Foundation Relations Director - Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) - Washington, DC

Kelsey Shaffer

The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) is looking for an experienced, ambitious, self-starter to lead the organization’s full-cycle grants process, including foundation research, proposal writing, cultivation, reporting, compliance, and stewardship.

This innovator will develop strategies with FCNL program staff to build partnerships with new and existing funders and secure new sources of revenue for our multi-issue Quaker advocacy organization.

The Position

Reporting to the Director of Development, this position plays a critical role on FCNL’s development team through the work of securing funding from private foundations to advance FCNL’s mission. This role requires effective collaboration with FCNL’s senior leadership team, and other program staff, throughout the grant management cycle.

The Foundation Relations Director will join an effective development team of nine people whose focus includes annual fund, major gifts, planned giving and foundation support. Currently 17% of FCNL’s budget comes from foundation grants. This newly created position will focus on increasing foundation support for our peace, social justice and sustainable environment education and advocacy.

This is a full-time, exempt position based on an average 37.5-hour work week located in Washington, D.C. Occasional travel outside the D.C. area may be required.

The Organization

The Friends Committee on National Legislation lobbies Congress and the administration to advance peace, justice, opportunity, and environmental stewardship. Founded in 1943 by members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), FCNL fields an expert team of lobbyists on Capitol Hill and works with a grassroots network of tens of thousands of people across the country to advance policies and priorities established by our governing General Committee. FCNL is a nonpartisan organization that seeks to live our values of integrity, simplicity, and peace as we build relationships across political divides to move policies forward.

FCNL comprises two organizations – FCNL, a 501(c)(4) civic organization that lobbies for peace and justice, and The FCNL Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization, which exists in parallel with FCNL to support the research, analysis, and education for which FCNL is known and respected.

In the last decade, tens of thousands of new people have been drawn to join the FCNL network to learn more about federal policy issues, lobby their elected representatives and help to rebuild our democratic system. Today, our nationwide network of some 60,000 includes people from many different faiths and backgrounds. Headquartered on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, FCNL is governed by a General Committee of about 190 people from across the country and employs a staff of 53.

At FCNL, we embrace having a multitude of voices and talents working together to strengthen our impact in the world. In keeping with the Quaker testimony of equality, we strive to be an organization that welcomes, values and respects the different perspectives of every individual.

Key Priorities and Responsibilities

• Design a strategy to secure annual and multi-year funding from private foundations that leads to long-term funding support.
• Manage the entire grant cycle: researching grant requirements, cultivating relationships with potential funders, conducting briefings with relevant program staff to outline grant request details, writing proposals, managing FCNL’s internal approvals and editing process, and submitting/uploading completed grant application packages with supplemental materials
• Act as a thought partner with the senior leadership team to consider additional funding options that align with FCNL’s mission and values.
• Conduct research to identify and assess new prospective funders that align with FCNL’s values and programs.
• Establish strategies for cultivating potential funders including opportunities for the General Secretary and key program experts to meet potential funders.
• Oversee all administrative responsibilities for foundation grants:
  • Coordinate all collateral materials required and submit to funder
  • Conduct stewardship activities, such as press mailing and mailing of the Annual Report
  • Work with internal FCNL teams to ensure grant compliance, programmatic budgets and award payments are accurate and timely and that all foundation reports are filed timely
  • Provide input to project and create annual revenue forecast
  • Closely track revenue budget; coordinate with finance team to establish and monitor restricted grant accounts
  • Work within donor database to record actions, update records, track grants, and produce reports. This includes development of an effective grant tracking system.
• Conduct training and provide guidance to FCNL leaders and legislative staff on effective approaches to partner with, engage, and cultivate foundation relationships

Experience and Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree with 5-7 years of relevant experience, or 7-10 years of relevant experience without a degree
• At least 3 years of prior grant management experience with demonstrated ability to close grants
• Exceptional promotional writing skills that demonstrate a clear, compelling writing style
• Good judgment, resourcefulness and ability to problem-solve, troubleshoot and follow multiple projects through to completion
• High level of professionalism and demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality
• Strong verbal communication skills, and well-developed interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to develop and maintain foundation relationships
• Financial acumen to understand budgeting and grant tracking and compliance
• Ability to focus on big picture strategy as well as detailed tasks
• Ability to work effectively across teams, but also takes initiative and can work independently
• Highly organized with excellent time management skills; ability to meet deadlines while balancing competing priorities
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and donor database such as Raiser’s Edge
• Comfortable working in an office environment that reflects the Quaker testimonies of peace, equality, simplicity, and truth; and working within the Quaker process of FCNL
• Agreement with FCNL’s policy positions and understanding of faith-based lobbying approach

Compensation and Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience and in relation to other similarly sized non-profits in the Washington, DC market. Robust benefits package includes health, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability, generous retirement plan contribution, paid time off plus holidays, parental leave, transit benefit and more.


To view the full job description and apply for this position, please visit FCNL's website here: https://www.fcnl.org/updates/foundation-relations-director-2655