The Organization
Foundation for Louisiana (FFL) is a social justice philanthropic intermediary founded in 2005 as the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation to invest in the immediate recovery of Louisiana’s communities after Hurricane Katrina. While FFL was founded in the wake of hurricane Katrina, our founders recognized the need to address the longstanding inequities that have shaped life outcomes for the most marginalized of Louisianans. FFL’s work grew in response to these needs, and today FFL focuses on racial justice, climate justice, criminal justice reform, economic opportunity, LGBTQ organizing, and support for Louisiana’s vibrant arts and culture via a three-pronged strategy:
- Invest: FFL makes grants and loans to support organizations and movements throughout Louisiana in our key program areas. We attract and invest resources to support on-the-ground projects, many of which can’t access traditional philanthropy. Through fiscal sponsorship, Foundation for Louisiana also supports innovative ideas responding to unmet needs throughout Louisiana.
- Build: We build power to effect change in Louisiana communities. Our TOGETHER initiative convenes community leaders and provides training in organizing, policy change, leadership, public speaking, and facilitation to tackle issues of climate change, police accountability, health disparities, housing access, and more.
- Transform: By fortifying movements, we shift systems and shape regional and national narratives. We re-imagine how our communities are governed and funded in order to redefine how residents are able to thrive in them.
Since inception, FFL has invested $55 million in more than 250 equity centered nonprofit organizations working across the state towards building a more just Louisiana. As a social justice philanthropic intermediary, FFL’s work unapologetically advances racial justice while moving Louisiana forward. The foundation engages communities in both program co-design as well as its grant-making process, in order to expand opportunities and move communities towards a more just future.
Position Overview
Foundation for Louisiana is looking for a dynamic and energized fundraising professional to join our team as Institutional Giving Officer. This driven individual will lead the strategy and implementation for stewarding and expanding FFL’s portfolio of foundation and corporate funders to support FFL’s programs and operational strength. The Institutional Giving Officer will develop and write funding proposals and reports in a clear and compelling manner, manage FFL’s relationships with foundations, corporations and potentially, with government agencies, and ultimately expand the portfolio through thoughtful cultivation. We are looking for a candidate who brings relevant skills and interest to the role, demonstrates ownership of their work, and is looking for an opportunity to seize a career-enhancing opportunity in a fast-paced, growing organization working toward justice in Louisiana. Reporting to the Vice President of Development and working closely with programs and finance staff, the Institutional Giving Officer will play an important role in driving FFL toward its $12M goal this year and its ambitious growth ahead that powers the organization’s freedom work.
All Foundation for Louisiana employees are currently working remotely. While the Institutional Giving Officer can be based anywhere in the state, the Institutional Giving Officer may have to go to the Baton Rouge and New Orleans office when conditions allow. Office space is available in both Baton Rouge and New Orleans; however, pandemic conditions are monitored closely, and FFL observes all municipal, parish, and state guidelines to prioritize the health and safety of our staff, partners, and the communities we serve.
Duties and Responsibilities
The following is a summary of the duties required:
- Manage the development of grant proposals and reports from initiation to submission in collaboration with both internal staff and funders to ensure alignment between FFL proposals and funder priorities.
- Manage and steward a portfolio of five to seven-figure grants that fund FFL’s programs and operations, and coordinate touchpoints to ensure the organization maintains strong relationships with donors and secures renewed funding when possible.
- In collaboration with program staff, develop and write compelling grant proposals (including narratives and budgets) and reports that advance FFL’s mission, core strategies, programs, and engages potential funders.
- Research and vet prospective funders, develop cultivation strategies, and connect with stakeholders and colleagues to identify opportunities for partnerships with new potential funders that are a good fit for FFL.
- Develop strategic engagement plans for existing and prospective institutional donors and their representatives; organize funder meetings and site visits.
- Develop and maintain institutional giving fundraising calendar and manage deadlines with relevant staff in the program and finance departments.
- Maintain and ensure quality control with funder database and tracking systems, ensuring accurate and complete records for funders and grants.
Required Competencies
The Institutional Giving Officer should possess the following qualifications, skills, and personal attributes:
- Experience that demonstrates a commitment to anti-oppression values – proficiency in talking and writing about racial justice, trans and queer justice, climate justice,
- 5+ years’ development experience – solid track record of producing successful grant proposals within non-profit organizations; experience managing, moving, and expanding a portfolio of funders.
- Must be a solutions-oriented self-starter, with an entrepreneurial spirit and passion for revenue generation.
- Exceptionally detail-oriented written and verbal communication skills that demonstrate the ability to write clear and compelling content for donor audiences.
- Demonstrated project management, multi-tasking, and prioritization skills, with excellent attention to details and good follow-through.
- Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with peers in joint and shared efforts.
- Competency in systems implementation and management; experience with CRM platforms (Salesforce preferred).
- Ability to work effectively and flexibly to produce high quality work products in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment; to practice strong organizational skills when faced with multiple time-sensitive priorities.
- Excellent research, analysis, synthesis, and presentation skills.
- Ability to receive and integrate constructive critiques and feedback into work.
Compensation
- $70,000 – 80,000 depending on experience annually plus a generous benefits and PTO package, including:
- 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums
- Up to $50,000 employer-paid life insurance
- 403(b) retirement employer match
- Up to 27 days of paid time off (PTO)
- Up to 8 weeks of family leave
How To Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@foundationforlouisiana.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with a priority date of January 3, 2023. No calls, please.
Equal Opportunity Employment Policy
Foundation for Louisiana aspires towards freedom for all Louisianans and aims to create a fully inclusive and affirming workplace for all people. We welcome and encourage applications from people who have been involved with the criminal legal system. FFL is committed to providing staff with resources to work from home effectively. Reasonable accommodations may be requested to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the position.
Foundation for Louisiana follows an equal opportunity employment policy and employs personnel without regard to race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, criminal legal background, and marital status.
This policy also applies to internal promotions, training, opportunities for advancement, terminations, outside vendors, members and customers, service clients, use of contractors and consultants, grant partners, board members and dealings with the general public.
For more information about Foundation for Louisiana visit our website at www.foundationforlouisiana.org