About AAPF

Founded in 1996, The African American Policy Forum (AAPF) is an innovative think tank that connects academics, activists, and policy-makers to promote efforts to dismantle structural inequality. We utilize new ideas and innovative perspectives to transform public discourse and policy. We promote frameworks and strategies that address a vision of racial justice that embraces the intersections of race, gender, class, and the array of barriers that disempower those who are marginalized in society. AAPF is dedicated to advancing and expanding racial justice, gender equality, and the indivisibility of all human rights, both in the U.S. and internationally.

 

Duties and Responsibilities include:

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FUNDRAISING & STEWARDSHIP

• Deepen and expand existing institutional relationships across foundation, corporate, and government funders.

• Lead grant strategy and proposal development in collaboration with the Executive Director and Program staff, and ensure thoughtful stewardship, reporting, and compliance. 

• Identify and develop effective approaches for seeking new sources of funding including researching and analyzing relevant philanthropic opportunities and remaining informed of trends in related social justice movements and philanthropy serving organizations.

• Maximize the fundraising potential of Dr. Crenshaw’s visibility and engagements by identifying high-impact opportunities, coordinating timely follow-up, and ensuring donor and prospect conversations are well-prepared and well-leveraged. 

• Support high-touch stewardship of funder and prospect relationships through donor-centered communications that make the case for support clear. 

• Prepare AAPF’s annual report, all grant reports, and financial reports to donors; maintain a grants schedule on progress; keep the donor management system updated; and periodically evaluate the effectiveness of the fundraising program. 

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INTERNAL COORDINATION

• Create internal systems to connect funding opportunities with organizational priorities, including a grant development pipeline, calendar, and impact tracking framework.

• Collaborate closely with program staff to ensure alignment between funding strategies and field-facing work.

• Collaborate with the management team and program team leaders to provide a development perspective on content, timelines, and milestones for AAPF’s programs and campaigns.

• Collaborate with AAPF’s communications team in representing AAPF in philanthropic spaces and in providing content for social media, the website, e-newsletters, print materials, event facilitation, and press outreach.

 

 

Qualifications and Characteristics

• A skilled institutional fundraiser with 7+ years of experience managing foundation portfolios, preferably within social justice, advocacy, or policy environments.

• Extensive experience with all phases of institutional fundraising including grant proposal and report development, exceptional writing, editing and execution, including effective collaboration to produce excellent results. 

• A strong writer with the ability to synthesize complex and conceptual ideas into persuasive, accessible language for diverse audiences. 

• Deeply aligned with AAPF’s mission and intellectually curious about the ideas that shape its work. 

• Highly organized and methodical, with proven ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and relationships simultaneously. 

• A collaborative communicator who can bridge programmatic and operational teams and navigate a dynamic, evolving organization with professionalism and tact.

• Experienced in developing internal systems and structures that enhance efficiency and accountability.

• A proactive approach; experience initiating relationships and building a portfolio from scratch is helpful. 

• Brings good judgment, discretion, and reliability, especially when representing senior leadership and managing funder communications. 

• A sincere interest in being a member of a highly interactive and mutually supportive team. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite. 

• Ability to travel as needed, including possible overnight trips and weekends. 

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.

 

Competitive salary commensurate with experience; comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision); 401K plan with employer match, PTO package, parental leave and professional development opportunities.

 

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, three professional references and relevant writing sample with the subject line "Director of Foundation Relations Application" to [email protected].

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The African American Policy Forum (AAPF) is an equal opportunity employer that values a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to building a team that reflects a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and we strongly encourage applications from individuals who have historically been underrepresented in nonprofit, academic, and policy work.

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AAPF prioritizes the employment of people of color, women, individuals with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those with lived experiences that align with our mission. We believe that diversity in all forms enhances our ability to achieve our organizational goals and fosters a work environment where every individual can thrive. We welcome applicants who bring different perspectives and experiences, as we work to advance social justice and racial equity in all aspects of our programming and advocacy.

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If you are committed to advancing racial and social justice and thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, we encourage you to apply.