Institutional Partnerships Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Institutional Partnerships Specialist

🔹 Company: GrowNYC

🔹 Location: New York, NY

🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (3 days on-site)

🔹 Category: Nonprofit, Environmental Services

🔹 Date Posted: April 15, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 6-8 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (3 days) with occasional off-site work

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Securing and growing support from corporations, foundations, healthcare systems, and other institutional funders.
• Collaborating cross-functionally to shape partnership strategies and integrate programs.
• Representing GrowNYC externally in meetings and events with prospective and current donors.
• Managing a portfolio of corporate and institutional funders contributing $20,000+ annually.
• Developing creative, scalable engagement offerings for corporate and institutional audiences.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a seasoned fundraiser with experience in securing and stewarding significant gifts from institutional donors. Strong communication skills and the ability to manage complex relationships are essential for success in this position.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Manage a portfolio of corporate and institutional funders contributing $20,000+ annually.

✅ Lead identification, solicitation, cultivation, and stewardship of donors, including creating tailored proposals, pitch decks, stewardship materials, and reports.

✅ Deepen existing partnerships and secure renewals and multi-year support through proactive engagement and strategic alignment with GrowNYC’s mission.

✅ Represent GrowNYC externally in meetings and events with prospective and current institutional donors.

✅ Liaise with program staff to develop fundable projects, collect impact data, and package content for funder engagement.

✅ Work with Communications, Government Affairs, and Programs teams to position GrowNYC as a preferred partner and ensure consistent messaging across audiences.

✅ Research and identify new prospects across priority sectors, including healthcare and environmentally aligned companies.

✅ Build out creative, scalable engagement offerings (e.g., virtual workshops, custom volunteer packages) for corporate and institutional audiences.

✅ Track sector trends (CSR, ESG, corporate philanthropy) and apply insights to inform strategy and offerings.

✅ Maintain accurate records of donor communications and relationship status in Raisers Edge and other platforms.

✅ Support the Advancement team with special projects, campaign implementation, and preparation of briefing materials for senior leadership.

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex projects and relationships.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field.

Experience: At least 6–8 years of experience in fundraising, business development, or corporate/institutional partnership management.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated success securing and stewarding five- and six-figure gifts from corporations or foundations.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling, tailored proposals.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to independently manage complex relationships and projects.
• Excellent attention to detail and follow-through, with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Collaborative spirit, with a proactive, problem-solving mindset and high emotional intelligence.
• Familiarity with fundraising databases and tools (e.g., Raisers’ Edge or similar).
• Commitment to GrowNYC’s mission and values, including equity and inclusion across all aspects of the work.

Preferred Skills:

• Fluency in a second language (Spanish, Mandarin, or other languages relevant to NYC’s diverse communities).
• Experience working in the nonprofit sector or with environmental organizations.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in institutional fundraising and a proven track record of securing significant gifts are strongly encouraged to apply. Familiarity with the NYC nonprofit landscape and environmental sector is a plus.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 - $80,000 USD per year

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Incentive savings plan
• Paid time off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Potential for parental leave
• FSA programs

Working Hours: 35-40 hours per week, primarily Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, with occasional off-site work required for fundraising events and donor tours.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for fundraising roles in the nonprofit sector in New York City. Benefits are competitive and aimed at supporting the well-being of employees.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Environmental Services, focusing on food access, education, green infrastructure, and sustainability.

Company Size: 51-200 employees, providing opportunities for collaboration and growth within a mid-sized organization.

Founded: 1970, with a rich history of environmental advocacy and community engagement in New York City.

Company Description:

• GrowNYC serves over 3 million New Yorkers annually through a robust network of sustainability programs and resources.
• The organization focuses its efforts on four key areas: Food Access & Agriculture, Green Spaces, Zero Waste, and Education.
• GrowNYC was originally created as the Council on the Environment of New York City (CENYC) and has evolved into a hands-on non-profit with a mission to empower all New Yorkers with equitable access to fresh, locally grown food and neighborhood green spaces, reduce waste, and care for the environment.

Company Specialties:

• Greenmarkets and Farmstands
• Community and school gardens
• Environmental education
• Waste reduction and recycling

Company Website: grownyc.org

ASSUMPTION: GrowNYC is a well-established nonprofit organization with a strong reputation in the environmental sector. Its mission-driven approach and commitment to equity and inclusion make it an attractive employer for candidates seeking to make a positive impact in New York City.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level to senior, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization.

Reporting Structure: The Institutional Partnerships Specialist reports directly to the Director of Advancement and works cross-functionally with various departments, including Communications, Government Affairs, and Programs.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with three days on-site at GrowNYC’s office in downtown Manhattan and the option to work remotely for the remaining days of the week. Occasional off-site work may be required for fundraising events and donor tours.

Growth Opportunities:

• Expanding the portfolio of institutional funders and securing larger gifts.
• Developing and implementing strategic initiatives to enhance GrowNYC’s partnerships and revenue streams.
• Advancing within the organization, potentially taking on a leadership role in the Advancement department or another area of the organization.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic and impactful organization. Candidates with a strong track record in institutional fundraising and a commitment to GrowNYC’s mission are encouraged to apply.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Downtown Manhattan office with a collaborative and mission-driven work environment.

