Application Guide
How to Apply for Foundation Relations Specialist
at The Student Conservation Association
🏢 About The Student Conservation Association
The Student Conservation Association uniquely combines environmental conservation with youth development, offering hands-on conservation programs that create lasting impact. Working here means contributing to both environmental stewardship and the next generation of conservation leaders through strategic initiatives.
About This Role
This Foundation Relations Specialist role manages a portfolio of foundation funders to meet revenue targets for SCA's regional programs, while identifying new funding opportunities and developing cultivation strategies. The position is crucial for securing resources that directly support youth conservation programs across the country.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day involves researching new foundation prospects aligned with SCA's regional priorities, drafting grant proposals for upcoming deadlines, and managing communications with current foundation partners. You might analyze funding trends in conservation philanthropy and prepare stewardship reports for existing funders while maintaining your portfolio in Salesforce.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who The Student Conservation Association Is Looking For
- Has 5+ years specifically in foundation and corporate relations (not just general fundraising)
- Demonstrates proven success in grant writing with measurable results in previous roles
- Is proficient or can quickly learn Salesforce, Intacct, and Raiser Edge for fundraising management
- Can articulate how environmental conservation and youth development intersect in their professional experience
📝 Tips for Applying to The Student Conservation Association
Quantify your foundation relations experience - specify portfolio size, revenue targets met, and grant success rates
Mention specific conservation or youth development organizations you've worked with previously
Highlight experience with the exact software mentioned (Salesforce, Intacct, Raiser Edge) or comparable systems
Include examples of developing foundation pipelines and long-term partnership strategies
Reference SCA's specific regional programs in your application materials
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific experience managing foundation portfolios and meeting revenue targets', 'Examples of successful grant proposals for conservation or youth development programs', "How you've developed cultivation strategies for foundation partners", 'Your ability to balance prospecting with stewardship of existing funders']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → SCA's current regional programs and conservation initiatives (available on their website)
- → Their existing foundation partners and recent grant-funded projects
- → The organization's strategic priorities and conservation focus areas
- → How SCA measures impact in both conservation and youth development
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying with only general fundraising experience instead of specific foundation relations background
- Not demonstrating knowledge of conservation or youth development sectors
- Failing to address how you would use the specific software mentioned in the requirements
📅 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 The Student Conservation Association!