Founded in 2007 by former Senate Majority Leaders Howard Baker, Tom Daschle, Bob Dole, and George Mitchell, the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) is a leading nonprofit organization that drives principled solutions through rigorous analysis, reasoned negotiation, and respectful dialogue. By bringing together Republicans and Democrats—and providing them with the space, policy insights, and evidence-based research needed to negotiate in good faith—BPC helps turn legislators’ best ideas into passable, durable laws. In the 17+ years since its founding, BPC has played an integral role in countless legislative accomplishments.
With projects in multiple issue areas including economic policy, energy, health, housing, human capital and democracy, BPC combines politically balanced policy making with strong, proactive advocacy and outreach. As the only Washington, D.C.-based organization that actively promotes bipartisanship, BPC works to address the key challenges facing the nation. Its policy solutions are the product of informed deliberations by former elected and appointed officials, business and labor leaders, and academics and advocates who represent both sides of the political spectrum.
BPC is committed to seeing its policy solutions enacted by lawmakers. Through BPC Action, its (c)(4) affiliate, BPC engages in advocacy and strategic outreach and education to bolster the legislative center and support efforts that bring Republicans and Democrats together on the difficult issues facing the country. While a healthy, civil debate among those with differing viewpoints is an essential component of our democracy, the current partisan tone in government is impeding progress. Through the Democracy Program and bridge-building events, political summits and timely policy discussions, BPC is fostering an ongoing conversation about how to overcome political divides and help make our government work better.
Mission:
• Build connections.
• Negotiate policy.
• Achieve bipartisan solutions.
• Improve lives.
The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) seeks a highly experienced and strategic Director of Foundation Relations to lead and grow our foundation fundraising efforts. This position will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy to secure new foundation grants, while also maintaining and building upon existing relationships. Foundations in FY2024 represented 78% of BPC’s revenue (historically the range is between 72-74%). We expect substantial growth in the next 2-3 years.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for foundation fundraising, with a particular focus on cultivating new donors, aligning with BPC's overall mission and programmatic goals.
- Participate in high-level strategic planning meetings and regular check-ins with BPC program leadership to identify new funding opportunities and align foundation relations efforts with the organization's strategic goals.
- Work closely with leadership and Bipartisan Policy Center Action, BPC’s c4 affiliate, to identify, cultivate, and solicit new opportunities for support.
- Manage the entire grant lifecycle, including prospecting, proposal development, grant writing, and reporting.
- Direct all prospect research activities, identifying potential funders, developing creative outreach strategies, and preparing executive-level briefings for leadership.
- Oversee the grant reporting process, ensuring timely and accurate submissions by collaborating with policy teams to gather information on program activities, outcomes, and impact.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for foundation officers, leading cultivation and stewardship efforts and managing all professional communications, including negotiation of terms of complex grant agreements, ensuring they align with BPC’s policies and priorities.
- Oversee the maintenance of all foundation records in Salesforce, including grant calendars, revenue pipelines, and donor interactions.
- In close partnership with Development leadership, ensure accurate tracking and allocation of grant funds and revenue forecasting from foundations.
- Coordinate with Development leadership BPC program and project budgets that align with workplans and align with funder requirements.
- Stay current on philanthropic news and trends to inform and adjust BPC's foundation fundraising strategy.
- Lead the coordination of foundation representatives at development events, including logistics and materials preparation.
- Supervise and mentor two development staff, including Foundations Manager and Assistant, setting performance goals, and overseeing their professional development
Qualifications
- A minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in fundraising, development, or grant writing and management, with a proven track record of securing significant foundation grants.
- Prior experience in a leadership or senior-level role, preferably within a non-profit setting.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement successful fundraising strategies.
- Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple complex projects under pressure.
- Superior writing and editing skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, including foundation officers, donors, and internal teams. Infrequent travel may be required.
- Extensive experience and proficiency with CRM databases; Salesforce preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is required.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Commitment to the BPC's mission and the ability to translate that understanding into compelling donor communications.
BPC offers a highly competitive salary and provides generous benefits. Individuals interested in this position should send a resume, cover letter, and writing sample in one document. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. BPC does not sponsor employment visas.
BPC is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce.
Work Schedule
The work/life balance of employees is a priority for the Bipartisan Policy Center. As a result, BPC is currently operating on a hybrid schedule. Employees at BPC are currently coming into the office three times a week. Exact time and schedules will be determined between an employee and their manager.
BPC offers comprehensive health insurance benefits with a choice of open access HMO, POS, or PPO plan. HMO and POS individual plans have a monthly premium cost share of 10%. Dependent and Family HMO and POS plans are offered with a monthly cost share equal to 20% of the difference between the plan premium and the individual HMO monthly premium. PPO plans are offered with a 20% premium cost-share for all plans.
Additional benefits include 403(b) matching contributions of up to 7% of salary in addition to a non-elective contribution of 2% of salary (both after 90 days of employment); 15 vacation days, 2 personal days, 15 sick days, and 12 holidays per year; education benefits up to $5,250 per year after one year of employment; $2,000 for professional development expenses after six months of employment; Metro benefits of up to $130 per month; Company provided life insurance; and dental and vision insurance coverage with a Flexible Spending Plan.
We reasonably believe that the base salary range for this manager position is $150,000 – $175,000. At BPC, a wide range of factors are considered when making compensation decisions including and not limited to skill set, experience, training, education, knowledge, and other business and organizational needs.