Director, Federal Partnerships
TO APPLY: Send your cover letter and resume to Scion Executive Search - Krista Sietsema, Executive Search Principal [krista@scionstaffing.com or (888) 487-8850 Ext 140]
REMOTE/VIRTUAL OPTION: Candidates do not have to reside in the DMV area, however 10-15% travel is required to attend/support meetings with federal agencies.
COMPENSATION: Range is based on D.C./DMV area. Compensation will be adjusted for other geographic locations.
SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Vice President, Government Affairs & Legal Resources, the Director, Public Policy & Partnerships serves as the Council on Foundation's direct liaison to the White House, federal departments and agencies, and other national non-philanthropic associations to identify and leverage opportunities for foundations and the federal government to effectively engage. The Director manages the Council's work to enhance the role of foundations and grantmaking organizations in Public-Philanthropic Partnerships, serves as an educator for both government and philanthropic leaders, and maintains the Council's network of federal government contacts.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as Council representative to federal agencies and departments, with particular focus on federal staff designated as liaisons to philanthropy and foundations.
- Maintain knowledge of efforts by the federal government that could advance the Council's strategy and priorities.
- Cultivate relationships to increase engagement between federal agencies and foundations and philanthropy.
- Provide advice and feedback to the Vice President, Government Affairs & Legal Resources on Policy Committee engagement, legislative strategies and activities, and coalition relationships.
- Work with federal agencies, develop strategies for building common interests among Council members and federal programs, and coordinate between philanthropy and White House initiatives.
- Educate foundation personnel on opportunities and implications for working in partnership with the federal government and/or federal funds.
- Manage the Council's program of federal liaisons to foundations and philanthropy.
- Work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure that foundations who respond to disasters are connected to the federal government's recovery efforts.
- Work with philanthropy to help develop a pipeline and funding for qualified staff to join federal agencies through the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA).
- Educate federal personnel about organized philanthropy, the various opportunities for alignment, and manage expectations about philanthropic partnerships.
- Facilitate relationships with non-philanthropy national organizations that bring value to Council members and public-philanthropic partnerships in consultation with the Director, Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships.
- Identify public policy research needs and data collection that support Federal Partnerships goals and object
- Contribute to overarching organization goals by participating in cross-functional working groups.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree
- 7+ experience with senior-level responsibilities in philanthropy serving organizations and/or foundations
- Federal government experience with an exceptional understanding of how the federal government and its agencies are structured and work
- Possess a network of federal and/or political contacts that can bring value to the Council's work to engage government.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Strong knowledge and understanding of the federal legislative, regulatory, grant making and administrative process.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of the philanthropic and nonprofit sector.
- Strong project management and analytical skills with ability to meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated understanding of crisis response typical for federal agencies and management of last minute requests.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to listen well and positively represent the organization and its mission.
- Ability to plan and execute innovative strategic directions for the work.
- Ability to identify and solve problems efficiently and quickly with strategic benefit to the Council.
- Ability to manage many and/or differing tasks and maintain productivity.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team.
- Ability to work effectively and positively with a range of individuals and working styles, and with people at all organization levels including staff, board members, foundation officers, donors, and vendors.
- Proficient skill levels in Microsoft Office 365 applications and Salesforce.