Associate Director – Foundations, Trusts

Role Overview

• Collaborate with the Co–Senior Director of U.S. Foundations & Trusts and cross-functional colleagues to identify, shape, and advance high-impact, solutions-oriented foundation partnerships that support IRC’s global priorities
• Lead the design and execution of comprehensive outreach, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for a portfolio of U.S.-based foundations, driving new business development, proposal submissions, and compelling partnership pitches
• Proactively identify, qualify, and cultivate new foundation prospects, building and managing a strong pipeline aligned with IRC strategic priorities and funding needs
• Establish and implement robust stewardship and servicing plans for foundation partners, including clear performance indicators, reporting schedules, and forward-looking engagement strategies to maximize partnership value, revenue growth, and donor satisfaction
• Engage and support senior IRC leadership, Board members and other key internal stakeholders in high-level relationship management and solicitations, providing strategic guidance, tailored briefing materials, and effective follow-up
• Monitor and analyze philanthropic and foundation-sector trends to inform prospecting strategies, strengthen value propositions, and position IRC competitively in the funding landscape
• Serve as a trusted internal advisor on foundation partnership strategy, ensuring open, relevant, and respectful communication between IRC and private sector partners, and effective coordination with global IRC colleagues
• Line-manage and mentor U.S. Foundations & Trusts officer(s), fostering strong performance through coaching, goal-setting, performance evaluations, and professional development planning
• Lead and contribute to special projects and cross-team initiatives, as assigned, that advance Foundations & Trusts’ and broader External Relations’ priorities
• Maintain accurate and timely CRM records to enable effective pipeline management, forecasting, and reporting

Requirements

• 7+ years of progressive frontline fundraising experience and demonstrated expertise in private sector resource development, with particular knowledge of and experience working with U.S.-based foundations
• Proven track record of closing 6-7-figure grants from a dynamic portfolio of private institutional donors and prospects
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling proposals, pitches, and briefing materials, and to represent the organization confidently with external partners
• Proven understanding of foundation and private-sector philanthropy, including planning and decision-making processes and key trends affecting the sector
• Demonstrated ability to identify, assess and manage a foundation prospect pipeline, balancing new business development with stewardship of existing partners
• Experience coordinating across multiple internal and external stakeholders, and leading complex, multi-partner relationships with diplomacy and influence
• Track record of working toward ambitious revenue targets and performance indicators, including experience with forecasting, financial projections, reporting, and scenario planning
• Strong people skills, including the ability to build positive, collaborative, and productive relationships with colleagues at all levels and across cultures; experience mentoring or managing others preferred
• Experience managing and mentoring staff, including performance management, coaching, and professional development
• Ability to translate organizational strategy and priorities into actionable fundraising and partnership plans
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret financial data and understand budget models to inform partnership discussions
• Sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential donor and organizational information
• Demonstrated commitment to international development, human rights, social justice, and U.S. refugee and immigrant communities
• Demonstrated experience with CRM platforms, Salesforce in particular.

Benefits

• 10 sick days
• 10 US holidays
• 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure
• medical insurance starting at $163 per month
• dental starting at $6.50 per month
• vision starting at $5 per month
• FSA for healthcare and commuter costs
• 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching
• disability & life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles