Director, Foundation & Government Funding

Are You a Master Storyteller and Strategic Grant-Maker? Do you thrive on turning innovative ideas into funded reality? We are seeking a creative, proactive Director of Foundation & Government Funding to champion our mission and secure the necessary resources for our future.

Working closely with our executive leadership, program teams, and development staff, you won't just write grants—you will craft compelling cases for support, build lasting partnerships, and directly drive our organization's sustainability. 

This is a non-union full-time salaried position, grade 10 with an expected hiring range of $89,583 to $98,541 annually. Please see Compensation and Benefits Summary section below the job description information.

Similar terminology: Director of Grants, Grants Director, Grants Manager, Grants Administrator, Grants Planning and Development, Government Grants Manager, Grant Writer, Grant Administrator, Philanthropic Giving, Institutional Giving, Government Funding, Foundation Funding.

This Director, Foundation & Government Funding contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by designing and directing efforts to secure philanthropic support for the organization, working closely with program staff, Development leadership, the Executive Management Team, and the Development Team to achieve and exceed fundraising goals to ensure a sustainable future for the organization.   

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.

1. *  Seek funding from local, regional, and national foundations, corporate foundations, and government agencies to support agreed-upon strategic initiatives, programs, and projects aligned with institutional goals.  This includes, but is not limited to working directly with program staff to develop fundable projects, exhibits and programs, as well as implementing communication strategies for effective cultivation and solicitation (letters of intent, pre-proposals, phone calls, meetings, proposals and reports).  In addition, prepare project-specific budgets and financial reports to be submitted with proposals and reports, while maintaining confidentiality of financial information related to salaries and benefits. 
2. *  Build, cultivate, and maintain relationships with key foundation, corporate foundation, and government agency leadership and staff to advance philanthropic partnerships, and assist other institutional senior staff in building and maintaining their own professional relationships with key foundation leadership and staff.
3. *  Work closely with research staff, other development staff, and appropriate Society staff to proactively and creatively identify new foundation and government grant funders. 
4. *     Provide strategic writing support to Senior Vice President Development (SVP), Vice President of Development, and peers within the Development Team. Includes, but is not limited to writing and editing grant proposals, as well as solicitation letters and programmatic updates for donors.
5. *  Work closely with VP, Senior Director Development Operations, to utilize the CRM to enhance the portfolio.  In addition, utilize CRM as an accurate tracking system for foundation and government proposals, grants, reports, site visits and stewardship.
6. *     Maintain a thorough knowledge of issues and trends that may impact the Zoo’s funding and prepare briefing documents as requested by the VP to facilitate awareness and discussion of strategic opportunities and challenges in building support for Zoo priorities.
7. *     Ensure representation as appropriate of foundation, corporate foundation and government agency participation in events and prepare required briefing materials.  
8.      Other related duties as assigned. 

* Denotes Essential Job Function(s)

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in arts, sciences, or other relevant business-related field or eight years’ equivalent combination of training and experience required. High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required.
• Three years of directly relevant development, foundation or competitive government funding experience. Experience developing and executing strategic funding plans and programs, developing and managing budgets, and producing quality deliverables within specific timeframes.  Proven track record securing major foundation and government funding.
• Creative individual; ability to think strategically and deal with changing priorities, emergent issues, multiple projects, and stakeholders simultaneously. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including verbal, written, listening, and presentation skills. Must be articulate and able to represent the organization effectively.  Strong writing skills are essential.
• Must be a flexible and cooperative team player.  Ability to juggle emergent issues, multiple projects and meet critical deadlines.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook required.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of privileged information.
• Professional appearance and demeanor. 
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience. 
• English fluency at a full professional proficiency required 
• Valid driver’s license required at time of hire.  Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license or obtain one within 90 days of hire.  Valid out-of-state driver’s license is required for out-of-state residents. 

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with Salesforce or Raiser’s Edge or other database management software preferred.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.