Director, Foundations & Strategic Partnerships

** Application Instructions
** Click Apply to submit your online application. Please attach a resume and thoughtful cover letter on the "My Experience" page in the "Resume/CV" field.

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Number of Positions: 1### ###

Work Location:

100% Remote
** Position Overview
** City Year seeks a results-driven Director of Foundations & Strategic Partnerships to expand our institutional funding base. This front-line revenue role focuses on identifying, cultivating, and advancing new foundation and institutional partners aligned with national strategy.
The Director will build and manage a robust prospect pipeline, lead external outreach and relationship development, and represent City Year at key convenings and meetings nationwide. Ideal candidates are relationship-driven, strategic thinkers who thrive in prospecting roles and can translate program priorities into compelling, funder-aligned opportunities.
** Job Description
** The Director, Foundations & Strategic Partnerships is a front-line revenue role responsible for identifying, cultivating, stewarding, and advancing new foundation and institutional partnerships for City Year. Reporting to the Vice President, Development – Foundations & Strategic Partnerships, this position plays a critical role in expanding the organization’s funding base by building and managing a portfolio of early- and mid-stage funder relationships.

This role is designed for an externally oriented, relationship-driven professional who thrives on prospecting, outreach, and field engagement and who is eager to serve as a “hunter” and relationship manager within institutional fundraising.

The Director will spend significant time engaging prospective funders, attending conferences and convenings, representing City Year externally, and partnering with senior leaders to build durable philanthropic relationships.
** Key Responsibilities
**** New Business Development & Prospecting (Primary Focus)
*** Identify, qualify, and pursue new foundation, corporate, and institutional funding opportunities aligned with City Year’s strategic priorities.
* Build and manage a robust, high-quality pipeline of prospective partners.
* Monitor philanthropic trends, RFPs, and funding initiatives.
* Develop and maintain prospect profiles, landscape analyses, and target lists.
* Partner with the Vice President to prioritize outreach and solicitation strategies.
** External Engagement & Relationship Management
*** Lead cold and warm outreach to prospective funders.
* Build rapport and establish long-term relationships with foundation staff and leadership.
* Represent City Year at conferences, site visits, and sector convenings.
* Coordinate and lead introductory meetings and cultivation engagements.
* Prepare leadership for external funder meetings and briefings.
* Manage and steward a portfolio of early- and mid-stage funder relationships.
** Stewardship & Portfolio Development
*** Support ongoing engagement and stewardship of cultivated prospects.
* Coordinate follow-up communications, updates, and reporting.
* Partner with internal teams to ensure strong funder experience.
* Identify opportunities to deepen and renew partnerships.
** Proposal & Concept Development
*** Lead development of letters of inquiry, concept notes, and exploratory proposals.
* Customize institutional messaging for prospective funders.
* Develop pitch decks, one-pagers, and briefing materials.
* Translate program and policy strategy into funder-aligned value propositions.
** Pipeline Strategy & Performance Management
*** Maintain accurate CRM and pipeline records.
* Track prospect movement, conversion rates, and revenue forecasts.
* Contribute to quarterly and annual pipeline reviews.
* Identify and address bottlenecks in new business development.
** Market Intelligence & Field Positioning
*** Track peer organizations’ funding relationships and positioning.
* Monitor major foundation initiatives and collaborative funds.
* Analyze funder portfolios and strategies.
* Surface emerging opportunities for organizational leadership.
** Cross-Functional & Strategic Collaboration
*** Partner with program, policy,…