Community Foundation Seeks a Director of Nonprofit Relations

Apr 5, 2021

Director of Nonprofit Relations

FLSA: Exempt | Reports to: Chief Community Impact Officer

PURPOSE OF POSITION  
The Director of Nonprofit Relations plays an important role in fulfilling the responsibilities of the Community Impact Department of the Community Foundation. Viewed as a knowledge-broker for nonprofit and community partners, this position connects organizations with valuable resources and services within the Community Foundation as well as other community resources. This position is responsible for providing design, delivery and oversight of all nonprofit sector programming and support including trainings, convenings, and peer learning experiences, serves as the entry point for nonprofit engagement with the Community Foundation, and works closely with nonprofit board and staff members, grantmaker colleagues and community partners to support the overall health and wellbeing of the nonprofit sector in Greater Des Moines. Reporting to the Chief Community Impact Officer, the Director of Nonprofit Relations also supports and participates in making donor giving connections as well as the strategic giving services program. 

CORE COMPETENCIES
Planning/Organizing | Relationship Building | Decision Making/Judgement | Knowledge Broker | Training and Facilitation

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Nonprofit Resources

· Serves as the initial knowledge-broker for charitable organizations providing connections to resources within and outside of the Community Foundation including, but not limited to, exploration of establishing a nonprofit, potential partners and possible fiscal sponsorship relationships with the Community Foundation. Responsible for the design, delivery, facilitation and oversight of all nonprofit sector strengthening support (i.e. BoardLaunch, communities of practice) including creation, registration, session materials, evaluations, etc.

· Works in partnership with the Charitable Giving Team on nonprofit agency fund trainings to support the Community Foundation’s value-add proposition to its agency fund holders.

· Provides responsive and proactive support to the nonprofit sector (staff and board members) through individualized conversations and meetings.

· Leads the development and cultivation of funding and partners to support capacity building program delivery.

· Works with the Marketing Team to develop strategies and supporting materials to ensure effective promotion of and materials for the capacity building programs.

· Researches and maintains knowledge base of local, regional and national promising practices and strategies for nonprofit capacity building and builds relationships throughout the country to support the local sector.

· Coordinates the Community Foundation’s consultant database and community resources section of the website.

· Coordinates the Community Foundation’s Nonprofit LinkedIn group for the sector.

· Serves as the Community Foundation representative in community conversations related to the state of the nonprofit sector and its impact in the region including, but not limited to, legislative and other policy developments.

Connecting to Nonprofit Causes

· Serves as a partner to the Charitable Giving Team to support donor advisors in connecting to causes they care about.  

· Serves as a partner to the Charitable Giving Team to develop content for DonorConnect series and events related to the nonprofit sector.

· Provides staffing and structure support to the Central Iowa Funders Forum. 

Other

· Provides clear and effective communication to Community Foundation support staff, interns and volunteers in order to execute on key functions. 

· Prepares necessary materials for the Grantmaking Committee meetings related to the capacity building programs.

· Conducts research and analysis of interest/concern areas.

· Represents the Community Foundation at community functions, as directed.

· Prepares and delivers presentations (ranging from small conversations to large presentations) related to the functions of the Community Impact Department.

· Assists with the development and achievement of annual Community Impact goals.

· Other duties as assigned, as they relate to the Community Impact Department activities.

QUALIFICATIONS
Excellent analytical and organizational skills; mature judgment and critical thinking ability; innovative problem solver.  Must be able to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously and work both independently and in a team environment.  Successful candidates will have an adaptable attitude, be a self-starter, creative, and require little regular supervision.  Must be able to interface well with a variety of people including board and committee members, be an intentional listener, and able to effectively present information to grant seekers, community members, volunteers, the general public and other employees of the organization through small group conversations and presentations to large audiences. Candidates should possess the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out as well as develop instructions; excellent writing, proofreading and communication skills.  Strong computer, database management and internet research skills are important. 

Education and/or Experience
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years project management or implementation experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Prior program/project or grant management experience desired with knowledge of the nonprofit sector and existing community initiatives strongly preferred; demonstrated commitment to philanthropy and community betterment.

Supervisory
None

Language Ability
Excellent writing, proofreading and critical thinking skills.  Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.  Ability to effectively present information to grant seekers, community members, volunteers, the general public and other employees of the organization. Excellent telephone and customer service skills.

Cognitive Demands
Proven ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, set priorities, handles numerous responsibilities, and work both independently and in a team environment.  Adaptable attitude, attention to detail, organized self-starter, and creative.  Able to interface well with a variety of people.  Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. 

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear.  The employee is frequently required to use hand to finger, handle or feel.  The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Must have valid driver’s license and transportation.    Must have the schedule freedom to work varying hours, including evenings and weekends when necessary.

Application Process
Interested applicants should submit their resume, cover letter, salary requirements and three references to Bridgett Robinson. We encourage anyone considering the position to apply. The Community Foundation is committed to pay equity and provides a comprehensive compensation package which includes annual salary and benefits benchmarking. Salary range will be shared with candidates prior to the interview process, or upon inquiry. Initial applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Monday, May 3, 2021 or until the appropriate candidate is identified.