WOLA: Advocacy for Human Rights in the Americas
20 Aug 2018

WOLA Director for Institutional Partnerships

The Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) seeks a Director for Institutional Partnerships to use their expertise and talents in donor strategy, writing, and management to strengthen our team and our mission. The successful candidate will join the organization in an exciting period of growth and change. WOLA’s annual revenue has more than doubled in the past 6 years. Institutional funding represents the majority of WOLA’s $4 million annual budget, and the Director of Institutional Partnerships will provide leadership as part of a talented 5-person team to meet revenue goals from foundation and government donors across the United States and Europe. The ideal candidate will thrive on participating in and leading strategic, big-picture conversations, as well as delving into the details to help the team take on a new prospect or implement a new system. This person will play a critical role in the organization’s ongoing efforts to diversify and grow its funding streams.

At WOLA, everyone is motivated, goal-oriented, and passionate about their work. As individuals and as a team, we are self-starters and committed to what we do, and WOLA’s leadership is committed to supporting its staff to excel while maintaining a vibrant quality of life. WOLA strives to provide a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence, and was recognized by Washingtonian Magazine twice as one of DC’s “Best Places to Work” and by The Washington Post as one of DC’s best-managed nonprofits.

This position is based in Washington, DC. WOLA’s office has a paid staff of approximately twenty seven, plus seven interns and seven fellows.

Reports to: VP for Philanthropy and Partnerships

Supervises: 1 Grant Writer

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Fundraising:

  • Responsible for raising 75% of the organization’s $4 million budget, with support from the VP for Philanthropy and Partnerships, the President, and senior members of the program staff.
  • Manage and grow a portfolio of institutional funders to meet growing revenue targets, acting as the key organizational contact with high-level institutional funders, developing appropriate stewardship plans and drafting nuanced, tailored materials to further those partnerships.
  • Serve as lead editor for all institutional grant proposals, reports, donor correspondence, and other outreach materials.
  • Work in close partnership with Program Directors to evaluate and strategize around new institutional funding opportunities in alignment with WOLA’s mission.
  • Liaise with finance/operations team to develop new systems and ensure clear budgets and financial reporting for project support grants.
  • Set annual department goals, forecast and track revenue, monitor deadline and stewardship calendar, and develop and track team budget.

Leadership and Management:

  • Work with the VP for Philanthropy and Partnerships to provide leadership for the broader 5-person Philanthropy and Partnerships team, helping to drive a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
  • Supervise the Grant Writer/Research Associate to ensure effective and timely proposal development and content creation.
  • Provide coaching and leadership development opportunities to ensure team members continue to grow and help drive the organization’s innovation and effectiveness.
  • Build on existing infrastructure, systems, and processes to better track a growing number of relationships and strategies with institutional funders; and manage a production schedule for proposals and reports, effectively liaising with program and finance staff.
  • Stay abreast of industry trends and developments in partner institutions and prospects to strategically guide the partnerships’ team goals and processes.

External Relations:

  • Represent WOLA in external outreach and networking spaces with current and prospective funders.
  • Collaborate with Communications colleagues to develop materials and contribute to efforts to elevate WOLA’s public profile.

Qualifications:

The preferred candidate will have most, if not all, of the following qualifications:

  • A demonstrated commitment to and interest in human rights and social justice, and familiarity with the Latin American context.
  • Bachelor’s degree and 7-10 years of experience in fundraising, including proposal and business development, and grant writing, with a track record of success in securing grants.
  • The ability to interact with a variety of stakeholders, partners, and advocates from diverse backgrounds in the United States and the region.
  • Exceptional analytical and writing and editing skills required, in English. Knowledge of Spanish a plus.
  • Must have excellent leadership and interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with teams within a fast-paced organization.
  • Demonstrated success in project and process management, as well as in managing personnel.
  • Ability and willingness to travel both domestically and internationally (2-4 times annually).
  • Strong initiative, attention to detail, and an ability to maintain organized and accurate records and work well under deadlines.

Salary: Commensurate with experience, full health, dental, vision, and life insurance 100% paid by employer; four weeks annual vacation.

Applications due by: September 3rd

Start Date: October 15th

TO APPLY: Please submit, in English, the following items in one PDF document: cover letter, resume, and a list of two references with daytime telephone numbers and email addresses to employment@wola.org.

-No phone calls please

WOLA values a diverse workplace and encourages minority candidates to apply. WOLA is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate based upon race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, or any other status protected by applicable law. We regret that we are unable to sponsor applicants for any kind of work visa for this position and can only hire candidates currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.