Published: Mar 26, 2025 – The Foundation Director administers the daily operations of the Foundation by developing policies, managing fund distribution, and overseeing budget and long-term development plans. This position leads donor acquisition and recognition programs, collaborates on marketing initiatives, and coordinates financial and legal partnerships to enhance fundraising efforts. The director also promotes awareness of the Foundation, fosters community collaborations, and ensures effective governance through board and committee engagement.

Tips for Foundation Director Skills and Responsibilities on a Resume
1. Foundation Director, Green Horizons Foundation, Springfield, IL
Job Summary:
- Accomplish all day-to-day operations and administration
- Partner with team members, leadership, and the Foundation Board on ongoing fundraising activities
- Critically evaluate growth opportunities to continue to increase the Foundation’s impact on the communities in which the company serves
- Manage all Foundation communications
- Perform due diligence on potential recipients
- Responsible for vendor relations, including the annual audit
- Plan and coordinate fundraising activities and volunteer pools where necessary
- Partner with the ATI Events team on Foundation event development and execution
Skills on Resume:
- Operations (Hard Skills)
- Fundraising (Hard Skills)
- Growth Strategy (Soft Skills)
- Communication (Hard Skills)
- Compliance (Hard Skills)
- Vendor Management (Hard Skills)
- Event Planning (Hard Skills)
- Teamwork (Soft Skills)
2. Foundation Director, New Vision Philanthropy, San Diego, CA
Job Summary:
- In consultation with the Foundation Board, plans, budgets, implements, and evaluates activities to raise, acknowledge, and distribute gifts from donors.
- Effectively manages Foundation activities and the support team to meet Foundation strategic goals.
- Identifies, develops, and implements innovative strategies to expand the organization's fundraising base and promote CHAS Health awareness.
- In conjunction with other leadership team members, supports community relations work, including building community recognition and awareness of the CHAS Health brand.
- Represents CHAS Health in external associations and manages relationships with key community partners.
- Ensures that donor records and files are maintained and that all donors are effectively and regularly communicated with.
- Provides direction on Foundation messaging, materials, and events.
- Works closely with and may provide leadership support to and work in conjunction with, the Communications department.
Skills on Resume:
- Fundraising (Hard Skills)
- Budgeting (Hard Skills)
- Strategic Planning (Soft Skills)
- Community Relations (Soft Skills)
- Partnership Management (Soft Skills)
- Donor Relations (Hard Skills)
- Messaging and Branding (Hard Skills)
- Leadership (Soft Skills)
3. Foundation Director, Future Leaders Foundation, Phoenix, AZ
Job Summary:
- Consistently hit and exceed quarterly and annual sales targets
- Identify and develop new business to meet defined targets and grow the account base
- Understand the company’s offerings with the ability to speak authoritatively about benefits and ROI
- Take a results-driven, consultative approach to sales, understand the client’s needs, and map those needs into IHE products and solutions
- Provide feedback to internal partners on additional product offerings to meet the needs of foundation advertisers
- Develop persuasive proposals in response to client needs and opportunities
- Provide weekly updates to management, including current month and rolling quarter forecasts
- Develop relationships with clients and gain an understanding of their businesses
- Maintain a high level of customer satisfaction
Skills on Resume:
- Sales Performance (Hard Skills)
- Business Development (Hard Skills)
- Product Knowledge (Hard Skills)
- Consultative Selling (Soft Skills)
- Market Feedback (Soft Skills)
- Proposal Writing (Hard Skills)
- Forecasting (Hard Skills)
- Client Relations (Soft Skills)
4. Director of Foundation and Government Giving, Empowerment Fund, Austin, TX
Job Summary:
- Establish annual plans and develop strategies to renew and grow institutional support
- Participate in long-term planning as well as project development that engages foundation donors
- Work closely with other departments to gain knowledge of programs and conceptualize new cases for support
- Establish and maintain solicitation and stewardship timelines for all foundation and government applications and reports
- Lead identification and research of prospective foundation and government donors
- Conceptualize, write, edit and oversee the production of grant proposals, proposal templates, grant reports, LOIs, proposal budgets, and financial reports
- Lead strategy and preparation of funder meetings and site visits for solicitors, including self, Director of Development, Executive Director, and Board Members
- Work with finance and programmatic staff to develop accurate and detailed project budgets to accompany grant requests and reports
- Develop and maintain relationships with individual decision-makers and influencers connected to current and prospective donor institutions
- Invite and greet foundation representatives at performances and cultivation events
- Monitor and ensure fulfillment of grant contract requirements, including internal grant compliance, expense tracking, and funder updates
- Attend internal staff and Board/other volunteer committee meetings
- Manage an Officer and an Associate-level staff member, and provide project oversight to government support staff
- Participate in Development Department special events, such as opening nights, patron events, Gala, etc.
