Director, Public Policy & Partnerships

Location: DC Metro Area

Type: Full-Time

Industry: Non-Profit

Our dynamic client, the COUNCIL ON FOUNDATIONS, is looking for a Director, Public Policy & Partnerships. They offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package.

**The Council is only considering LOCAL candidates to the DC Metro area at this time**

Must-Have Qualifications

  • 7-10 years experience in senior level responsibilities in government AND in a nonprofit organization, foundation, or corporate giving program
  • Capitol Hill experience and strong government experience a must

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Vice President, Government Affairs & Legal Resources, the Director, Public Policy & Partnerships serves as the Council on Foundation’s direct liaison to the White House, federal departments and agencies, and other national non-philanthropic associations to identify and leverage opportunities for foundations and the federal government to effectively engage. The Director manages the Council’s work to enhance the role of foundations and grantmaking organizations in Public-Philanthropic Partnerships, serves as an educator for both government and philanthropic leaders, and maintains the Council’s network of federal government contacts.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements are representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensure, experience, and/or ability required.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as Council representative to federal agencies and departments, with particular focus on federal staff designated as liaisons to philanthropy and foundations.
  • Maintain knowledge of efforts by the federal government that could advance the Council’s strategy and priorities.
  • Cultivate relationships to increase engagement between federal agencies and foundations and philanthropy.
  • Provide advice and feedback to the Vice President, Government Affairs & Legal Resources on Policy Committee engagement, legislative strategies and activities, and coalition relationships.
  • Work with federal agencies, develop strategies for building common interests among Council members and federal programs, and coordinate between philanthropy and White House initiatives.
  • Educate foundation personnel on opportunities and implications for working in partnership with the federal government and/or federal funds.
  • Manage the Council’s program of federal liaisons to foundations and philanthropy.
  • Work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure that foundations who respond to disasters are connected to the federal government’s recovery efforts.
  • Work with philanthropy to help develop a pipeline and funding for qualified staff to join federal agencies through the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA).
  • Educate federal personnel about organized philanthropy, the various opportunities for alignment, and manage expectations about philanthropic partnerships.
  • Facilitate relationships with non-philanthropy national organizations that bring value to Council members and public-philanthropic partnerships in consultation with the Director, Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships.
  • Identify public policy research needs and data collection that support Federal Partnerships goals and objectives.
  • Contribute to overarching organization goals by participating in cross-functional working groups.

Role Requirements

  • Experience working in any level of government is essential; federal level is a plus.
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • 7-10 years’ experience in senior-level responsibilities in government and in a nonprofit organization, foundation, or corporate giving program
  • Possess a network of federal and/or political contacts that can bring value to the Council’s work to engage government.

General Skills and Competencies

  • Strong knowledge and understanding of the federal legislative, regulatory, grant making and administrative process.
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of the philanthropic and nonprofit sector.
  • Strong project management and analytical skills with ability to meet deadlines.
  • Demonstrated understanding of crisis response typical for federal agencies and management of last minute requests.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to listen well and positively represent the organization and its mission.
  • Ability to plan and execute innovative strategic directions for the work.
  • Ability to identify and solve problems efficiently and quickly with strategic benefit to the Council.
  • Ability to manage many and/or differing tasks and maintain productivity.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team.
  • Ability to work effectively and positively with a range of individuals and working styles, and with people at all organization levels including staff, board members, foundation officers, donors, and vendors.
  • Proficient skill levels in Microsoft Office 365 applications and Salesforce.

Travel Requirements

  • Ability to travel up to 10% domestically, including overnight trips.

Please note, this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Activities, duties, or responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

This organization offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package.

Apply Now