Application Guide
How to Apply for Foundation Partnerships Manager
at Institute for Strategic Dialogue
🏢 About Institute for Strategic Dialogue
The Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) is a global leader in countering extremism and disinformation, uniquely combining research, policy, and on-the-ground action. Working here means joining a mission-driven team tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time, from political violence to AI-related information risks. ISD's collaborative, fast-paced environment offers the chance to directly shape philanthropic strategies that fund critical work.
About This Role
As Foundation Partnerships Manager, you will be the primary driver of foundation fundraising for ISD's US priorities, building and managing a pipeline of opportunities with private, family, community, and corporate foundations. Your work directly enables ISD to scale its impact in countering extremism, hate, and emerging tech threats by translating complex research into compelling funding proposals. This role is pivotal in securing the resources needed to advance ISD's mission.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your day might start with reviewing a new foundation RFP aligned with ISD's work, then meeting with the US program team to refine a concept note for a major foundation. After lunch, you could draft a proposal for a family foundation while updating your pipeline in the CRM, and end the day by preparing talking points for a meeting with a prospective donor. It's a blend of strategic planning, writing, and relationship management.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Institute for Strategic Dialogue Is Looking For
- Proven experience in foundation fundraising, specifically cultivating and closing six- or seven-figure grants from US-based foundations in the fields of democracy, human rights, or social justice.
- Strong ability to translate technical research on extremism, hate, or AI disinformation into clear, persuasive narratives for non-expert funders.
- Demonstrated success in building and managing a multi-year pipeline of foundation prospects, with a track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets.
- Comfort with budgeting for restricted grants and collaborating with program and finance teams to ensure accurate cost projections.
📝 Tips for Applying to Institute for Strategic Dialogue
Tailor your resume to highlight specific foundation relationships you've cultivated and the dollar amounts of grants secured, especially in relevant issue areas like countering extremism, hate, or tech policy.
In your cover letter, name-drop 1-2 foundations you admire that align with ISD's mission (e.g., MacArthur, Ford, Hewlett, Omidyar Network) and explain how you would approach them.
Demonstrate your understanding of ISD's work by referencing a recent report or project (e.g., their work on AI-generated disinformation or far-right extremism) and how you would leverage it for fundraising.
Include a brief sample concept note or funding pitch (1 page max) that translates ISD's technical expertise into a funder-friendly narrative—this shows you can do the core job function.
Research ISD's current foundation partners (listed on their website or in annual reports) and mention how you would deepen or expand those relationships.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your experience in foundation partnerships specifically, with concrete examples of successful proposals and pipeline building.', 'Your ability to simplify complex topics (extremism, AI risks) for foundation audiences while maintaining credibility.', "Your strategic thinking about how to align ISD's US priorities with foundation interests, especially in the current funding landscape.", 'Your collaborative approach to working with program, finance, and leadership teams to develop compelling funding requests.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read ISD's annual reports and impact summaries to understand their key programs, funding needs, and existing foundation partners.
- → Review their latest publications on topics like AI-generated disinformation, far-right extremism in the US, and online hate—these are likely focus areas for foundation asks.
- → Familiarize yourself with major foundation funding priorities in the US (e.g., MacArthur's Big Bet, Ford's Building Institutions and Networks, Hewlett's Cyber Initiative) to identify alignment.
- → Look at the LinkedIn profiles of current ISD development team members to understand their backgrounds and the team's culture.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic cover letter that doesn't mention ISD's specific work on extremism, hate, or AI risks—it will be obvious and disqualifying.
- Avoid overpromising on grant amounts or timelines; be realistic about the foundation fundraising cycle and ISD's current capacity.
- Don't neglect to highlight your experience with restricted grant budgeting—this is explicitly required and often overlooked by candidates.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Institute for Strategic Dialogue!