- Oversee all communications to foundation and government donors with support from the Development Officer for Stewardship and Communication
Skills on Resume:
- Strategic Planning (Soft Skills)
- Fundraising (Hard Skills)
- Grant Writing (Hard Skills)
- Donor Relations (Soft Skills)
- Budget Development (Hard Skills)
- Research (Hard Skills)
- Team Leadership (Soft Skills)
- Compliance Management (Hard Skills)
5. Director of Foundation Finance and Gift Accounting, Community Growth Initiative, Denver, CO
Job Summary:
- Analyzes financial data and presents financial reports in an accurate and timely manner.
- Understands and communicates monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, monitors progress and changes, and coordinates forecast reports and expense/revenue budgets.
- Directs critical treasury functions, interacting daily to manage cash accounts and activity for Foundation endowment investment managers.
- Ensures that the financial reporting requirements for gifts and endowments related to the Foundations are met
- Manages all accounts, financial ledgers, and reporting systems, ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements
- Serves as a resource to Foundation management on technical matters relating to financial statements by keeping up to date with GAAP and UPMIFA.
- Works extensively with others to ensure consistency of gift accounting practices and to ensure the efficient operation of the accounting function
- Develops, implements, and enforces accounting controls, internal policies, and procedures to ensure accurate financial reporting, and develops new workflows and efficiencies
- Creates, reviews, and recommends updates to the Foundations’ financial policies and procedures and assures their implementation
- Models financial stewardship in decision-making and encourages others to be financial stewards
- Prepares external audit schedules, including gift contributions, pledges, net assets, and endowments, as requested by the external auditors
- Coordinates the data collection and preparation of the required financial reporting schedules for the annual not-for-profit tax returns (990s).
- Oversees financial/budget variance analysis, including timely reporting to Foundation teams
- Maintains banking, audit firm, and related third-party relationships
- Fulfills all compliance items for the position.
Skills on Resume:
- Financial Analysis (Hard Skills)
- Reporting (Hard Skills)
- Treasury Management (Hard Skills)
- GAAP Compliance (Hard Skills)
- Accounting Controls (Hard Skills)
- Audit Preparation (Hard Skills)
- Budget Management (Hard Skills)
- Stakeholder Communication (Soft Skills)
6. Foundation Director of Operations, Global Impact Foundation, Portland, OR
Job Summary:
- Day-to-day oversight of the Foundation's assets and facilities
- Develop and manage the organization's budget.
- Protect and promote the Foundation's brand.
- Mentorship of Foundation staff and students.
- Management of administrative and support staff in media/marketing, accounting and administrative roles.
- Responsible for the promotion, marketing, and development of the summer high school internship program (FMI), and related youth mentorship programs
- Fundraising for STEM and other education initiatives
- Outreach to stakeholders, public and private agencies and institutions, funding agencies, and corporations for FRFF growth and development.
- Identify grant opportunities and, in conjunction with Foundation staff and collaborators, prepare and submit grant applications.
- Ensure compliance with required grant and contract progress and financial reporting
- Initiate, schedule, and ensure the delivery of continuing professional education classes for the Foundation's continuing education program for forensic, public health, and public safety stakeholders.
- Ensure the organization has an effective marketing and communications strategy, including web and social media, for promoting the Foundation, its courses, and programs.
