Manager, Corporate & Foundation Relations

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, we offer lifesaving relief and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. With a budget of more than $300 million and at work today in over 40 countries and in 22 US cities, the IRC restores safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.

Background
The Manager, Corporate & Foundation Relations, reports to the Deputy Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations. Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR) and Major Gifts and Gift Planning (MGPG) are units within Leadership Gifts, a department within External Relations. The CFR unit raises funding from private foundations, corporate foundations, and from areas within companies including corporate social responsibility, marketing, sponsorships, workplace giving, and matching gifts. CFR plays a critical role cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors and prospects, matching institutional funder interests with the IRC’s far-ranging programs and priorities, developing complex proposals and reports, engaging board members, and collaborating with IRC colleagues around the world.

Scope of Work
As a member of the CFR team, the Manager will serve as a key writer, editor, and content provider for the unit, will manage CFR’s engagement with other units regarding special events, will collaborate with the research team in the creation of meeting briefings, will manage CFR’s weekly strategy meetings, and will provide strategic administrative support. The Manager will liaise with staff from the IRC’s international and US programs, technical units, and external relations to create program reports, concept notes, program profiles, Corporate Rescue Partner updates, and proposals. The Manager will actively participate in CFR, Leadership Gifts, and External Relations’ strategic planning and goal setting. Domestic travel may be required.

Essential Job Functions:

• Synthesize complex program information into clear and compelling reports, profiles, updates, and other donor communications;
• Provide final line-editing and polish for CFR written materials;
• Creatively collaborate with international and US program staff to develop proposals that strategically align donor interests with the IRC’s programmatic priorities and opportunities;
• Manage internal and external timelines, communications, and solicitations regarding strategic events;
• Work with program and finance staff to monitor progress towards meeting donor expectations, including spending rates;
• Adapt writing style and content with regard to donor interests, values, and relationships;
• Work with the CFR unit, Leadership Gifts, and the External Relations teams in developing strategic plans and goals; and
• Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with IRC program staff around the world;
• Provide strategic administrative support for the CFR unit as necessary
• Participate in special assignments as needed.

Requirements:

• Bachelors Degree; Masters Degree a plus.
• Minimum 3 years progressive work experience in writing/editing, grantwriting, corporate or foundation relations, or a related field. Experience in international organizations a plus.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and in person with tact, sensitivity, and mature judgment.
• Solid diplomacy skills with ability to successfully manage external relationships and liaise with colleagues at all levels.
• Exceptional organizational skills, creativity, self-motivation, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work across departments to promote productivity and a positive work environment.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure while managing multiple projects with competing priorities and deadlines.
• Research, data-collection, prioritization, and time-management skills.
• Flexible work attitude, with ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Demonstrated interest in international development, human rights, social justice, or US based immigrant communities a plus.
• Proficiency with Raisers Edge and Microsoft Access preferred.
  
  

Manager, Corporate & Foundation Relations