy to secure a foundation grant? How did you adapt, and what was the outcome?
• How do you balance the demands of fundraising with other responsibilities, such as event planning and community engagement?
• How do you ensure that you maintain strong relationships with foundation funders, even when you’re not actively seeking their support?

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for the Director, Foundation Partnerships role will be able to articulate their approach to foundation fundraising, demonstrate their understanding of trends and best practices, and provide concrete examples of their success in securing significant grants. They will also be able to discuss their ability to balance multiple priorities and maintain strong relationships with foundation funders.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your fundraising and business development experience
• Research American Humane’s mission, values, and recent projects to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its priorities
• Follow up with the Hiring Manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.