Senior Director – Foundation Relations

State Policy Network

Senior Director of Foundation Relations leading foundation fundraising efforts for State Policy Network. Seeking a strategic fundraiser with a strong track record in securing large gifts to join the team.

Posted 5/9/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and manage the Foundation Relations team, overseeing workflow, writing and editing support, and coordination with program colleagues to create funding opportunities
Coach and develop team members to increase ownership and expand responsibilities over time.
Delegate effectively to build team capacity and strengthen execution across grant processes.
Oversee grant management systems to ensure proposals and reports are accurate and on time.
Partner with internal colleagues to ensure reporting expectations, timelines, and funded activities are clearly understood and achievable.
Manage and grow a portfolio of foundation donors and prospects through cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and renewal strategies.
Drive significant donor moves, including proposals, meetings, stewardship updates, and event engagement.
Partner with executive leadership to deploy them strategically in donor relationships.
Establish and oversee consistent moves management processes across the foundation portfolio.
Identify and advance high impact funding opportunities that support SPN’s mission without creating unfunded scope or misaligned program commitments.
Serve as a senior leader contributing to development strategy, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

What you’ll need

10+ years' experience in foundation relations or institutional fundraising
Proven success securing and stewarding five-, six-, and ideally seven-figure gifts
5+ team leadership and coaching experience
Ability to travel approximately 30%
Exceptional writing, editing, and project management skills
Experience working cross-functionally with program, finance, and executive leadership
A clear understanding of nonprofit cost structures, restricted funding, and the financial implications of grant-funded programs
Sound judgment in evaluating funding opportunities through both a mission and sustainability lens
Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM systems

Benefits

Comp & perks

competitive salary commensurate with experience
benefits

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

grant managementfundraisingproposal writingreport writingproject managementdonor stewardshipmoves managementfinancial analysisnonprofit cost structuresrestricted funding

Soft Skills

team leadershipcoachingdelegationcommunicationproblem-solvingstrategic thinkingcollaborationtime managementjudgmentadaptability