Senior Associate, Foundation Relations at African Wildlife Foundation

The Senior Associate, Foundation Relations will report to the Vice President, Foundation Relations and work in close partnership with the Director, Foundation Relations, and support the team in building and maintaining relationships with foundation funders.As AWF continues to execute the strategic vision for its growing foundations program, there is increasing opportunity and need for support with stewardship and relationship building for both current and prospective funders, as well as increased writing needs. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing organization at a critical time for conservation on the African continent.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Engage in research and qualification of foundation donors, developing a thorough knowledge of AWF’s foundation portfolio, both current donors and prospects.
• Assist Vice President, Director, and other organization leadership in cultivating and stewarding donors. Prepare donor meeting briefs, assist in meeting preparation and scheduling.
• As point person for online grant and report submissions, monitor deadlines and manage production schedules, ensuring quality control and compliance with donor and AWF requirements and quality standards.
• Manage workflow on production of content and grant administration in line with AWF’s Account Management Framework.
• Contribute to writing and editing donor reports and solicitation materials and developing/adapting updates and stewardship materials. Provide thorough and responsive information requested by foundations as needed.
• Manage accurate records and responsibly document all work with prospects and funders into the constituent relationship management database in a timely manner in accordance with the policies and procedures of the External Affairs department.
• Support annual budgeting process and assist in providing regular updates on annual targets and cash flow projections.
• Establish and maintain strong and effective relationships with AWF’s major internal constituencies, which includes the Executive Leadership team, Country Directors, field teams, and members of key administrative units such as finance and communications.
• Remain competent and current through self-directed professional reading and attending professional development courses and trainings.
• Contribute to AWF’s overall success by assuming responsibility for special projects as assigned, and performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned in a timely, thorough, and professional manner.

Requirements and skills

• Bachelor’s degree and a 3+ years relevant experience in funder engagement, fundraising, and/or grant writing.
• Superb verbal and written communication skills. Ability to communicate instructions and provide or solicit feedback. Collegial, collaborative team player with exceptional interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Intellectual curiosity and ability to work in a multicultural environment with diverse stakeholders. Global experience in conservation, international development, or related field strongly preferred. Strong interest in environmental philanthropy. Connection to or familiarity with Africa is a plus.
• Knowledge of and proficiency with standard computer software (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and office equipment. Familiarity with Raisers Edge or other CRM software a plus. Comfortable and nimble in learning new systems, processes, and protocols.
• Demonstrated strength in organizational and project management skills, with an appetite for action and results. You are a natural self-starter, self-disciplined, with excellent time management skills. You are skilled at setting and tracking short- and long-term plans and priorities, juggling multiple schedules and projects, and thriving in a fast-moving, goal-driven environment.
• Ability to handle confidential information professionally.
• Ability to work independently and take direction. Open to constructive guidance and feedback around professional growth and development opportunities.