Senior Foundation Fundraising Consultant

Department: Development

Employment Type: Contract / Temp

Location: Washington, DC, Oil Change International, Remote

Responsibilities

• Introduce OCI to foundations new to us, focusing on European and UK funders of climate and energy work, drawing on your own network and relationships;
• Set up and lead calls and meetings with program officers, bringing in OCIs Executive Director, Managing Director of Organizational Strategy, and Program Directors where their expertise and relationships will help;
• Conduct research on prospective funders and make recommendations on which to prioritize;
• Follow up on conversations to secure invitations to propose, and keep relationships moving between meetings;
• Where its worthwhile and youre able to, represent OCI at funder meetings and convenings; and
• Track outreach, contacts, and next steps in OCIs Salesforce database.

• Work with program staff and the Development team to draft and submit concept notes, letters of inquiry, and proposals to new funders;
• Adapt OCIs existing proposal language, including our general support proposal, for new funders and their priorities; and
• Create materials and collateral for funder meetings;
• Coordinate and submit funding proposals and reports on funder portals as needed. 

• Help coordinate OCIs foundation fundraising working groups, including those focused on EU, UK, US, and other foundations, by setting agendas, following up on next steps, and keeping the groups moving;
• Prepare staff for funder outreach by leading check-in calls ahead of key meetings;
• Coordinate outreach with OCI staff who hold existing funder relationships; and
• Help keep a calendar of funder deadlines and in-person opportunities for staff outreach.

• Support the Executive Director and Managing Director of Organizational Strategy in developing and refining OCIs foundation fundraising strategy;
• Advise on the European and UK funding landscape, including which funders, priorities, and timelines fit OCIs work;
• Make recommendations on how OCI can more systematically cultivate program officers and keep them updated on our work; and
• Help track progress against foundation fundraising goals, and flag gaps and opportunities early.

• Participate constructively in Development team meetings and check-ins; and
• Respond to administrative requests in a timely and courteous manner, including submitting invoices and expense reports by established deadlines.

Required Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

• At least eight years of experience in foundation fundraising, with a track record of securing significant grants;
• Existing relationships with foundations outside the US, preferably including Europe and the UK, that fund climate and energy work;
• Experience opening new funder relationships and turning first conversations into asks, proposals and grants;
• Excellent writing and editing in English, and strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and get started quickly with little ramp-up time;
• Commitment to the mission of Oil Change International and a collaborative, team-oriented work style; and
• Sensitivity to issues of privilege, class, and race, and dedication to incorporating principles of justice into organizational work and alignment with OCIs values.

• Experience with US foundations would be a plus;
• Experience working at a climate, environment, or social justice oriented non-profit;
• Familiarity with climate and energy policy, specifically supply-side fossil fuel policy;
• Experience with Salesforce or a similar CRM; and
• Preference for being based in Europe or the UK.