Office Location(s): 100 Gold Street, Suite 3300, New York, NY 10038, US

Geographic Context:

• New York City, with a diverse and vibrant community of stakeholders, including donors, partners, and community members.
• Access to public transportation, cultural institutions, and green spaces.
• Opportunities for site visits, events, and tours throughout the five boroughs.

Work Schedule: Primarily Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, with occasional off-site work required for fundraising events and donor tours.

ASSUMPTION: The downtown Manhattan office provides a convenient and engaging work environment for employees, with easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities. The role may require occasional travel within the five boroughs for site visits, events, and tours.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screen with the Director of Advancement.
• In-person or virtual interview with the Director of Advancement and a representative from the Programs team.
• Final interview with the Executive Director.

Key Assessment Areas:

• Fundraising experience and track record.
• Communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Cultural fit and alignment with GrowNYC’s mission and values.

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant fundraising experience and alignment with GrowNYC’s mission.
• Prepare examples of successful proposals and campaigns you’ve led in the past.
• Be ready to discuss your approach to cultivating and stewarding relationships with institutional donors.

ATS Keywords: Institutional fundraising, partnership management, proposal writing, strategic thinking, project management, collaboration, communication, data management, research, event coordination, attention to detail, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, time management, networking, community engagement, environmental nonprofit, sustainability, food access, green spaces, zero waste, education.

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates with a strong track record in institutional fundraising and a commitment to GrowNYC’s mission are encouraged to apply. Tailoring your application materials to highlight your relevant experience and alignment with the organization’s values is essential for success.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Raisers’ Edge fundraising database
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with fundraising databases and tools, as well as project management software, is essential for success in this role. Candidates with experience using Raisers’ Edge or similar fundraising databases are strongly encouraged to apply.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Mission-driven: GrowNYC is committed to empowering all New Yorkers with equitable access to fresh, locally grown food and neighborhood green spaces, reducing waste, and caring for the environment.
• Collaborative: GrowNYC fosters a collaborative work environment, encouraging cross-functional collaboration and partnerships to achieve its mission.
• Inclusive: GrowNYC is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable work environment that reflects the diversity of New York City.

Work Style:

• Mission-focused: GrowNYC employees are passionate about the organization’s mission and committed to making a positive impact in New York City.
• Collaborative: GrowNYC values a team-oriented work environment, with employees working together to achieve common goals.
• Adaptable: GrowNYC employees are flexible and adaptable, able to respond to changing priorities and demands.

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How have you demonstrated your commitment to GrowNYC’s mission and values in your previous roles?
• Can you provide an example of a successful proposal you’ve written for an institutional donor, and how you tailored it to the organization’s specific needs and priorities?
• How do you approach building and maintaining strong, long-lasting relationships with donors, and how have you demonstrated this in your previous roles?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are passionate about GrowNYC’s mission and values, and who can demonstrate a strong track record in institutional fundraising and relationship building, are well-suited for this role. Familiarity with the nonprofit sector and environmental organizations is a plus.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a diverse portfolio of institutional donors with varying priorities and expectations.
• Balancing the demands of fundraising with the need to maintain strong relationships with donors and partners.
• Navigating the competitive landscape of the nonprofit sector in New York City.
• Occasional off-site work for fundraising events and donor tours, which may require evening or weekend availability.

ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges and opportunities for candidates with experience in institutional fundraising and a commitment to GrowNYC’s mission. Successful candidates will be able to manage complex relationships, balance competing priorities, and thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other fundraising roles, this position places a greater emphasis on securing and stewarding gifts from institutional donors, rather than individual donors.
• Institutional fundraising roles often require a higher level of strategic thinking and relationship management skills than individual giving roles.
• This role offers opportunities for career growth and advancement within the organization, with the potential to take on a leadership role in the Advancement department or another area of the organization.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in institutional fundraising and a strong track record of securing significant gifts are well-suited for this role. Familiarity with the nonprofit sector and environmental organizations is a plus.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a tailored proposal for a healthcare system interested in supporting GrowNYC’s green space initiatives.
• Collaborating with the Communications team to create a compelling pitch deck for a foundation interested in funding GrowNYC’s food access programs.
• Managing a portfolio of corporate donors, including securing renewals and multi-year support through proactive engagement and strategic alignment with GrowNYC’s mission.

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and opportunities for candidates in this role. Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate their ability to manage complex projects and relationships, and to tailor their approach to the specific needs and priorities of each donor.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical timeline for securing a gift from an institutional donor, from initial outreach to final close?
• How does GrowNYC approach collaboration and communication with other departments, such as Programs and Communications, to ensure consistent messaging and alignment with organizational priorities?
• What opportunities exist for professional development and growth within the Advancement department and the organization as a whole?
• How does GrowNYC measure the success of its fundraising efforts, and how are these metrics used to inform strategy and decision-making?
• What is the typical size and scope of events and tours for institutional donors, and how are these coordinated with the Programs team?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide candidates with a deeper understanding of the role, the organization, and the opportunities for professional growth and development. Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate their ability to manage complex projects and relationships, and to tailor their approach to the specific needs and priorities of GrowNYC and its donors.

📌 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 fundraising experience and alignment with GrowNYC’s mission.
• Prepare examples of successful proposals and campaigns you’ve led in the past.
• Be ready to discuss your approach to cultivating and stewarding relationships with institutional donors.
• Follow up with the Director of Advancement 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.