Foundation Relations Officer - EQUEST

Position Overview:

With the leadership, guidance, strategic direction and close working relationship with the Senior Director of Advancement, Equest seeks an experienced, highly motivated, goal-oriented, and energetic fundraiser with a proven track record of cultivating donors, further leading to closing of gifts. The Foundation Relations Officer is responsible for the management of a well-coordinated, strategic plan to identify, cultivate and secure support from private and corporate foundations. 

This position will work as a member of the Advancement team, leading Equest’s efforts to secure annual operating and event sponsorships from an assigned portfolio, inclusive of individual, corporate and foundation prospects through strategic research, cultivation, grant preparation and implementation, and stewardship activities targeted at these entities. In concert with division colleagues, the Foundation Relations Officer creates, implements, and monitors strategic work plans in support of annual operating and capital funding priorities that maintain and grow revenue streams.

Summary of Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversee the foundation strategy and execution with an annual revenue target that supports the overall fundraising plan.
• Manage a grants calendar to ensure timely submission of applications and reporting.
• Research foundation opportunities that strategically align with Equest’s mission.
• Prepare reports (both internal and external) as required by funders, at the request of Equest’s leadership, or in alignment with Equest’s reporting systems and revenue goals.
• Monitor grant awards including grant agreements, reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Work with Senior Director of Advancement to ensure appropriate stewardship and cultivation activities are conducted with foundation funders to build, maintain, and strengthen relationships.
• Maintain timely and necessary database records, files, reports, and resource materials pertinent to government and foundation activities within Raiser’s Edge.
• At the direction of the Senior Director of Advancement, write copy for annual appeals and other fundraising initiatives throughout the year.
• Review requests for proposals and submit grant applications to private, corporate, and government sources.
• Create and maintain systems that promote good working relationships with program staff to ensure clear and timely communication for grant proposal development and/or reporting requirements.
• Develop strong relationships with Program Teams to develop and maintain up-to-date subject matter knowledge and deliver a robust range of high-touch donor engagement opportunities.
• Develop, manage, and evaluate a grants toolkit that can be utilized by the development team.
• Conduct stewardship and cultivation activities to build, maintain, and strengthen relationships with funders.
• Assist the Senior Director of Advancement and entire development team on special projects and events as they are identified.

General

• Upholds the core values of Equest.
• Adheres to PATH International Accreditation standards.
• Abides by all regulations, policies, and procedures of the City of Dallas, as they pertain to the Texas Horse Park.
• Attends/supports special event activities.
• Maintains an attitude of philanthropy.

 Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent experience. 
• Goal-oriented and committed to non-profit philosophy.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and written.
• Results oriented, self-starter with strong interpersonal and organizational skills and ability to multitask.
• Competitive fundraising experience with a demonstrated ability to write successful grant proposals and proposals that utilize logic models and evaluation plans.
• Demonstrate flexibility in working together as a team member for the common goals of Equest, including tasks outside of this job description.
• Demonstrates adaptability to performing a variety of duties, occasionally changing from one task to another of a different nature with minimal loss of efficiency or composure.
• Keen attention to detail and strong analytic and problem-solving skills.
• Must be able to multitask and work within strict deadlines.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office & Raiser’s Edge.
• Creative and analytical thinker with strong problem-solving skills.

Benefit package includes PTO, health, dental, and vision insurance, and 401k.