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Foundation Relations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Foundation Relations Officer is a key member of the Research Development team within the Office of the Vice President for Research. This role is responsible for developing university-wide ...

$90 - $130/hr

Work with foundation research sources to produce sufficient number and quality of prospects, to produce extensive institutional donor profiles, target appropriate ask amounts, and prioritize and ...

New

Foundation Relations Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Work with foundation research sources to produce sufficient number and quality of prospects, to produce extensive institutional donor profiles, target appropriate ask amounts, and prioritize and ...

About the Role Reporting to the Vice President of Development, the Director of Foundation Relations is a senior member of the Development Team and is responsible for leading the Foundation Team in ...

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foundation relations information

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$57.5K

$66.7K

$86K

How much do foundation relations jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for foundation relations in the United States is $66,728.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,000.00 and $70,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is foundation relations?

Foundation Relations professionals are specialists who manage and cultivate relationships between nonprofit organizations and charitable foundations. They research potential foundation funders, write grant proposals, and ensure compliance with grant requirements. These professionals also steward existing foundation partners by providing updates on funded projects and reporting on outcomes. Their work is crucial in securing funding for nonprofit programs and initiatives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in foundation relations?

To thrive in Foundation Relations, you typically need a background in nonprofit management, fundraising, or communications, often with a bachelor's degree or higher. Familiarity with donor management systems (like Salesforce or Raiser’s Edge), grant writing, and reporting tools is highly valuable. Excellent relationship-building, persuasive communication, and strategic thinking skills help professionals stand out in this field. These abilities are crucial for securing funding, maintaining strong partnerships, and advancing organizational missions.

What are some typical challenges faced when managing relationships with multiple foundations, and how can they be addressed in a foundation relations role?

Professionals in Foundation Relations often juggle relationships with numerous foundations, each with their own unique priorities, reporting requirements, and timelines. A common challenge is balancing these varying expectations while ensuring clear, consistent communication and timely submission of proposals and reports. To address this, strong organizational skills, proactive planning, and the use of a comprehensive CRM system are essential. Developing personalized engagement strategies for each foundation and fostering open, ongoing communication with program officers can also help build trust and long-term partnerships.

What is the difference between Foundation Relations vs Grant Writer?

AspectFoundation RelationsGrant Writer
Primary FocusBuilding and maintaining relationships with foundationsWriting and preparing grant proposals
Work EnvironmentStrategic, relationship-drivenDetail-oriented, writing-focused
Required SkillsRelationship management, communication, knowledge of funding landscapeWriting, research, compliance with grant guidelines
Common UsageIn development/fundraising teams for strategic partnership buildingIn grant departments for proposal development

Foundation Relations professionals focus on cultivating long-term partnerships with funders, while Grant Writers concentrate on crafting compelling proposals to secure funding. Both roles are essential in the fundraising process but serve different functions within the organization.

More about foundation relations jobs

What cities are hiring for Foundation Relations jobs?

Cities with the most Foundation Relations job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Foundation Relations jobs?

The most popular types of Foundation Relations jobs are:

What states have the most Foundation Relations jobs?

States with the most job openings for Foundation Relations jobs include:

Infographic showing various Foundation Relations job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,728 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Foundation Relations Officer

Umd

College Park, MD

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Job Description SummaryOrganization's Summary Statement:
The mission of the Research Development Office is to grow the volume and visibility of UMD's research enterprise. We provide customized services to help faculty and faculty-led groups across the university turn ideas into action. Whether you are launching a new initiative, communicating a vision to university leaders, or identifying opportunities for unique research contributions, we are supportive partners during pivotal moments.
Position Summary:
The Foundation Relations Officer is a key member of the Research Development team within the Office of the Vice President for Research. This role is responsible for developing university-wide strategies to engage foundations and secure philanthropic support for institutional priorities and signature initiatives. The Office of Foundation Relations is jointly supported by the Division of Research and the Division of University Relations.
The incumbent will collaborate with faculty and staff across the university in order to build a strong and diverse pipeline resulting in an increase in competitive proposals and substantive relationships with foundations and other philanthropic entities.
The position provides foundation relations expertise, strategic guidance, and hands-on support for fundraising efforts and manages a portfolio of up to twenty-five foundations. The incumbent will secure support for the Forward: The University of Maryland Campaign for the Fearless a $2.5 billion initiative-the largest in its history. The person in this role will be responsible, over the next three years, for increasing annual support from foundations and philanthropic organizations by $7-10 million. Working with the Director, the Foundation Relations Officer will develop university-wide collaborations; play a leading role in multi-disciplinary and large-scale proposals; identify new funding sources for
institutional areas of excellence; and help raise the university's profile among private foundations.
Preferences:
Bachelor's degree and 6-8 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, with an
emphasis on foundation relations.
Demonstrated success establishing and stewarding relationships with foundation partners.
Proven fundraising track record, including securing six- and seven-figure awards.
Experience in foundation relations within higher education.
Advanced degree.
Competencies:
Proven ability to establish, cultivate, and steward meaningful relationships between universities
and foundations.
Demonstrated success in fundraising, with experience securing major gifts.
Strategic visioning and planning experience, including landscape analysis and generating
institutional buy-in.
Ability to translate high-level strategy into clear programmatic goals.
Work with faculty in multiple disciplines translating complex concepts into laymen's terms.
Strong interpersonal awareness and ability to build positive relationships and collaborate as
part of cross-functional teams.
Exceptional listening and interpretive skills
Ability to navigate complex organizations and support others in doing so; solutions-oriented
mindset.
Creativity, sound judgment, and strong attention to detail.
Outstanding interpersonal and customer service skills; poised and professional communication
style across formats and audiences.
Ability to work independently, set priorities, take initiative, and manage multiple projects
efficiently.
Commitment to organizational values and responsibility for meeting goals and deadlines.
Ability to make informed decisions in fast-paced, dynamic, and deadline-driven environments.
Superior writing skills, including experience with proposal development.
Knowledge of foundation prospect research.
Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Physical Demands:
Sedentary work performed in a normal office environment occasionally at irregular hours when required to meet proposal deadlines; exerts up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Ability to attend meetings both on and off campus. Ability to work some evenings and weekends as necessary. Spending long hours in front of a computer screen.
Licenses/ Certifications: N/AMinimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Five (5) years of professional development, fundraising or external relations experience.

Other: The position may or may not involve supervisory responsibilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

Skill in problem solving and strategic planning.

Skill in oral and written communication.

Skill in the use of Microsoft Office and Google Suite products.

Ability to develop and administer new policies and procedures.

Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.

Ability to interact with donors and senior-level executives and administrators required.

Ability to handle multiple tasks and strong adherence to deadlines required.

Additional Job Details

Required Application Materials: Cover letter and resume

Best Consideration Date: 8/28/26

Open Until Filled: Y

Job RisksNot Applicable to This PositionFinancial Disclosure RequiredNo

For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.

DepartmentVPR-Research DevelopmentWorker Sub-Type Staff RegularSalary Range$137,280 to $164,736
Benefits Summary

For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regardingdisclosablebackground checkinformation. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University's Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination NoticeResources
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