Institutional Giving Officer

Griffith Observatory Foundation is the exclusive non‑profit partner of Griffith Observatory, which is owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. The Foundation supports and promotes Griffith Observatory as a home for science literacy, education, and public astronomy through resource development and advocacy in partnership with the community.

The Institutional Giving Officer plays a crucial role in securing funding and increasing financial support for Griffith Observatory Foundation from foundation, government, and corporate foundation sources. This role manages the portfolio of institutional funding relationships through grant writing, preparing and submitting applications and reports, funder correspondence, and prospect research. The Institutional Giving Officer also plays a key role in strategic fundraising initiatives and campaigns, helping to ensure the foundation’s long‑term financial sustainability.

The Institutional Giving Officer, reporting directly to the Director of Development, is responsible for the following:

• Research, draft, and submit compelling grant proposals tailored to funder interests and organizational priorities.
• Collaborate with program staff to gather accurate information, budgets, and narratives needed for proposals.
• Maintain a clear proposal submission calendar and deadlines.
• Track and manage reporting requirements for awarded grants, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
• Prepare engaging and impactful grant reports demonstrating organizational outcomes and success.
• Maintain a clear proposal submission calendar and deadlines.

• Identify, research, and qualify new funding sources (foundations, corporate foundations, government agencies).
• Regularly track opportunities and maintain organized documentation within Altru CRM/database.
• Provide regular prospect updates and briefing materials to leadership.

• Conduct outreach to new and existing funders and donors, fostering strong relationships.
• Support donor cultivation efforts, including acknowledgments and ongoing communications.
• Manage the portfolio of Foundation, Corporate Foundation, and Government donors, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and funding priorities.
• Oversee the cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and reporting for Foundation, Corporate Foundation, and Government accounts.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase support and strengthen relationships.
• Regularly assess the portfolio to ensure diverse, sustainable funding sources and strategic alignment with organizational needs.

• Work closely with the development team to plan fundraising strategies and campaigns.
• Interface with the Board of Directors, Foundation & Observatory Leadership to leverage their networks and make foundation introductions and connections.
• Maintain accurate donor and grant records.
• Contribute ideas and assist with fundraising communications materials as needed.
• Foster a culture of cooperation and collaboration among the various departments and with City partners.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy within the organization.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The starting compensation offered for this exempt, full‑time position is $100,000 annually. It is eligible for group health/dental/vision insurance 100% paid by the Foundation, 401(k) plan with Foundation match, accrued vacation and sick time, and paid holidays.

This position is an at‑will position in accordance with California state law, meaning that either the employee or the employer may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or notice.