Sr. Director, Philanthropic Foundations

Position: Sr. Director, Philanthropic Foundations - National Geographic Society

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Advancement team cultivates, solicits, and stewards individuals, as well as foundation, government, and corporate funders who invest in the Society to drive impact through its work in science, technology, education, exploration, and storytelling. The team collaborates across the Society to build transformative and impact-driven strategic relationships.

In 2025, the Advancement team established a new Institutional Partnerships division tasked with building a comprehensive portfolio of strategic partners focused on driving significant revenue and impact for the Society. This division encompasses three core areas: Corporate Partnerships, Philanthropic Foundation Partnerships, and Government Partnerships.

Reporting to the Vice President, Institutional Partnerships, and working collaboratively across the National Geographic Society, the Senior Director, Philanthropic Foundations will lead the development and management of the Philanthropic Foundations Team. This new leadership role will define and implement a strategic vision, planning framework, and sector targets that position foundation partnerships as a core driver of both revenue and impact for the Society's programs and initiatives.

The Senior Director will spearhead high-level engagement with foundation partners, guide team strategy and performance, and serve as a visible leader representing the National Geographic Society externally and across the institutional landscape. The ideal candidate will bring proven strategic and people leadership, an entrepreneurial mindset, and the ability to navigate a complex organization with diplomacy and decisiveness.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Vision & Planning (20%):
• Develop and implement strategic vision and execution plan for securing impact-driven, philanthropic foundation partnerships that advance the Society's mission and programs

Foundation Partnership Management (40%):
• Lead cultivation and solicitation of major foundation partnerships
• Oversee strategy, proposal development, deliverables, and budget creation in close coordination with Advancement and Program teams
• Respond promptly and strategically to partner feedback, escalating issues as appropriate to leadership

Cross-Departmental Leadership (20%):
• Provide strategic leadership and cross-departmental coordination to identify, cultivate, and secure transformative foundation partnerships
• Oversee the full lifecycle of partnership development, from prospecting and proposal development to negotiation and stewardship
• Manage a portfolio of complex, high-value grants supporting Society programs
• Collaborate closely with program leads and executive leadership
• Serve as a senior leader within the organization to elevate the visibility, value, and rigor of philanthropic foundation partnerships

Team Leadership & Development (20%):
• Lead the Philanthropic Foundations team in developing actionable solicitation strategies, draft proposals, budgets, timelines, and deliverables
• Oversee budget preparation and grant term negotiation in coordination with Finance and Legal
• Partner with the Grants Manager to ensure exceptional stewardship of all open grants, including reporting, expenditure tracking, and site visits
• Collaborate with Advancement Operations to support identifying and prioritizing new foundation opportunities and align them with institutional goals
• Provide strategic counsel to team members on renewals, new initiatives, and long-term growth opportunities

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:
• Master's degree preferred

Experience:
• 12+ years of experience in a nonprofit or business development environment
• Demonstrated success leading matrixed teams and creating and executing strategic growth plans

Required Skills:
• Demonstrated experience shaping and executing a strategic vision and plan for institutional or philanthropic partnerships
• Proven leadership and team management experience, including coaching and development of high-performing staff
• Track record of securing significant multi-million-dollar foundation grants (seven- and eight-figure preferred)
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively
• Experience managing multiple, high-value partnerships simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to translate technical and programmatic content into compelling donor materials
• Strong collaboration skills; adept at working across programmatic, financial, and operational teams
• Excellent organizational, project management, and problem-solving abilities
• Proficiency with grant management tools, CRM systems, and related technologies
• Highly detail-oriented, deadline-driven, and capable of managing competing priorities

Preferred:
• Experience in science, environmental, conservation, or education-related nonprofit sectors is a plus

Supervision:
• 3+ direct reports

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Salary: $166,250 - $175,000 per year

The National Geographic Society offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Engaging and comprehensive wellness program
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment
• Flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year) and 10 days of sick leave
• 12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31
• Paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility benefits
• Learning and development opportunities
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• Pet adoption assistance and insurance
• Pre-tax transportation benefits with a generous employer subsidy
• Employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit
• Variety of National Geographic discounts and perks

JOB DESIGNATION:

Hybrid - At the Society, we believe in the advantages of coming together to build community, mentor and learn from colleagues, and connect more deeply with our mission. This Hybrid position requires that staff work at Base Camp two days each week: every Tuesday and Wednesday. Hybrid staff are also always welcome to come in additional days each week if preferred.

ELIGIBILITY:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

The National Geographic Society encourages you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description.