- Prepare regular communications with Foundation stakeholders and customers.
Skills on Resume:
- Asset Management (Hard Skills)
- Budget Management (Hard Skills)
- Brand Management (Hard Skills)
- Mentorship (Soft Skills)
- Staff Management (Soft Skills)
- Fundraising (Hard Skills)
- Grant Writing (Hard Skills)
- Marketing Strategy (Hard Skills)
7. Foundation Director, Bright Future Foundation, Chicago, IL
Job Summary:
- Develops a comprehensive Marketing and Communications strategy focused on reaching and exceeding identified fundraising targets
- Serves as the Foundation’s key advisor on communications issues, including media relations, public relations, crisis management, as well as new marketing and communications trends in the charitable sector
- Creates strategies and tactics to increase brand awareness and profile in the community with a core focus on bringing LHSF’s new brand to life
- Ensures consistency of brand messaging across all communication platforms and donor touchpoints
- Works closely with the Development Team (including Major Giving, Legacy Giving, Direct Response, Signature Events, Community Events, Donor Relations, and Stewardship)
- Provide strategic advice and help incorporate and integrate proper communications strategies to reach fundraising goals
- Oversees the production of all marketing and communications materials, including proposals, donor impact reports, cases for support, e-newsletters, event collateral, website, e-communications, speech writing, etc.
- Enhances LHSF’s digital strategy with a focus on delivering rich, dynamic content to reach and inspire new audiences, cultivate relationships with donors, demonstrate the impact of donor philanthropy, and build brand equity
- Leads the development of relevant processes, procedures, and templates to maximize efficiencies and deliver results
- Provides leadership to marketing and communications staff with an emphasis on mentoring, coaching, and promoting integration with the fundraising team
- Creates clear responsibilities and measurable goals for each marketing and communications team member
- Act as an Ambassador throughout the Community, positively representing the Hospital and the Foundation.
- Work as a team player, promoting a positive and professional work environment and conducting roles with integrity and respect.
Skills on Resume:
- Marketing Strategy (Hard Skills)
- Communications Strategy (Hard Skills)
- Media Relations (Hard Skills)
- Brand Management (Hard Skills)
- Fundraising Support (Soft Skills)
- Digital Strategy (Hard Skills)
- Team Leadership (Soft Skills)
- Public Relations (Soft Skills)
8. Director of Foundation Development, Hope Springs Foundation, Nashville, TN
Job Summary:
- Identifies, cultivates, and solicits sustained, major, and planned giving prospects, including obtaining new donors and managing existing donor relationships.
- Fosters and develops donor relationships to maximize long-term value and benefit to the organization while matching the interests of donors with Aurora's mission and values.
- Develops, plans, coordinates, and implements major gift development initiatives
- Develops major donor relationships and creates comprehensive strategies to integrate foundation and organizational initiatives.
- Maintain active pools of viable prospects and complete individual solicitations at levels set by Foundation leadership.
- In conjunction with leadership, assists in coordinating and educating donors on planned giving options such as annuities, trusts, bequests, cash, securities, and real estate.
- Serves as a liaison between Aurora and donors to facilitate the communication and matching of donor interests and organizational priorities.
- Educates physicians, other providers, and staff on the foundation's mission and initiatives, and secures their help in the cultivation and solicitation of donor prospects.
- In conjunction with leadership, develops annual fundraising plans, goals, and objectives.
- If accountable for service line content, develop fundraising objectives with respective service line leaders.
- Implements and supports donor recognition programs to stimulate relationship maintenance and growth, which will, in turn, encourage donors to renew their gifts and increase overall donor giving.
