Responsible for pursuing, securing, and stewarding substantial grant support (annual overall seven-figure goal) from private foundations and government agencies that support annual and multi-year NGS programs and initiatives. Reports to the Vice President – Partnerships.
Areas of Responsibility:
- The Program Officer actively seeks opportunities for foundation funding, initiating contact with private foundations and government agencies on behalf of NGS and participating in or leading on-site and off-site external meetings. Manages proposal preparation, which includes strategy, adapting and editing written proposal materials for foundation audiences, and management of the internal approvals process for solicitation of major grants that support operating programs. The position is responsible for developing and managing partnerships across a large pool of private foundations and government agencies. (65%)
- Leads the identification of foundation funders for NGS operating programs, including researching connections between foundations and NGS volunteer leaders and senior management and conducting background research on funders’ interests in consultation with Partnership research staff. Works with the team to assemble and provide regular communication to senior management on potential funding possibilities and industry trends. (15%)
- Manages proposal budget preparation and grant agreement review and term acceptance for grants within his/her prospect pool in conjunction with appropriate Finance and Legal personnel. Works with Grants Manager to ensure proper stewardship of open grants, including interim and final reports, expenditure tracking, and coordination of funder site visits as needed. (10%)
- Plays an active role in maintaining strong relationships with NGS program staff. This entails coaching colleagues who operate in diverse business arenas on the process of working with funders from the independent sector, as well as keeping them apprised of the status of pending requests and availability of new opportunities. (10%)
Educational Background:
Bachelor's degree required.
Skills/Experience:
Minimum Years and Type of Experience
- 10+ years of experience in foundation relations and proposal writing, preferably for large nonprofit organization of national or international stature with at least 3+ years of management experience.
Knowledge and Skills Required
- Verifiable track record of securing significant grants (including six- and seven-figure grants). Highly effective written and oral communications skills essential. Experienced in managing multiple partnerships successfully and simultaneously. Concise, persuasive, and versatile writing style for different mediums, audiences, and subject matter. Ability to work with a small and efficient team of grants professionals, a highly proficient Partnership Office staff, and a varying range of other NGS staff. Ability to support presentations to external audiences on projects of highly diverse and technical subject matter. Knowledge of Raiser's Edge or equivalent donor database. Detail- and deadline-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work under on short deadlines.
Supervision
- One staff member.
Compensation/Benefits:
National Geographic's headquarters is located in the heart of Washington, D.C. In addition to a unique and dynamic work environment, National Geographic offers its employees a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental benefits, generous vacation and leave time, a 401(k) plan, and flexible work options. National Geographic is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Sep 1 2017
Active Until:
Oct 1 2017
Hiring Organization:
National Geographic Society
industry:
Nonprofit