Director, Foundation & Government Relations

Japan Society seeks a strategic and experienced Director, Foundations & Government (F&G) to lead its institutional fundraising efforts. Reporting to the VP of Development, the Director is a key member of the Development team, responsible for creating and implementing strategies to maximize foundation and government support for the organization’s diverse programs and operational needs. This role involves managing relationships with key funders, overseeing the entire grant lifecycle for a specific portfolio, leading a team of three (Development Officer, Associate, occasional interns), and collaborating closely with Program Directors, Finance, and Development leadership.

The Director will focus on securing grants for institutional priorities, including multi-departmental initiatives, capital projects, and general operating support, while also managing fundraising for specific areas like the Gallery, Film, Culture, and Business/Policy programs. Following a recent low in activity, the Director will be instrumental in rebuilding and exceeding the FY25 goal of $677,548, aiming for significant growth in FY26 and beyond.

This is a priority hire for Japan Society. We are looking to fill this critical role quickly and are seeking candidates available for an immediate or near-term start date.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Direction & Goal Setting (Approx. 30%)

• Develop, direct, and implement a comprehensive, centralized strategy to increase foundation and government funding.
• Set annual fundraising goals in collaboration with program and development teams.
• Actively participate in program strategy groups to align fundraising efforts with organizational priorities.
• Develop funding plans to support strategic initiatives, including Task Force recommendations.
• Monitor and project grant income, track progress towards goals (budgeted vs. actual, proposals submitted/funded, etc.), and revise strategies as needed.
• Identify new funding opportunities and stay informed about the philanthropic landscape.
• Prepare regular reports on F&G fundraising progress and landscape analysis for key stakeholders.
  
  

Foundation Solicitation & Relationship Management (Approx. 52%)

• Manage a portfolio of foundation and government grants, overseeing the development, writing, and submission of high-quality proposals, letters of inquiry, and reports.
• Cultivate, steward, and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective foundation program officers and government agency contacts. Aim to secure meetings with key prospects.
• Conduct thorough research to identify and qualify new institutional prospects aligned with Japan Society's mission and programs.
• Collaborate with Program and Finance staff to develop accurate project budgets and financial reports for grant submissions and reporting.
• Work with the VP of Development and Program staff to strategize approaches for expanding relationships with key foundations.
• Oversee gift acknowledgment, reporting compliance, and funder crediting.
• Track specific non-arts funding streams, including contributions from the Government of Japan (MOFA, PMO), prefectural governments, and collaborations with Japan Foundation.
  
  

Team Management & Internal Collaboration (Approx. 18-20%)

• Lead, mentor, and supervise the F&G team, setting clear direction, fostering an inclusive environment, and supporting professional development.
• Provide consistent performance feedback, review work for accuracy and effectiveness, and ensure alignment with departmental standards.
• Maintain regular team communication through weekly meetings and check-ins.
• Collaborate effectively with other Development Directors and participate in monthly director meetings.
• Work closely with the Finance department on grant budgeting, financial reporting, tracking endowment details, staff allocations, and ensuring timely organizational filings (Audit, 990, CHAR500).
• Liaise with the Operations team regarding capital fundraising needs.
• Assist with generating VIP invitation lists and ensuring accurate funder recognition.