Director – Philanthropic Foundation Partnerships

National Geographic Society

. Identify, cultivate, secure, steward, and renew philanthropic foundation partnerships .

Posted 10/22/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $145,350 - $153,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in securing significant philanthropic funding through strategic partnerships and effective communication. Proven ability to develop and implement fundraising strategies while managing multiple relationships and projects simultaneously.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Philanthropic Foundation PartnershipsFundraising Strategies DevelopmentGrant Proposal PreparationRaiser's Edge KnowledgeStrategic Thinking

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

FundraisingGrant WritingProspect ResearchFinancial ReportingData Analysis

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationDetail-OrientedPersuasive WritingTeam CollaborationDeadline Management

Tools & Technologies

Raiser's EdgeDonor Database

Industry Keywords

Non-Profit OrganizationPhilanthropic FoundationsInstitutional FundingMajor GrantsAdvancement Strategy

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Identify, cultivate, secure, steward, and renew philanthropic foundation partnerships
Implement the Society’s advancement strategy and priorities
Work with the Senior Director, Philanthropic Foundations, to secure institutional philanthropic funding
Project annual revenue targets and support the team with resources to meet those goals
Personally secure a minimum of $3M+ in annual foundation support
Develop fundraising strategies for global, national, regional, and family philanthropic foundations
Conduct prospect research and outreach
Prepare and submit proposals
Collaborate with NGS leadership and program staff to secure major grants
Develop outreach, engagement, and stewardship strategies for prospects
Produce presentation decks, concept notes, and funding proposals
Use data and systems to measure and enhance the foundations team’s effectiveness
Engage and meet with prospects and partners
Advocate internally for partner interests
Ensure accurate and timely narrative and financial reporting to partners
Communicate foundation opportunities to NGS staff
Work with program teams and leadership to adapt programs to appeal to prospects
Coordinate the involvement of senior leaders, program leads, Explorers, Fellows, and Board members in partner conversations
Represent the Society at select philanthropic gatherings and events
Monitor industry news, trends, and networking opportunities
No direct reports

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree required
10+ years of experience with a robust foundation relations program at a non-profit organization or philanthropic foundation
Strategic thinking to shape philanthropic partnerships with private foundations
Demonstrated ability to work with program staff to define and fulfill programmatic objectives
Verifiable track record of securing significant grants at the six- and eight-figure gift level
Highly effective written and oral communication skills
Detail- and deadline-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple partnerships simultaneously
Ability to support presentations to external audiences on diverse and technical subject matter
Concise, persuasive, and versatile writing style
Ability to work with a small and efficient team of grants professionals and Advancement staff
Knowledge of Raiser's Edge or equivalent donor database
Legally authorized to work in the United States
Position is not eligible for visa sponsorship

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Comprehensive wellness program
401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment
Flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year)
10 days of sick leave
12 paid holidays
Paid winter break between December 25 and 31 (may not apply to all roles)
Paid parental leave
Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement
Fertility benefits
Learning and development opportunities
Lifestyle Spending Account
Pet adoption assistance and insurance
Pre-tax transportation benefits with a generous employer subsidy
Employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit
National Geographic discounts and perks
Hybrid work arrangement with Base Camp attendance two days each week (Tuesday and Wednesday)