Philanthropic Advisor

The Philanthropic Advisor serves as a member of the professional staff of The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI) at the Boston Foundation, focusing primarily on programmatic and strategic planning work for TPI clients. They work collaboratively as members of teams supporting specific client engagements in designing, developing and evaluating philanthropic programs, and researching philanthropic issues. Philanthropic advisors also support TPI business development, field-building projects, and marketing activities; assist with research for business development proposals and related efforts; and help build and maintain client relationships. They may assume primary project management responsibility for selected projects and clients.

Essential Functions:

• Manage grant programs, scholarship and college success programs, and other initiatives supported by TPI clients;
• Conduct community needs assessments as well as research on social issues, best practices, and model approaches to key issues for clients;
• Design Requests for Proposals, proposal guidelines and application materials; review and analyze proposals; conduct due diligence; make recommendations; and track and support evaluation of funded projects;
• Provide logistical and other support for client meetings, and conduct site visits with or on behalf of clients; 
• Train and facilitate proposal review committees; negotiate grant agreements and strategic partnerships; and provide ongoing communication and support to grant recipients and partner organizations;
• Identify and present funding opportunities, including ideas for programmatic initiatives;
• Manage strategic planning and facilitation, designing and implementing surveys of key stakeholders and grant recipients, conducting interviews with key stakeholders and preparing for and facilitating planning sessions/retreats with clients; 
• Design and benchmark governance policies and practices;
• Manage field-building projects, including conducting research, and writing reports, blogs, articles, workshop materials, and presentations focused on efforts to promote effective philanthropy;
• Proactively develop new business by networking, conducting research to identify prospective clients, developing proposals, building relationships, and related efforts; and
• Cultivate referrals for broader Boston Foundation engagement.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

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

Qualifications

Preparation, Knowledge, Previous Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, advanced degree in a relevant field preferred; and
• A minimum of 5-6 years of experience in a professional setting.

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, writing, interpersonal and communication skills;
• Experience in or exposure to strategic planning and facilitation;
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously;
• Collegial approach to work;
• Ability to travel; and
• Willingness to be flexible.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Ability to work on-site and remotely, as required;
• Ability to work at workstation for long periods of time; and
• Ability to use a computer keyboard for extended periods of time.