Foundation and Corporate Relations Development Officer

Job Details

Job Location

Torrance Campus - Torrance, CA

Position Type

FT 100% - 40 hours per week (FT Benefit)

Salary Range

$120000.00 - $125000.00 Salary/year

Description

ABOUT US: The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center is an independent, non-profit biomedical research organization located in Torrance, California. In dozens of laboratories throughout the campus, researchers are working to unravel the mysteries of heart and kidney disease, cardiac complications in newborns, chronic lung disease, skin cancer, sickle cell disease, disorders of the autoimmune system, and much more. Many of these projects are collaborative in nature, involving experts from different areas of specialization. Our discoveries have prevented blindness in newborns, enabled premature infants with fragile lungs to breathe and allowed children with rare, often fatal diseases to grow up healthy and strong.

Job Summary: The Foundation and Corporate Relations Development Officer will play a critical role in advancing The Lundquist Institute’s (TLI) philanthropic funding efforts by identifying, writing, and submitting high-quality grant proposals to various funding sources, including foundations, non-government agencies, and corporate partners. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in grant writing, an understanding of biomedical research, and the ability to effectively communicate TLI’s research initiatives' significance and potential impact on human health.

Key Responsibilities: - Research Philanthropic Funding Opportunities: - * Identify and Evaluate Potential Funding Sources: Conduct thorough research to discover a broad range of potential philanthropic funding sources, including private foundations, non-government agencies, non-profit organizations, and corporate sponsors. Analyze their funding priorities, past grants, and application processes to assess alignment with TLI’s research objectives.

• Maintain a Database of Funding Opportunities: In collaboration with the Director of Advancement Services, develop and regularly update a comprehensive Salesforce database to track funding opportunities, including application deadlines, eligibility criteria, funding amounts, and any specific requirements or preferences indicated by funders. This centralized resource in Salesforce will serve as a vital tool for TLI's strategic philanthropic grant-seeking efforts.

• Proposal Development:

• • Write Compelling Proposals for Philanthropic Funding: Craft well-structured, persuasive proposals that effectively communicate the significance and impact of proposed projects. Utilize storytelling techniques and data-driven arguments to engage funders and demonstrate the project's relevance to their funding priorities.

• Collaborate with Program Staff: Work closely with researchers, program directors, and other stakeholders to gather essential information for proposals. Facilitate meetings to discuss project goals, methodologies, and expected outcomes, ensuring that all details are accurately represented in the proposal. Develop a collaborative approach to proposal planning including budgets that reflect both realistic project needs and funder expectations.

• Grant Management:

• • Track and Manage Submitted Proposals: Implement a robust system in Salesforce for tracking the status of submitted proposals and ongoing communications with funders. Ensure that all grant submissions adhere to the defined guidelines and deadlines, monitoring any follow-up actions required to foster positive relationships with funding organizations.

• Assist in Grant Reporting: Contribute to the preparation of interim and final impact reports by collecting data on project progress, outcomes, and financial expenditures. Collaborate with program staff to ensure compliance with funder reporting requirements and timelines, highlighting key achievements and challenges encountered during the project.

• Building Relationships:

• • Cultivate and Maintain Relationships with Funders: In collaboration with Development leadership, develop and nurture relationships with current and prospective funders, providing them with periodic updates on project progress and organizational achievements. Establish a personalized communication strategy to enhance funder engagement and support ongoing collaborations.

• Corporate Partnership Development: Identify and cultivate corporate sponsorship opportunities that align with TLI’s events, programs and research priorities. Develop customized proposals and partnership packages that demonstrate mutual benefit. Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications team to cretae recognition and visibility opportunities that acknowledge corporate support across digital, print, and event platforms.

• Participate in Networking and Outreach Activities: In collaboration with Development leadership, actively seek opportunities to represent TLI at networking events, workshops, and conferences. Build connections within the research funding community, fostering partnerships that may lead to new funding opportunities and collaborative endeavors that further TLI's mission.

• Strategic Planning:

• • Collaborate on Funding Strategies: Work alongside TLI’s leadership team to develop a multifaceted funding strategy that aligns with TLI’s long-term goals and priorities. Participate in strategic discussions to identify high-impact research areas and corresponding funding opportunities that can support these initiatives.

• Stay Informed About Industry Trends: Regularly monitor the evolving funding landscape, including government policies, grant application trends, and best practices in grant writing and fundraising strategies. Attend professional development workshops and training sessions to enhance skills and stay current with innovations in the field, ensuring that TLI remains competitive in its funding pursuits.

Qualifications: - Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field is required. A master’s degree in a relevant discipline is highly preferred, showcasing advanced knowledge and expertise in nonprofit operations, fundraising strategies, and communication principles.

• Relevant Experience: A minimum of 4 years of proven experience in grant writing, fundraising, or nonprofit development required. This experience should include successfully securing funding from diverse sources, such as foundations, non-government entities, and corporate sponsors. Demonstrated success in developing and implementing fundraising strategies that align with an organization’s mission and goals is essential.

• Exceptional Communication Skills: Must possess outstanding writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create compelling narratives that effectively convey TLI’s mission and programmatic impact. Experience in presenting proposals to diverse audiences, including funders, stakeholders, and community members, is highly valued.

• Strong Analytical Skills and Attention to Detail: Demonstrated ability to analyze complex information and transform it into clear, actionable proposals. Strong attention to detail is necessary for ensuring accuracy in data presentation, compliance with funder requirements, and adherence to grant deadlines.

• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in utilizing grant management software and databases (e.g., The Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce, or other related software) to track proposals, manage donor relationships, and analyze funding trends. Familiarity with data analytics tools is a plus, enabling informed decision-making and strategic funding pursuits.

• Project Management Skills: Ability to work independently and efficiently while managing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. Proven track record of meeting deadlines and achieving project goals through effective prioritization and organizational skills. Comfort in adapting to changing circumstances and resource availability is crucial.

Preferred Qualifications: - Relevant Sector Experience: Demonstrated experience in education, social services, health, or other related fields that directly contribute to understanding the unique funding needs and challenges within these sectors. This experience should reflect a commitment to advancing causes relevant to TLI’s mission. - Knowledge of Funding Landscape: In-depth understanding of the local funding landscape, including familiarity with key philanthropic organizations, non-government grant programs, and alternative funding sources. Established connections and a network within these communities are highly desirable, enabling more effective identification and the pursuit of funding opportunities. - Nonprofit Sector Competence: Prior experience in a nonprofit environment, showcasing a comprehensive understanding of nonprofit operations, fundraising dynamics, and program development. This background should illustrate a strong alignment with the values and goals of nonprofit work, as well as the ability to navigate the complexities of organizational funding.

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