Foundation Relations Senior Associate or Manager

About the Organization

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) is a public policy think tank dedicated to defending human dignity, expanding human potential, and building a freer and safer world. The work of scholars and staff advances ideas rooted in the belief in democracy, free enterprise, American strength and global leadership, solidarity with those at the periphery of our society, and a pluralistic, entrepreneurial culture.

Overview

AEI seeks a hardworking, creative, detail-oriented, and highly organized individual to work with a talented team of fundraising professionals and support the needs of the Development department.

This role offers a great opportunity for anyone interested in expanding on or developing a passion for nonprofit fundraising and public policy. The ideal candidate must be able to collaborate on a team, possess strong problem-solving skills, and be able to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

The employee in this role reports to the Senior Director of Foundation Relations and Donor Communications and works full-time and in person in AEI’s office in Washington, DC. AEI is open to hiring either a senior associate or a manager for Foundation Relations, and this role’s title will be determined based on the candidate’s experience level. The anticipated start date for this position is as soon as possible.

Senior Associate Responsibilities:

• Be an active member of the fundraising team, working directly with Development staff, program managers, and research staff to manage grant applications and reports
• Project manage all proposals, reports, solicitations, and other written communications to foundations donors with assistance from the Senior Director
• Own the submission of some proposals and reports
• Own a six-figure portfolio of foundation relationships, driving their strategy and communications end-to-end
• Oversee and manage the processes to maintain AEI’s donor database
• Manage a development assistant, providing timely feedback, professional development opportunities, and mentoring

Manager Responsibilities (Note: The manager role will encompass many of the senior associate’s responsibilities, as well as the following):

• Be a leader of the fundraising team, working directly with Development staff, program managers, and research staff to manage grant applications and reports
• Independently project manage all proposals, reports, solicitations, and other written communications to foundations donors
• Submit some proposals and reports in foundation portals
• Own a high-six-figure portfolio of foundation relationships, driving their strategy and communications end-to-end
• Oversee and manage the processes to maintain AEI’s donor database; identify and execute process improvements
• Drive prospect research and outreach
• Manage a development assistant, providing timely feedback, professional development opportunities, and mentoring; mentor other junior staff in the department and drive a strong department culture

Physical requirements and working conditions at AEI:

• The employee is regularly expected to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. This job requires close vision abilities due to computer work.
• The employee must be able to lift up to 30 pounds at times.
• The employee must be able to work in a confined area.
• Moderate noise (e.g., from computers, phone, printers, and light traffic) is expected.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities associated with this position.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Senior Associate: 3+ years of full-time, relevant work experience
• Manager: 5+ years of full-time, relevant work experience
• Managerial experience preferred, but not required
• Interest in public policy and AEI’s mission
• Ability to work closely in a team setting while independently managing multiple assignments
• Exceptionally strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to meet tight deadlines, multitask, and prioritize
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experience in an academic or think tank environment is a plus
• Experience with Salesforce or Marketo is a plus
• Experience with design, Adobe, or branding is a plus

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:

• Cover letter detailing your alignment with AEI’s mission, interest this role and your salary requirements
• Resume

Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/.

Questions can be directed to Stephanie Keaveney, Senior Manager of Outreach at Talent Market, who is managing the search process: Stephanie@talentmarket.org.

There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled.

While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.

Talent Market is a nonprofit entity dedicated to promoting liberty by helping free-market nonprofits identify talent for critical roles. We provide consulting and recruiting services at no cost to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that clearly and directly focus on advancing the principles of economic freedom, free enterprise, free trade, free speech, property rights, rule of law, and limited regulation.