Foundation Director Jobs in New York
Foundation Director jobs in New York represent one of the most active markets in the country, with sustained demand across the philanthropy, healthcare, higher education, and arts sectors and openings at every level from development associate to senior foundation executive. The heaviest hiring concentrates in New York City, Albany, and Rochester, where anchor institutions such as the New York Community Trust, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and the Ford Foundation maintain ongoing foundation leadership needs. The most sought-after specialties are major gifts strategy, grantmaking operations, and corporate foundation management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Company:
Mercer
Description:
We are seeking a talented individual to join our sales Endowment and Foundations team at Mercer, a Marsh business. This role will be based near any Mercer office. This is a hybrid role that has a requirement of working at least three days a week in the office.
You will play a crucial role in driving revenue growth, developing sales strategies, and ensuring the delivery of exceptional client service. Your leadership and expertise will be instrumental in achieving business objectives and maintaining strong relationships with clients and stakeholders. This is a hybrid position and will require three days in office and can be based in multiple locations.
Endowment & Foundation Sales Director
We will count on you to:
- Develop and execute strategic sales plans to achieve revenue targets and drive business growth within the endowments & foundations segment.
- Collaborate with senior management and other key stakeholders to define sales strategies, identify market opportunities, and develop innovative approaches to expand Mercer’s client base in private and community foundations, college and university endowments, and other nonprofit institutional investors.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, prospects, and industry influencers, leveraging these relationships to generate new business and enhance the organization's reputation.
- Stay updated on industry trends, market developments, and regulatory changes affecting endowment & foundation investment governance, and incorporate this knowledge into sales strategies and client interactions.
- Work closely with internal teams, to ensure seamless coordination and delivery of tailored endowment and foundation solutions to clients.
- Monitor and analyze sales performance, pipeline management, and market trends, providing regular reports and insights to senior management.
- Contribute to identifying and advancing strategic growth opportunities supporting Mercer’s endowments & foundations practice.
- Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to develop and execute targeted marketing for nonprofit investor audience.
- Coordinate sales activities related to RFPs and proposals, securing required internal approvals, and managing pricing inputs.
What you need to have:
- Bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, or a related field. A master's degree or professional certifications (e.g., CFA, CFP) are advantageous.
- Proven track record of success in sales roles with endowments, foundations, and other nonprofit institutional investors.
- In-depth knowledge of endowment and foundation investment practices, including spending policies, asset allocation, gift and restricted fund management, and use of alternatives.
- Strong understanding of nonprofit governance structures, trustee dynamics, and procurement/selection processes used by endowments and foundations.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex financial concepts to clients and stakeholders.
- Strategic mindset, with the ability to develop and execute sales strategies that align with business objectives.
- Series 7 and 63 license.
What makes you stand out:
- Deep alternative investments knowledge and experience implementing alternatives within endowment/foundation portfolios.
- Proven ability to originate and win very large high-impact mandates with sophisticated institutional clients.
Why join our team:
- We help you be your best through professional development opportunities, interesting work and supportive leaders.
- We foster a vibrant and inclusive culture where you can work with talented colleagues to create new solutions and have impact for colleagues, clients and communities.
- Our scale enables us to provide a range of career opportunities, as well as benefits and rewards to enhance your well-being.
Mercer is a business of Marsh (NYSE: MRSH), a global leader in risk, reinsurance and capital, people and investments, and management consulting, advising clients in 130 countries. With annual revenue of over $27 billion and more than 95,000 colleagues, Marsh helps build the confidence to thrive through the power of perspective. For more information about Mercer, visit mercer.com, or follow us on LinkedIn and X.
Marsh is committed to embracing a diverse, inclusive and flexible work environment. We aim to attract and retain the best people and embrace diversity of age background, disability, ethnic origin, family duties, gender orientation or expression, marital status, nationality, parental status, personal or social status, political affiliation, race, religion and beliefs, sex/gender, sexual orientation or expression, skin color, veteran status (including protected veterans), or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you have a need that requires accommodation, please let us know by contacting reasonableaccommodations@marsh.com.
Marsh is committed to hybrid work, which includes the flexibility of working remotely and the collaboration, connections and professional development benefits of working together in the office. All Marsh colleagues are expected to be in their local office or working onsite with clients at least three days per week. Office-based teams will identify at least one “anchor day” per week on which their full team will be together in person.
The applicable base salary range for this role is $151,000 to $302,500.
The base pay offered will be determined on factors such as experience, skills, training, location, certifications, education, and any applicable minimum wage requirements. Decisions will be determined on a case-by-case basis. In addition to the base salary, this position may be eligible for performance-based incentives. We are excited to offer a competitive total rewards package which includes health and welfare benefits, tuition assistance, 401K savings and other retirement programs as well as employee assistance programs.
See All 6 Foundation Director Jobs in New York
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Find Foundation Director JobsFoundation Director Jobs by City in New York
Where New York roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Foundation Director Job Market in New York
A snapshot from current New York openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- International Rescue Committee2

- Columbia University1

- Mercer1

- Simons Foundation1

- The Rockefeller Foundation1

Top Industries Hiring
- Non-Profit & Social Services3
- Education1
- Insurance1
- Science & Research1
What New York Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in foundation director jobs across New York.
- Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, public administration, or a closely related field
- Demonstrated experience leading philanthropic programs or foundation grantmaking in New York
- Proven ability to cultivate major donor relationships and secure transformational gifts
- Familiarity with New York State nonprofit compliance requirements and Board of Charities registration
- Experience building and managing foundation budgets, endowments, or grant portfolios
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for board reporting and donor stewardship
Foundation Director Jobs in New York: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a foundation director in New York?
Most foundation directors in New York enter the role through a progression in nonprofit development or program leadership, typically starting as a development officer, grants manager, or program director. New York does not require a state license specific to foundation leadership, but employers strongly favor candidates holding a master's degree in nonprofit management, public administration, or a related field from institutions such as Columbia, NYU, or The New School. Membership in the Association of Fundraising Professionals New York chapter signals professional standing.
How much do foundation directors make in New York?
Foundation directors in New York earn a median of about $169,510 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $102,040 for the lowest 10% to over $304,970 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire foundation directors in New York?
Employers hiring foundation directors in New York right now include International Rescue Committee, Columbia University, and Mercer, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. New York's dense concentration of private foundations, hospital systems, and university development offices means the employer pool is unusually broad compared with most states.
Which New York cities have the most foundation director jobs?
New York have the most foundation director openings in New York. New York City accounts for the largest share by far, driven by its outsized concentration of private foundations, corporate giving programs, and hospital networks, while Albany and Rochester generate demand through regional community foundations, state-affiliated institutions, and large academic medical centers.
Are there remote foundation director jobs in New York?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely desk-based fields because foundation directors are expected to cultivate donors, attend board meetings, and represent the organization at community events in person. About 67% of foundation director openings tied to New York are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting modest flexibility. The work most likely to be done remotely is grant reporting, donor research, and written communications.
How can I get hired as a foundation director in New York with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a development coordinator or grants associate role at a New York-based community foundation, hospital foundation, or university advancement office. Large institutions such as the United Way of New York City and major academic medical centers in Manhattan regularly bring on entry-level development staff and promote from within. Volunteering with a New York nonprofit board and earning a Certificate in Fundraising Management from an accredited New York institution can accelerate the transition significantly.
Where can I find and apply to foundation director jobs in New York?
You can find and apply to foundation director jobs in New York on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring across the state right now. Search the listings, find roles that match your background and preferred location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 6 Foundation Director Jobs in New York
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