The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet · 4 hours ago
Director, Foundation Partnerships
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$160K/yr - $190K/yr
10+ years expThe Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet is dedicated to ensuring access to clean electricity and improving lives through transformative partnerships. The Director of Foundation Partnerships will lead fundraising efforts, manage relationships with foundations, and develop strategies to secure major grants that support the Alliance’s mission.
Non Profit
Responsibilities
Design and execute GEA's institutional fundraising strategy, identifying and cultivating relationships with private foundations, family foundations, and corporate foundations aligned with GEA's climate, energy access, and economic development mission
Build and manage a robust institutional donor pipeline, conducting prospect research, developing targeted outreach strategies, and tracking engagement through all stages of the donor journey
Secure seven- and eight-figure institutional grants through strategic cultivation, compelling proposal development, and effective solicitation aligned with funder priorities and GEA's programmatic goals
Develop customized engagement approaches for foundation partners, including co-design opportunities, impact measurement frameworks, learning partnerships, and recognition strategies
Cultivate relationships with program officers, foundation leadership, and trustees, positioning GEA as a strategic partner for systems-change philanthropy in the energy transition
Lead end-to-end grant management for a portfolio of major institutional funders, ensuring excellence in proposal development, reporting, compliance, and relationship stewardship
Collaborate closely with program, finance, MEL (Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning), and communications teams to develop compelling concept notes, LOIs, and full proposals that articulate GEA's theory of change and impact
Negotiate grant agreements and partnership terms, ensuring alignment with GEA's alliancing approach, programmatic objectives, and donor requirements while managing risk and compliance
Oversee timely, high-quality narrative and financial reporting to foundation partners, highlighting impact, lessons learned, and partnership value
Serve as the primary liaison between institutional funders and GEA's technical and programmatic teams, facilitating strategic dialogue and ensuring donor engagement beyond transactional grantmaking
Identify and engage with philanthropic collaboratives, pooled funds, multi-donor initiatives, and sector coalitions focused on climate, clean energy, and sustainable development
Represent GEA in strategic funder networks and affinity groups to build visibility and cultivate partnerships
Track emerging trends in climate and energy philanthropy, including innovative funding mechanisms, blended finance structures, and cross-sector collaboration models to inform GEA's fundraising approach
Serve as a senior thought partner within the Partnerships & External Relations Division, contributing to strategic planning, goal-setting, and the evolution of GEA's fundraising model
Lead or contribute to cross-divisional initiatives, such as donor engagement calendars, funder convenings, philanthropic advisory councils, or targeted campaigns
Champion data-driven fundraising practices by contributing to CRM management (Salesforce or similar), pipeline analysis, forecasting, and performance dashboards
Mentor and build capacity among colleagues on institutional fundraising best practices, foundation relations, proposal writing, and impact storytelling
Represent GEA externally at conferences, funder briefings, panels, and convenings, elevating the organization's profile and expanding its institutional network
Qualification
Required
Master's degree in Nonprofit Management, International Development, Environmental Studies, Public Policy, or related field
10+ years of experience in institutional fundraising, foundation relations, or philanthropic partnerships, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role managing complex donor portfolios and driving revenue growth
Proven track record of securing seven- and eight- figure grants from private foundations, family foundations, and institutional donors, particularly in climate, energy, environment, or international development sectors
Deep knowledge of the foundation landscape, including major climate and energy funders, emerging philanthropic trends, and collaborative funding models
Exceptional relationship management skills, with demonstrated ability to cultivate long-term partnerships with foundation program officers, leadership teams, and trustees
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including proven ability to develop compelling proposals, concept notes, and case statements that translate complex programmatic work into fundable narratives
Strong project management capabilities, with experience managing multiple grant cycles, deadlines, and cross-functional collaboration
Experience working in or with global organizations focused on clean energy, climate action, or international development highly desirable; familiarity with systems-change approaches and alliancing models a plus
High digital fluency, including proficiency with CRM platforms (Salesforce preferred), grant management systems, and data analytics tools
Benefits
28 days annual leave
401(k) retirement plan with 10% employer contribution
$1,000 annually for work-from-home expenses
$100 monthly for use for transit
Company
The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet
Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet is a partnership of charity, local business owners, public policy, and funding.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Sundaa Bridgett-Jones
Vice President for the Americas and Chief Partnerships Officer
Elizabeth Small
Chief Legal Officer and Head of ESG
Recent News
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