Requisition Number    08-0009    Post Date    1/29/2008    Closing Date    2/22/2008    
   
Position will close upon receipt of 200 applications or closing date above; whichever occurs first.

 
Job Level: Senior Specialist



Function:

The Foundation Relations Senior Officer – International generates funding from governmental, bilateral and multilateral agencies based on an annual plan that incorporates Board and other Heifer contacts.  The incumbent has strong skills in identifying, researching, cultivating and stewarding donor agencies and institutions.  Equally important, the officer has the ability to work with constituent Heifer programs to develop partnerships, projects and proposals that merit major funding.

 

Responsibilities:

   1.
      Researches, identifies and manages opportunities to develop major funding from governmental, bilateral or multilateral sources, such as USAID, DFID, CIDA, Africa or Asia Development Banks, or the European Union, for projects that are compatible with Heifer’s mission and goals.  For the purposes of this job description, these are called institutional funders.
   2.
      Represents Heifer International to governmental agencies in Washington, DC for the purposes of expanding the donors’ understanding of Heifer’s mission and implementation capacity.
   3.
      Guides donor relations through annual plan and institutional “moves-management” process; develops annual institutional-cultivation program with vice-presidents in International Programs and Education.
   4.
      Identifies and cultivates partnerships that translate into sub-grantee status as well as lead grantee status.
   5.
      Serves as primary coordinator for relationships with specific institutional funders.
   6.
      Serves as internal coordinator for specific fundraising efforts that require a coordinated approach.
   7.
      Develops, writes or coordinates proposals to institutional funders.
   8.
      Provides organizing and editing skills as required for any proposal.
   9.
      Provides technical assistance to program staff in project planning and proposal development as they relate to institutional funders.
  10.
      Works with Heifer’s international programs to assess and develop fundraising capacity appropriate for the country programs, providing training, mentoring and technical assistance as needed.
  11.
      Works with Foundation Relations Production Coordinator to ensure that financial and narrative grant reports are produced and submitted as required by donor institutions.
  12.
      Provides leadership in developing integrated funding plans for programs and projects through the Major Fundraising Management Committee, Resource Development Council or other Heifer fundraising entities.
  13.
      Coordinates special projects as assigned by Director of Foundation Relations.
  14.
      Attend conferences, programs and trainings hosted by potential or existing funders as appropriate for Foundation Relations.
  15.
      Serves on Heifer International committees, task forces and cross-functional teams as related to Foundation Relations.
  16.
      May perform other job-related responsibilities.

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s in business administration, journalism, English or related field, Master’s degree preferred; plus five (5) years’ experience in institutional grant writing and relations.

 

Preferred Requirements:

    *
      Ten (10) years related experience, including five (5) years in grant writing, are required.
    *
      Background in agriculture and rural development, or international development preferred.

 

Most Critical Proficiencies:

    *
      Proven ability to obtain grants of $500,000 or more.
    *
      Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
    *
      Ability to write clearly and persuasively.
    *
      Strong verbal and written English-language skills. Spanish-language skills a plus.
    *
      Knowledge of computers as a tool for word processing, communications and organizing.
    *
      Ability to train, coach, model and mentor proposal development and writing skills.
    *
      Knowledge, understanding and commitment to sustainable, community-based development using livestock.
    *
      Knowledge of issues related to hunger, poverty and sustainable agricultural development desirable. International experience helpful.

Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands:

    *
      Ability to maintain sensitive or confidential information.
    *
      Ability to travel as necessary, including a regular schedule of travel to Washington, DC approximately 25% of time.
    *
      Excellent organizational skills including attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
    *
      Constant face-to-face, electronic and telephone communication with colleagues and the general public.