Director of Foundation Relations

Director of Foundation Relations

[The Priority Deadline is February 27th, applications will still be accepted after this date]

College Track is a comprehensive college completion program. Our students benefit from a 10‑year integrated program that helps them overcome obstacles on the path to a bachelor’s degree and a meaningful career. We offer academic, financial, and personalized support over 10 years to help students persist through college and graduate.

What began in 1997 with 25 students in East Palo Alto has grown into a national movement of more than 5,400 scholars and alumni who are driving change in their families, campuses, workplaces, and communities. Today, we operate 13 centers rooted in communities across California, Colorado, Louisiana, and the D.C. Metro Area, with our newest site opening in Baltimore, thanks to a bold partnership with the Baltimore Ravens, M&T Bank, and Baltimore City Public Schools. To learn more, please visit www.collegetrack.org.

Our Impact - Our scholars are leaders on more than 300 college campuses nationwide, including at partner institutions like Middlebury College, Tulane University, Bowie State University, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. They graduate at rates that are three times the national average for first-generation students, proving what’s possible when talent meets opportunity. One year after college, 80 percent of our alumni are employed, and by age 30, they earn an average of $89,823—outpacing the national median and demonstrating the long-term economic mobility a bachelor’s degree unlocks.

These outcomes are the result of a deliberate approach that supports scholars to minimize student debt, secure paid internships, and reduce the need to work excessive hours while in school—ensuring they can focus on learning, leadership, and personal growth. By preparing our scholars to capture the full value of their degree, we position them to thrive in the 21st-century economy and lead lives of opportunity, choice, purpose, and power.

Our Values - At College Track, our values drive the way we do our work, and we look for individuals who share our passion. We blend an entrepreneurial spirit with our nonprofit roots, cultivating a dynamic culture where everyone's contributions are valued and encouraged.

• COMMITMENT: With every choice and every decision, we center the 10-year promise. ● PASSION: It is the fire that drives us, and we’re in it for the long haul.

• JOY: Energized by the hopes, ambitions, and growth of our scholars, we celebrate the impact of our community.

• AUTHENTICITY: What each brings to the table contributes to deep and trusting relationships.

• EXCELLENCE: Every day is better than the last, we’re always learning, always progressing, always evolving.

Position Overview : The Director of Foundation Relations, reports to the VP of Institutional Philanthropy within the Philanthropy Department. This role will be located in the Bay Area or Los Angeles.

Primary Responsibilities

The Director of Foundation Relations is a strategic leader on College Track's Philanthropy team, responsible for cultivating the foundation partnerships that fuel our 10-year commitment to first-generation college students. This role blends relationship-building with big-picture thinking, working closely with senior leadership to grow revenue, deepen funder engagement, and expand our national impact.

Strategic Fundraising & Relationship Management

• Own and drive the strategic growth and long-term financial sustainability of foundation giving in partnership with the VP of Institutional Philanthropy, by developing and implementing a comprehensive plan.

• Initiate, cultivate, manage, and steward relationships with a portfolio of 75-90 foundation partners, targeting funders with the capacity to make six-figure+ gifts.

• Develop high-level concepts and compelling cases for support tailored to foundation priorities and College Track's strategic goals, in partnership with stakeholders

Portfolio Strategy & Growth

• Lead segmentation of the foundation portfolio across prospecting, cultivation, and stewardship tiers to maximize engagement and revenue potential.

• Identify new opportunities for foundation relationships aligned with College Track's programmatic priorities and geographic footprint.

• Identify and pursue public funding opportunities aligned with College Track's programmatic priorities and capacity for compliance.

• Set and track revenue goals for foundation giving, maintaining accountability for pipeline health and annual targets.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with the Program Evaluation and Research (PEAR) team to leverage impact data and outcomes storytelling in funder communications.

• Collaborate with the Education Division to surface program insights that strengthen funder conversations and proposal narratives.

• Work with Executive Site Directors to coordinate funder engagement across College Track's 13 sites and four key geographic markets.

Proposal Development & Grant Management

• In collaboration with the Grants and Impact Project Manager, grants consultant, and Finance team, oversee the development and submission of concept papers, solicitation letters, proposals, budgets, and reports.

• Work with the VP of Philanthropic Operations to ensure grant compliance for restricted funding.

Qualifications

First and foremost, the Director of Foundation Relations will be a fierce advocate for College Track’s mission to equip scholars confronting obstacles to earn a bachelor’s degree in pursuit of a life of opportunity, choice, purpose, and power. Additionally, candidates bring with them the following skills, experience, and knowledge:

• 7+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a focus on foundation relations

• 4 year college degree

• Proven success cultivating and closing six-figure foundation gifts

• Strategic thinker with experience developing funder engagement strategies that align with organizational growth goals

• Track record of leading cross-functional initiatives to drive fundraising outcomes

• Strong analytical skills and comfort using data to inform portfolio strategy and decision-making

• Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills

• Physical Requirements: sedentary work that primarily involves sitting, standing, typing on a keyboard, manipulating a mouse to use a computer's operating system/internet. Ability to move around an office environment and communicate with stakeholders (conveying and receiving information).

Compensation and Benefits

This position is full-time exempt with a full compensation range of $115,000.00 - $165,000.00 (Oakland/D.C) or $99,000.00 - $142,000.00 (Los Angeles) with the exact compensation depending on experience. However, as someone new to the role, you can expect an offer between $127,500.00 - $139,999.00 (Oakland/D.C.) or $109,750.00 - $120,499.00 (Los Angeles) to ensure internal equity while leaving room for salary growth during your time in the position.

College Track provides access to extensive benefits centered around three core areas of wellness: health care, work-life balance, and financial security. We believe time off is essential to success and provide up to 23 discretionary time off days (Sick and Vacation) in addition to 23 paid office closures and holidays in your first year of employment. Learn more about benefits here (bit.ly/JpBs22).

What Else You Should Know

• This is a hybrid role based in Los Angeles, Bay Area California or D.C.

• Traveling to other College Track Markets may be needed.

• While we hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, we especially encourage applicants who identify as first-generation college graduates to apply for open opportunities on staff.

• College Track is an equal-opportunity employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce. College Track does not discriminate based on race, age, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.