Director of Institutional Engagement

Director of Institutional Engagement

We are thrilled to announce the search for our next Director of Institutional Engagement in partnership with Potrero Group, an executive search and strategy firm that services leaders across sectors who are shaping a better future.

POST seeks a strategic, experienced, relationship-driven Director of Institutional Engagement to lead development efforts with large philanthropic foundations and government agencies.

Visit  to apply. Interested candidates should apply by December 8, 2025, for priority consideration.

• Ten years of experience in increasingly responsible positions, including five to seven years of experience preparing and managing institutional grant proposals and reports
• College degree or a combination of work and life experience that provides a comparable level of skill and competence for the role
• Expertise in natural and working lands conservation policy and funding
• Able to work effectively across departments and with senior leadership
• Professional demeanor and good judgment
• Strong problem‑solving skills, comfortable with pivoting and adapting, and able to balance multiple priorities in a dynamic environment

• In collaboration with the Vice President of Development and the Vice President of Land Transactions, create multifaceted, multi‑year funding strategies and annual goals for institutional fundraising that align with POST’s mission, program, and strategic plan objectives.
• Work closely with programmatic staff to understand program priorities and projected funding needs and to identify potential institutional funding sources for POST and its partners.
• Keep abreast of changes that may impact funder priorities, including new sources of public or private funding, policy changes, and trends in grantmaking.
• Develop and lead the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for institutional donors capable of making six‑figure grants, especially California state natural resource agencies and major private foundations.

• Direct and implement POST’s state and federal legislative activities, overseeing strategy planning, priority setting, and coordination with the President, Institutional Engagement Officer, and senior staff on high‑profile bills, investments in political campaigns and other legislative matters to ensure influence on public funding sources and agencies.
• Advance POST’s policy goals and maintain expertise on major issues through networking, thought leadership, and by representing the organization externally, including in legislative proceedings.
• Direct ballot measure strategy, language, and materials and oversee campaign execution in coordination with consultants, the Institutional Engagement Officer, the President, and internal teams.
• Serve as a resource on public policy and funding procedures, regulations, and best practices, including IRS and California Fair Political Practices Commission regulations.
• Track upcoming legislative issues to inform internal planning and maximize organizational effectiveness.

• Stay informed about POST projects and goals to identify funding and policy opportunities, and to communicate effectively with funders and policymakers.
• Collaborate with partners to develop and implement funding strategies for joint projects and manage cross‑departmental and partner coordination to ensure high‑quality communications with funders. Offer funding strategy and grant writing support to partners when needed.
• Broaden and strengthen POST’s relationships with institutional funders, including government agencies and foundation leadership and staff with grant‑making responsibilities.
• Ensure funders are aware of POST’s priorities, anticipated needs, and alignment with funder objectives.
• Cultivate relationships with local, state, and federal legislators and their staff.
• Communicate the organization’s position on legislative and policy matters internally and externally. Review public comment letters and other policy communications on behalf of POST.
• Collaborate with external partners and constituents to…