"Director, Philanthropic Advising"

The Organization:

The Science Philanthropy Alliance is the world’s first and longest-standing organization dedicated to advising philanthropists on giving to discovery science (also known as basic science). Founded in 2014 by six visionary foundations, the Alliance has grown into a vibrant network of over 40 member organizations and a global community of funders, scientists, and advisors committed to advancing scientific discovery for the benefit of humanity.

We support both emerging and established science funders with tailored advisory services including landscape analyses, program design, and connections to leading scientific experts across disciplines. Beyond advising, we convene funders and leaders in academia and government to foster connection, shared learning, and innovation.

At the heart of our work is a unique model: our advisory services are provided at no cost to philanthropists, made possible by the generosity and shared vision of our members. This approach allows us to remain impartial, flexible, and fully focused on helping funders achieve meaningful impact.

Our interdisciplinary team and network of renowned science advisors bring deep expertise in philanthropic strategy and emerging scientific research. Together, we provide the insights, guidance, and connections that help philanthropists make a lasting impact.

The Role:

The Director of Philanthropic Advising’s primary role will be to advise high-net-worth individuals and their foundation staff on how to effectively support basic science research. Reporting to the Principal Director of Philanthropic Advising, s/he will have a leadership role at the Science Philanthropy Alliance, including supervision of a small team of philanthropic advisors and scientific researchers.

The Director of Philanthropic Advising will:

• Drive interactions with advisees and other prospective donors to basic science. In collaboration with the Principal Director of Philanthropic Advising and the President, as appropriate, s/he will be responsible for supporting a pool of members, advisees, prospective Alliance members, and prospective advisees to ensure consistent contact commensurate with their needs.
• Listen carefully to their funding needs, articulate the case for basic science research, and provide customized counsel on funding models and mechanisms as needed. S/he will be expected to become knowledgeable about the Alliance members and their funding models, and to develop a strong working relationship with the senior staff at the Alliance member organizations.
• Complement the work of the President and the Principal Director to elevate the profile of the Alliance, recruit new members and advisees to the Alliance, and retain current members, thus building the community of basic science research funders. S/he will also bring or build relationships with other basic science thought leaders in order to have broad knowledge of the basic science funding landscape.
• Function as both a manager and a mentor on the Alliance’s team, helping philanthropic advisors build the skills and experience to both be effective project and relationship managers in support of the Alliance advising work. S/he will also support the advisory team to generate thought leadership in support of the Alliance’s mission, and contribute to an inclusive and respectful professional culture and environment.

Experience:

• 10+ years of science fundraising or grant-making experience with a particular focus on, and fluency in, basic science.
• A proven track record of success in major and principal gift fundraising and/or providing guidance, advice and analysis to funders.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective and trusted relationships with philanthropists that result in transformative gifts to basic science.
• Experience building external coalitions and/or partnerships and engaging key members of the basic science community.
• Team leadership experience, and a track record of fostering a culture of collaboration, curiosity, creativity, and accountability.

Skills & Characteristics:

• Ability to inspire enthusiasm for innovative and impactful philanthropy.
• A storyteller who will speak persuasively, confidently and knowledgeably about the Alliance’s mission, basic science and its impact on technology, health, and society.
• Professional gravitas and a level of knowledge that will gain the respect of high-net-worth individuals and foundations, as well as members of the Alliance and the scientific community.
• Very high standards in terms of customer service, relationship-building and project delivery.
• An active listener with strong people instincts.
• A creative and curious approach to problem solving, a flexible mindset with the ability to take advantage of emerging opportunities, including event conception and execution.
• Ability to develop trust and build highly-effective, collaborative working relationships with Alliance staff, member organizations, and advisees.
• Strong project management skills; attention to detail, especially regarding managing timelines and critical correspondence.
• Proactive, with a sense of urgency, a clear set of priorities, and a strong work ethic.
• High level of energy and self- confidence, and the ability to function at peak levels in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment.
• Unimpeachable integrity and trustworthiness; a fine-tuned sense of discretion in the handling of confidential and sensitive matters.
• Comfortable working in relational databases and accountable for data entry for the purposes of relationship tracking and activity accountability.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required, and an advanced degree preferred

Location:

• New York City, hybrid
• The Alliance’s New York City based team is expected to work in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with the option to work remotely on Monday and Friday, except when job commitments require presence in the office
• Expected to travel on at least a monthly basis to meet with members and advisees

Compensation & Benefits:

• The salary range for this position is $170,000 to $220,000.
• The Alliance offers a robust benefits package including full medical, dental, disability, and life insurance benefits, retirement plan participation and flexible spending accounts, vacation, personal and volunteer leave benefits.