Description

The Atlantic Council seeks a talented, entrepreneurial individual to generate and manage foundation revenue for the Atlantic Council. Working closely with the Deputy Director, Foundation Partnerships, the Assistant Director will play a key role in significantly growing foundation support by securing large, competitive grants and deepening relationships with institutional funders.

 

This role requires strong analytical and research skills alongside excellent writing and relationship-management abilities. The Assistant Director will lead efforts to identify and assess relevant funding opportunities by researching active and forthcoming requests for proposals (RFPs), tracking trends in philanthropy, and analyzing evolving foundation strategies and funding priorities. The position will also support donor stewardship and engagement by developing high-quality communications and programmatic update materials that clearly convey impact and strategic alignment.

 

In collaboration with the Deputy Director, Foundation Partnerships and program staff, the Assistant Director will assist in generating at least $1 million annually in new philanthropic funding awards through foundation grants and related institutional support.

 

The Assistant Director will collaborate closely with Development, Program, Finance, and Revenue Operations teams to draft compelling proposals and budgets, manage grant renewals, support stewardship, and identify new funding opportunities while strengthening existing donor relationships.

 

This position is based in our Washington, DC, headquarters, requiring a minimum of 4 days per week in office. The Atlantic Council offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and education, with offers from $61,000 to $75,000. Applications submitted by September 30, 2026, will be prioritized for consideration.

 

Key Responsibilities

Proposal Development and Grants Management

• Support Program staff in developing and editing concept papers, project narratives, concept notes, and full proposals, including drafting outlines, templates, and donor-aligned framing to ensure highly competitive submissions.
• Coordinate with the Office of Finance to compile budgets and supporting documentation, ensuring proposals are complete, compliant with funder guidelines, and submitted on time.
• Maintain grant renewals and support post-award coordination, working closely with internal stakeholders to ensure consistency between proposals, reporting, and stewardship.
• Contribute to the development and submission of competitive proposals that collectively support the generation of $1 million or more in new philanthropic funding awards annually.

Foundation Strategy, Research, and Opportunity Identification

• Research, monitor, and assess RFPs, open calls, and funding opportunities aligned with Atlantic Council priorities.
• Conduct ongoing landscape research to track trends in philanthropy, including emerging issue areas, new funding vehicles, and shifts in foundation strategies.
• Research and synthesize new and evolving foundation strategies, initiatives, and funds, translating findings into actionable guidance for program and development teams.
• Lead and execute prospect research requests from Atlantic Council Programs staff, with a focus on strategic fit, competitiveness, and long-term potential.

Data Analysis and AI-Enabled Fundraising Research

• Synthesize data on the foundation funding landscape—including active and forthcoming RFPs, shifting funding contexts, foundation strategies, and philanthropic trends—into clear, actionable intelligence for the Foundation Partnerships team.
• Develop analytical products, briefings, and points of view that translate foundation strategy, sector developments, and funding trends into concrete fundraising strategies and recommendations for the organization.
• Advise program staff on relevant foundation funding news and trends, helping them align their fundraising strategies with the evolving philanthropic landscape.
• Leverage data analysis and AI-enabled research tools to improve the speed, depth, and accuracy of prospect research, trend-tracking, and opportunity identification.

Donor Stewardship and Engagement

• Build communication and programmatic update materials—including briefings, donor reports, impact summaries, and presentation materials—to support donor stewardship and ongoing engagement.
• Prepare briefing materials and correspondence for cultivation meetings, roundtables, Council events, and fundraising-related travel – including for Development leadership and the Executive Office.
• Track donor engagement, proposal activity, and grant cycle management in Salesforce and other internal systems.

Strategic Collaboration and Organizational Support

• Strategize with Programs and Centers to clarify short- and long-term funding priorities and develop core programming frameworks that can be positioned for foundation support.
• Create tools and resources that promote best practices in prospect research, proposal development, and foundation engagement.
• Work with the Revenue Operations team to align foundation fundraising activities with Development’s overall strategy, priorities, and operational processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of experience in a development or foundation relations role, with demonstrated experience cultivating and soliciting foundation support.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with experience assessing funding landscapes, foundation strategies, and philanthropic trends.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex research and programmatic information into clear, compelling written materials.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strategic thinker with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Candidates with nontraditional backgrounds outside of traditional business development are encouraged to apply.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Salesforce, and Monday.com; experience with research and reporting tools preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in communications, journalism, international relations, or a related field.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and under tight deadlines.
• Commitment to the Atlantic Council’s mission and interest in transatlantic relations, national security, or foreign policy.
• Discretion and experience handling confidential donor and organizational information.

 

To produce quality work and to successfully achieve our mission, we recognize the need for our staff to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a work/life balance. Our comprehensive benefits package helps to keep costs low for our staff and their families. Benefits include, but are not limited to comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance, paid time off, 403(b) plan, FSA options, pet insurance, Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, and wellness benefits.