Senior Philanthropic Advisor (Temp)

Position Summary:

The Senior Philanthropic Advisor serves as a member of The Philanthropic Initiative’s (TPI) professional staff. They conduct programmatic and strategic planning work for TPI clients; assume primary project management responsibility for some projects and clients, including the supervision of some team members on specific projects; and participate in TPI business development, thought leadership and field-building projects, and marketing efforts. They work collaboratively as a member of teams supporting specific client engagements in designing, developing and evaluating philanthropic programs; researching philanthropic issues; and building and maintaining client relationships. They assume increasing levels of responsibility for managing selected clients and projects, and for proactively identifying and pursuing business development opportunities.

This is a part-time temporary position.

Essential Functions:

• Research/Writing/Program Design, including research on social issues, best practices, and model approaches to key issues; community needs assessments; identifying and presenting funding opportunities, including ideas for programmatic initiatives; benchmarking and design of governance policies and practices; and preparing briefing papers and other deliverables for clients.
• Client Support/Consulting, which may include management of grants programs, scholarship and college success programs, and other initiatives supported by TPI clients; reviewing grant proposals and conducting due diligence; monitoring and evaluation of funded projects; project management and facilitation; conducting site visits with or on behalf of clients; and other activities. 
• Strategic Planning and Facilitation, including interviews with key stakeholders; design and implementation of surveys of key stakeholders and grant recipients; and preparation for and facilitation of planning sessions/retreats with clients. 
• Program Design, Management and Evaluation, including design of Requests for Proposals, proposal guidelines and application materials, or other materials; research to identify funding opportunities; proposal review, due diligence, analysis and recommendations; training and facilitation of proposal review committees; negotiation of grant agreements and strategic partnerships; ongoing communications and support to grant recipients and partner organizations; and monitoring and evaluation. This work may also involve design, management, and evaluation of scholarship and college success programs, or other philanthropic strategies resulting from TPI client work.
• Business Development, including networking, research to identify prospective clients, development of proposals and work plans, negotiation of project agreements and contracts, relationship-building, and related efforts.
• Thought Leadership and Field-Building Projects, including research, writing, development of reports, blog posts, articles, workshop materials, and presentations focusing on efforts to promote effective philanthropy.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Individuals assigned to this position may perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Preparation, Knowledge, Previous Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, advanced degree in a relevant field preferred; 
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in a professional setting;
• Experience in more than one sector, including public policy experience, is highly preferred;
• A previous relationship with philanthropy as consultant, grantee, funder or advisor is a plus;
• Experience in and exposure to strategic planning, facilitation, and training or coaching; and
• Experience with business development, including development, management and cultivation of client relationships.

Skills, Abilities, Competencies:

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills and ability to translate analyses into insights;
• Strong organizational and project management skills;
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and other technology tools and platforms;
• Experience with social issues research, policy analysis, and program design, implementation and evaluation; 
• Interest and experience in one or more social issues of interest to TPI clients;
• Excellent client relations skills;
• Excellent writing skills;
• Proven ability to develop and manage professional interpersonal relationships;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously;
• Collegial approach to work; and
• Good sense of humor and willingness to be flexible.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands:

• Ability to work at a workstation for long periods of time;
• Ability to use a computer monitor and keyboard for extended periods of time;
• Ability to work onsite and remotely, as required; and
• Ability to travel to occasional meetings. 

The content is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job.  It is not intended to constitute an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents, who are or become disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act or applicable state law, must be able to perform the essential functions of the job (including those listed above) either with or without reasonable accommodation.  Reasonable accommodation, if any, will be determined by management in consultation with the employee on a case-by-case basis.

This job description is intended to be general and may be revised from time to time. At management’s discretion, the employee may be assigned different or additional duties from time to time.