What are the responsibilities and job description for the Contractor, Foundation Relations position at Bipartisan Policy Center?
Founded in 2007 by former Senate Majority Leaders Howard Baker, Tom Daschle, Bob Dole, and George Mitchell, the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) is a leading nonprofit organization that drives principled solutions through rigorous analysis, reasoned negotiation, and respectful dialogue. By bringing together Republicans and Democrats—and providing them with the space, policy insights, and evidence-based research needed to negotiate in good faith—BPC helps turn legislators’ best ideas into passable, durable laws. In the 17 years since its founding, BPC has played an integral role in countless legislative accomplishments.
With projects in multiple issue areas including economic policy, energy, health, housing, human capital and democracy, BPC combines politically balanced policy making with strong, proactive advocacy and outreach. As the only Washington, D.C.-based organization that actively promotes bipartisanship, BPC works to address the key challenges facing the nation. Its policy solutions are the product of informed deliberations by former elected and appointed officials, business and labor leaders, and academics and advocates who represent both sides of the political spectrum.
BPC is committed to seeing its policy solutions enacted by lawmakers. Through BPC Action, its (c)(4) affiliate, BPC engages in advocacy and strategic outreach and education to bolster the legislative center and support efforts that bring Republicans and Democrats together on the difficult issues facing the country. While a healthy, civil debate among those with differing viewpoints is an essential component of our democracy, the current partisan tone in government is impeding progress. Through the Democracy Program and bridge-building events, political summits and timely policy discussions, BPC is fostering an ongoing conversation about how to overcome political divides and help make our government work better.
Mission:
The primary focus of the contractor is to project manage proposals and reports in the foundation portfolio. Under the supervision of the Managing Director of Development, the Contractor will coordinate and assemble new and renewal proposals for timely submissions, as well as assist with the packaging and submission of foundation reports. The Contractor will also provide some proposal writing and copy/editing, as well as provide research for prospective funders. RESPONSIBILITIES
Project manage and assemble proposals from Senior Leadership, Development, and Program Teams;
Develop cogent, articulate grant proposals, concept papers, and other program materials that align development prospects to BPC’s needs and priorities and implement integrated fundraising strategies;
Assist Managing Director of Development maintain existing foundation relationships with program officers, executives, and other individuals who can help BPC achieve success in grant proposal submissions;
With the Finance team, help build and review BPC program budgets, determine approaches for project-specific or restricted funding support;
Support review and submission of foundation narrative and financial reports (24 scheduled for April 2025);
Identify and research new foundation relationships in support of the mission and goals of BPC;
Find creative ways to introduce current funders to new programs and projects;
Work closely with the various project teams, communications and BPC Action(501(c)4 organization) staff to accurately refine and represent the programmatic elements and priorities of the organization’s work in grant proposals;
Cultivate and foster effective relationships with current foundation donors, in particular, by helping with outreach and scheduling appointments for Senior Leadership and Development;
Provide analysis and reports to track foundation giving progress toward fundraising goals;
Plan and execute stakeholder meetings to promote long-term foundation support and engagement; and
Prepare foundations contribution status reports for board and organization’s leadership.
QUALIFICATIONS
Commitment to the BPC’s mission and the ability to translate that commitment into compelling donor communications;
3 to 5 years of successful fundraising/development experience in a nonprofit, association, or similar organization required;
Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred;
Knowledge of cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies in the area of foundation fundraising preferred;
Past experience with nonprofit budget development;
Ability to research and grasp complex policy and programmatic priorities;
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Applications; and proficiency with Salesforce preferred; and
Excellent organizational skills with an ability to initiate, prioritize, and follow through on plans; and
Excellent written and verbal communications skills;
Proven leader with experience supervising and retaining staff;
Ability to work as a team player; and
Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Individuals interested in this position should send a resume, cover letter in one document. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. BPC does not sponsor employment visas.
BPC is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce.
Work Schedule
The work/life balance of employees is a priority for the Bipartisan Policy Center. As a result, BPC is currently operating on a hybrid schedule. Employees at BPC are currently coming into the office three times a week. Exact time and schedules will be determined between an employee and their manager.
With projects in multiple issue areas including economic policy, energy, health, housing, human capital and democracy, BPC combines politically balanced policy making with strong, proactive advocacy and outreach. As the only Washington, D.C.-based organization that actively promotes bipartisanship, BPC works to address the key challenges facing the nation. Its policy solutions are the product of informed deliberations by former elected and appointed officials, business and labor leaders, and academics and advocates who represent both sides of the political spectrum.
BPC is committed to seeing its policy solutions enacted by lawmakers. Through BPC Action, its (c)(4) affiliate, BPC engages in advocacy and strategic outreach and education to bolster the legislative center and support efforts that bring Republicans and Democrats together on the difficult issues facing the country. While a healthy, civil debate among those with differing viewpoints is an essential component of our democracy, the current partisan tone in government is impeding progress. Through the Democracy Program and bridge-building events, political summits and timely policy discussions, BPC is fostering an ongoing conversation about how to overcome political divides and help make our government work better.
Mission:
- Build connections. • Negotiate policy. • Achieve bipartisan solutions. • Improve lives.
The primary focus of the contractor is to project manage proposals and reports in the foundation portfolio. Under the supervision of the Managing Director of Development, the Contractor will coordinate and assemble new and renewal proposals for timely submissions, as well as assist with the packaging and submission of foundation reports. The Contractor will also provide some proposal writing and copy/editing, as well as provide research for prospective funders. RESPONSIBILITIES
Project manage and assemble proposals from Senior Leadership, Development, and Program Teams;
Develop cogent, articulate grant proposals, concept papers, and other program materials that align development prospects to BPC’s needs and priorities and implement integrated fundraising strategies;
Assist Managing Director of Development maintain existing foundation relationships with program officers, executives, and other individuals who can help BPC achieve success in grant proposal submissions;
With the Finance team, help build and review BPC program budgets, determine approaches for project-specific or restricted funding support;
Support review and submission of foundation narrative and financial reports (24 scheduled for April 2025);
Identify and research new foundation relationships in support of the mission and goals of BPC;
Find creative ways to introduce current funders to new programs and projects;
Work closely with the various project teams, communications and BPC Action(501(c)4 organization) staff to accurately refine and represent the programmatic elements and priorities of the organization’s work in grant proposals;
Cultivate and foster effective relationships with current foundation donors, in particular, by helping with outreach and scheduling appointments for Senior Leadership and Development;
Provide analysis and reports to track foundation giving progress toward fundraising goals;
Plan and execute stakeholder meetings to promote long-term foundation support and engagement; and
Prepare foundations contribution status reports for board and organization’s leadership.
QUALIFICATIONS
Commitment to the BPC’s mission and the ability to translate that commitment into compelling donor communications;
3 to 5 years of successful fundraising/development experience in a nonprofit, association, or similar organization required;
Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred;
Knowledge of cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies in the area of foundation fundraising preferred;
Past experience with nonprofit budget development;
Ability to research and grasp complex policy and programmatic priorities;
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Applications; and proficiency with Salesforce preferred; and
Excellent organizational skills with an ability to initiate, prioritize, and follow through on plans; and
Excellent written and verbal communications skills;
Proven leader with experience supervising and retaining staff;
Ability to work as a team player; and
Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Individuals interested in this position should send a resume, cover letter in one document. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. BPC does not sponsor employment visas.
BPC is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce.
Work Schedule
The work/life balance of employees is a priority for the Bipartisan Policy Center. As a result, BPC is currently operating on a hybrid schedule. Employees at BPC are currently coming into the office three times a week. Exact time and schedules will be determined between an employee and their manager.
