ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - PHILANTHROPY

The Associate Director - Philanthropy at Kennedy Krieger is responsible for managing the entire grant submission process, from researching and writing proposals to ensuring compliance and tracking grant activities. This role requires close collaboration with donors, faculty, and leadership to create compelling solicitation strategies that align with the organization’s fundraising targets.

Candidates for the Associate Director - Philanthropy position at Kennedy Krieger should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Liberal Arts, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of three years of experience in the non-profit sector, particularly in grant writing, reporting, and funder research is essential. Raiser’s Edge experience is preferred, and those with experience in securing government funding will have an added advantage.

The Associate Director - Philanthropy directly supports the funding goals of the Foundation Relations program at Kennedy Krieger by managing the grant proposal pipeline and actively soliciting private foundations for funding. They are responsible for advancing donor portfolios and ensuring that all fundraising activities meet or exceed set objectives.

Experience in the non-profit sector, particularly in roles focused on grant writing and donor relations, is highly advantageous for the Associate Director - Philanthropy at Kennedy Krieger. Having a background in securing government funding can also greatly enhance a candidate's profile, showcasing their ability to navigate various funding landscapes.

The Associate Director - Philanthropy will utilize tools such as Raiser’s Edge to maintain accurate records of grant submissions and stewardship activities. Additionally, databases like Instrumentl and Foundation Center will be crucial for researching potential funders and matching their interests with the Institute’s fundraising priorities.

In answering this question, focus on specific grants you’ve written and secured, detailing the processes you followed, challenges you faced, and outcomes achieved. Highlight your understanding of compliance and proposal guidelines.

Discuss your approach to researching potential funders, such as utilizing databases and conducting background research on foundations. Emphasize your ability to match donor interests with organizational goals.

Illustrate your techniques for building and nurturing donor relationships, including communication styles, meeting schedules, and personalized engagement strategies, to demonstrate your people skills.

Talk about a specific proposal that was successfully funded. Break down the elements that contributed to its effectiveness, like clear goals, compelling storytelling, and appropriate budget management.

Explain your method for keeping track of compliance requirements, including how you stay updated on funder guidelines and regulations, while also ensuring that all necessary documents are prepared correctly.

Share your familiarity with Raiser’s Edge, detailing how you have utilized it to manage grant records, run reports, and track donor engagement effectively in your previous roles.

Reflect on current trends in philanthropy, such as the influence of technology or shifting donor expectations, and discuss how you would adapt your strategies to align with these changes.

Emphasize the importance of collaboration with team members, including faculty and leadership, and how it enhances the overall quality of grant proposals through diverse input and support.

Express your aspirations for this role, focusing on your desires to build sustainable donor relationships, increase funding success rates, and develop innovative fundraising strategies.

Share your approach to overcoming challenges in grant writing, such as feedback from funders or failure in securing funding, focusing on resilience, learning, and adapting to improve future submissions.