Skills on Resume:
- Donor Cultivation (Soft Skills)
- Fundraising Strategy (Hard Skills)
- Major Gift Development (Hard Skills)
- Planned Giving (Hard Skills)
- Prospect Management (Hard Skills)
- Donor Relations (Soft Skills)
- Stakeholder Communication (Soft Skills)
- Recognition Programs (Hard Skills)
9. Director of Foundation Development, Inspire Change Foundation, Seattle, WA
Job Summary:
- Plan, direct, and implement the Foundation’s fundraising campaigns and activities, including the Annual Giving, Faculty and Staff Giving, Special Events, and Planned Giving Program
- Expand the Foundation’s fundraising program
- Generate new and increase current revenue by identifying and cultivating prospective donors and by developing and implementing strategies to increase current giving levels
- Lead major gift efforts by developing and maintaining relationships with major donors ($10,000+)
- Steward regional major gifts and ensure donors are informed of the effects of their generosity
- Manage an annual portfolio of 150-200 donors/prospects with annual goals for visitations and outcomes to secure unrestricted individual gifts, major gifts, estate gifts, corporate and foundation grants
- Manage and grow the Chancellor’s Circle, including maintaining a current base of Chancellor’s Circle members, increasing current member giving levels, and identifying, cultivating, and soliciting additional members
- Collaborate with the Board of Directors and Executive Director on the creation of a tactical fund development plan to support the strategic direction of the Foundation's top funding initiatives, including General Operations, the Promise Scholars Program, Endowment Scholarships, and other programmatic support requested from the College District
- Create and manage employee giving fundraising activities
- Direct and lead adaptations to current fundraising strategies and practices following IRS nonprofit regulations
- Prepare regular reports for presentation to staff, Board of Directors, and others, including regular communications to the Board of Directors regarding fundraising strategies and activities
Skills on Resume:
- Fundraising Strategy (Hard Skills)
- Campaign Management (Hard Skills)
- Donor Cultivation (Soft Skills)
- Major Gift Development (Hard Skills)
- Stakeholder Relations (Soft Skills)
- Grant Management (Hard Skills)
- Board Collaboration (Soft Skills)
- Regulatory Compliance (Hard Skills)
10. Director of Foundation Development, Legacy Support Foundation, Atlanta, GA
Job Summary:
- Direct and implement gift and donor recognition programs, guiding the Donor Relations Manager's stewardship plan
- Recruit and train volunteer fundraising leadership, including Alumni Council and Corporate Counsel
- Develop, train, mentor, and partner with the Foundation’s Alumni Relations Manager on alumni giving strategies, including integrating alumni giving into the Annual Campaign for Student Success
- Provide guidance and support to ongoing or new college-level grassroots fundraising activities with affinity groups such as Athletics, KCSM, Departmental funds, and Student groups
- Coordinate and collaborate with college faculty and staff and other appropriate individuals when a college program is identified that could benefit from private support
- Work in partnership with SMCCCD college faculty and staff for the mutual benefit of the college and the donor’s philanthropic goal
- Serve as a contributing writer for all solicitation materials, Foundation publications, social media, and website
- Actively support major gift campaigns conducted by the Colleges, District, and Foundation
- Use a database (Raiser’s Edge) and a variety of computer software applications to prepare reports, correspondence, and other materials
- Research a variety of donor demographics, statistical, financial, and other data for reporting and planning purposes
- Establish contacts and network with local businesses, foundations and corporations, creating a robust grant program
Skills on Resume:
- Donor Recognition (Hard Skills)
- Volunteer Leadership (Soft Skills)
- Alumni Giving Strategy (Hard Skills)
- Grassroots Fundraising (Hard Skills)
- Stakeholder Collaboration (Soft Skills)
- Writing and Communication (Hard Skills)
- Database Management (Hard Skills)
- Grant Development (Hard Skills)
11. Foundation Director, United Hearts Foundation, Dallas, TX
Job Summary:
- Administers daily operations of the Foundation through the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and the distribution of funds.
- Develops, secures board approval of, and administers the Foundation's guidelines, policies, and budget.
- Develops, secures board approval of, and administers short and long-range development plans designed to assist the Foundation in fulfilling its mission.
- Responsible for scheduling committee meetings and preparing an agenda for Board meetings in conjunction with the Board Chair.
- Oversees development and implementation of programs for donor acquisition, donor development, and donor recognition, inclusive of annual giving, major gifts, planned gifts and grant initiatives.
