Experience Inc. Jobs

If you are passionate about transforming communities with a mission-driven organization, then we have the opportunity for you!

The Foundation Relations Officer will be responsible for all aspects of Global Refuge's solicitation of philanthropic support from foundations. In carrying out this objective, the individual will be responsible for developing and implementing a solicitation strategy that includes prospect identification, research, cultivation, proposal writing, and stewardship.

This position reports to the Senior Grants Manager and works closely with the Development and Mobilization team and program staff throughout the organization. The Foundation Relations Officer works across multiple program areas within Global Refuge, identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding foundation funders in support of a broad array of programs and services. This individual must be comfortable and confident in dealing with all levels of Global Refuge leadership, staff, and volunteers, as well as external contacts.

The Foundation Relations Officer helps to set annual benchmarks for foundation giving and to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy that addresses current fundraising needs while building support for future work. Some travel and evening work may be required.

This position can be remote with trips to Baltimore as needed.

Global Refuge, formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), is a nonprofit serving newcomers seeking safety, support, and a share in the American dream. Since 1939, we have welcomed those seeking refuge, upholding a legacy of compassion and grace for people in crisis. We walk alongside individuals, families, and children as they begin their new lives in theUnited States through our work in refugee resettlement, welcome and respite services for asylum seekers, economic empowerment and employment, and family unification for unaccompanied children. To date, we have served over 750,000 people from around the globe. Our comprehensive services leverage our extensive organizational expertise as well as government, community, and faith partnerships.

Attracting and retaining the best talent is vital to our continued growth and we are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including:

• medical, dental, and vision available on the first day of employment,
• professional development, tuition reimbursement,
• generous paid time off including 20 days of vacation, 12 days of sick leave, 12 paid holidays,
• 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave and up to 12 weeks of fully paid FMLA leave,
• company 403(b) contribution of 3%, an additional 7% match which vests immediately,
• Family Building benefits for reproductive procedures, adoption/foster care assistance, and
• an annual wellness benefit that can be customized to support your personal needs including funding enrichment classes, gym memberships, and healthy eating plans (to name a few) all in an inclusive and progressive environment!

At Global Refuge, welcoming newcomers isn't just our duty-it's an inherent part of our identity, rooted in our Lutheran heritage and inspired values and serving as a testament to our unwavering commitment to those in search of refuge.Please join us as we make a difference in the lives of newcomers.

DUTIES

• Contribute to Global Refuge's annual fundraising goal for corporate and foundation support, as agreed upon in strategy planning with the Chief Development and Mobilization Officer.
• In partnership with program colleagues and the Senior Grants Manager, assist in writing concept notes, LOIs, and proposals for foundation funders. Work closely with program staff to package ongoing programs and develop concepts for new initiatives.
• Build the foundation solicitation program to achieve ongoing growth in both restricted and unrestricted commitments of support. This includes developing both long-term solicitation strategies and an effec ive stewardship effort to maintain support from existing donors.
• Manage relationships with key staff and leaders at foundation partners; serve as the leading external representative of Global Refuge with the foundation community; manage a portfolio of foundation prospects.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with foundation program officers before, during, and after grant cycles. Manage the timely reporting of progress and evaluation of grant-funded programs.
• Actively conduct discovery meetings/calls with potential foundation funders while researching new funding streams that align with the mission and vision of Global Refuge. Identify projects and programs that fit the funding interests of specific foundations.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit new foundation prospects while overseeing the stewardship of existing donors. Develop and implement a clear annual plan for moving prospects along a path to secure and/or increase sponsorships and grants, utilizing personal visits, meetings, proposals, and other forms of outreach as appropriate.
• Provide support to colleagues on the Grants Team for proposals to corporations and government entities as needed. Collaborate with colleagues to seek funding from church bodies.
• Support the Senior Leadership Team and the Development and Mobilization team in their engagement of corporate, foundation, and government donors and prospects. Coordinate with other staff and leadership on solicitations for events and special projects.
• Collaborate with the Senior Grants Manager to forecast corporate, foundation, and government income; provide periodic funding updates to senior leadership.
• Stay up to date on current trends in corporate, foundation, and government giving; Engage in training and professional development opportunities as appropriate.
• Perform other similar and related duties as required or directed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Undergraduate degree in a relevant field or relevant experience required with a minimum of four (4) years of development experience, at least two (2) years of corporate and/or foundation work preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Demonstrated track record of success in securing five- and six-figure grants and in developing effective, compelling sponsorship packages and proposals.

A positive attitude and an earnest interest in providing quality customer service to Global Refuge's stakeholders and partners.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills; Ability to write well, self-edit, and convey complex program areas succinctly and accurately.

Self-motivated and goal-driven; able to work with minimal supervision, both independently and as a member of a team.

Excellent problem-solving skills, including the ability to anticipate problems and use judgment appropriately to plan solutions.

Relationship management skills with a demonstrated ability to work with stakeholders across departments.

Ability to build new relationships with funders and to represent Global Refuge at high-level partnership meetings.

Ability to navigate and collaborate with a diverse workforce.

Strong organizational and time-management skills and attention to detail. Proven ability to plan, meet deadlines, and efficiently manage multiple tasks and priorities under tight time constraints.

Commitment to Global Refuge's core mission and values and an ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues and partners; commitment to empowering refugees and migrants.

Strong personal computer (PC) skills, including Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams), and Adobe; familiarity with Internet search techniques. Confidence in t