- In conjunction with Marketing, responsible for the production and distribution of the annual Foundation report and other materials to recognize and/or inform donors.
- Plans and implements Planned Giving responsibilities by representing the Foundation to major and planned gift prospects.
- Functions as a resource to financial and legal professionals/advisors, and donors/prospects.
- Serves as primary contact for and schedules regular meetings with local financial and legal professionals.
- Promotes awareness of the Hospital/Foundation with all constituents and cooperates in collaborative ventures among community members or with other non-profits
Skills on Resume:
- Operations Management (Hard Skills)
- Policy Development (Hard Skills)
- Strategic Planning (Soft Skills)
- Board Coordination (Soft Skills)
- Donor Development (Hard Skills)
- Marketing Collaboration (Soft Skills)
- Planned Giving (Hard Skills)
- Community Engagement (Soft Skills)
12. Foundation Director, Catalyst for Change Foundation, Boston, MA
Job Summary:
- Contribute to awareness of both Planned Giving and other Foundation initiatives.
- Works collaboratively, as appropriate, with the CEO to initiate and maximize various donor opportunities.
- Defines goals and plans for annual special events to educate and cultivate identified segments of the community
- Responsible for donor development, recognition, and acknowledgment of gifts on a timely basis.
- Provides for the acquisition and management of computer software databases and maintains information on all current and prospective donors.
- Leads development within the Hospital community (employees, physicians, volunteers, board members, and the public) regarding awareness of the Foundation, its mission, and how each group may support that mission.
- Responsible for donor acquisition to identify and cultivate persons and organizations supportive of the Hospital and its mission through periodic direct mail and personal solicitations supporting Hospital programs and projects.
- Responds to requests from the media regarding the Foundation.
- Maintains knowledge of current trends and developments in the field by reading appropriate books, journals, and other literature and attending seminars, conferences, and the like.
Skills on Resume:
- Planned Giving (Hard Skills)
- Donor Relations (Soft Skills)
- Event Planning (Hard Skills)
- Database Management (Hard Skills)
- Community Engagement (Soft Skills)
- Fundraising Strategy (Hard Skills)
- Media Relations (Soft Skills)
- Industry Knowledge (Hard Skills)
13. Director of Foundation and Government Giving, Visionary Horizons Foundation, Miami, FL
Job Summary:
- Work closely with the Development Director to create a comprehensive annual plan for foundation and government support from both new and renewing sources.
- Implement the plan through research, writing, personal contacts, and the activation and coordination of OSF senior leadership (Artistic Director, Executive Director, board members, and others) in the cultivation and solicitation of foundation and government decision-makers.
- Interpret OSF’s budget, mission, and goals to conceive and synthesize compelling case statements, and work directly with the Artistic Director, Executive Director, other senior staff, and multiple OSF departments to create competitive funding proposals.
- Attend ED&I, sexual harassment, and any other anti-bias training and workshops as scheduled by OSF.
- Model and support the mission and values of OSF.
- Steward and lead communication strategies for foundation and government sources, including the coordination of on-site visits to OSF and travel to foundations and government agencies by OSF staff and board
- Work directly with the Executive Director and Director of Development to set goals for foundation and government annual, capital, and special project support
- Monitor foundation and government giving goals and report monthly and annually to the Director of Development and senior leadership
- Oversee funder recognition.
- Work closely with the Principal Gift Strategist to oversee the preparation of customized narratives and budgets for special project appeals to major individual donors.
- Work with members of the Board of Directors to identify, cultivate, and solicit prospective donors.
- Represent OSF before peer institutions and major institutional grantors ($20,000+) throughout the region and around the country.
- Monitor foundation and government giving trends on local, state, and national levels.
Skills on Resume:
- Grant Writing (Hard Skills)
- Fundraising Strategy (Hard Skills)
- Proposal Development (Hard Skills)
- Donor Cultivation (Soft Skills)
- Communication Strategy (Hard Skills)
- Budget Interpretation (Hard Skills)
- Stakeholder Engagement (Soft Skills)
- Trend Analysis (Hard Skills)