Position Summary
The George Gund Foundation fellowship provides an opportunity for promising professionals to work inside the Foundation, a philanthropic organization that plays a vital role in supporting the civic life of Greater Cleveland and in various state and national policy deliberations that affect our community. The fellowship is a two-year, full-time commitment beginning in summer 2025, requiring residence in Greater Cleveland during the term of engagement.
- Exempt, full-time, salaried
- Reports to president; supports program directors
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
The fellow serves across program areas, typically rotating with each grant cycle. While there is some structure to this rotation, it is also based on Foundation needs and fellow interests. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Work with program directors on grant-making and grant-making strategies. This includes reading and analyzing grant proposals, meeting with applicants, presenting proposals to program staff, preparing written grant recommendations for program directors, and presenting grants for final approval at Board of Trustee meetings.
- Engage in timely projects tied to the Foundation’s vision and current events, including attending meetings with program directors, gathering information, coordinating external meetings, returning emails and phone calls, and managing assigned interdisciplinary grants.
- Represent the Foundation in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, working groups, committees, panels, and other community-facing groups.
- Act as a thought partner on public policy, advocacy, initiatives, and strategies aligned to the Foundation’s vision.
- Plan, organize, and implement an annual event for the Trustees to engage in the community, also known as the Trustee Tour.
- Participate in professional development opportunities on a local and statewide level.
- Manage special projects as assigned.
Learning Outcomes
The fellowship is an experiential learning opportunity providing in-depth experience and exposure to the inner workings of the Foundation and philanthropy’s role on a city and statewide level. At the completion of the fellowship, the fellow will be able to:
- Identify attributes of high-functioning nonprofits and strong initiatives.
- Evaluate grant proposals.
- Work with grantees on a grant proposal from inception to completion.
- Understand the role that philanthropy plays in every day civic life.
- Understand the finances and operations of a private foundation.
- Recognize and get involved in public policy and systems-level opportunities.
- Explain how foundations partner across sectors for increased impact.
- Identify ways foundations can create and support capacity across different organizations.
Requirements
Qualifications and Educationa l Requirements
Bachelor degree and 3–5 years of relevant work experience, which may include work done through national service programs and other credentialing programs. While an advanced (Master) degree is typical of Gund fellows, the Foundation also welcomes applications from candidates who possess the qualifications and skills outlined below but whose life experiences have taken them down different paths.
- Demonstrated desire to work in public service or the nonprofit sector.
- Alignment of values with the Foundation’s What We Believe statement.
- Excellent written communication skills.
- Strong oral communication/public speaking skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently.
- Strong organization, research, and analytical skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Physical and Travel Requirements
- Some local, state, and national travel may be required.
- Occasional early morning and evening commitments.
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Prolonged periods of walking and standing.
- Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at times.
Benefits
Workweek, Compensation, and Benefits
The regular operating hours at the Foundation are from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Currently, employees may work remotely or in the office on Monday and Friday, and work in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
The fellow will receive a salary of $50,000 per year plus a comprehensive benefits package including employer paid medical, dental, and life insurance; short- and long-term disability; and retirement plan with employer contributions. In some circumstances, the Foundation may be able to help underwrite some costs of relocation, including security deposit, first month rent/lease, and travel costs to Cleveland. The Foundation is committed to a fair work/life balance.
The fellow will be provided with external professional development opportunities available to other Foundation staff. The Foundation provides a transit pass to all employees who utilize public transportation, as well as partial cell phone and internet stipends.
Application Process
To be considered for the fellowship, each candidate must include the following:
- Cover letter uplifting your past experiences, why you are qualified for this role, and how this role fits into your future personal and professional goals.
- Detailed resume.
- Approximately 500 word essay, to serve as a writing sample, illustrating your personal values alignment with the Foundation’s What We Believe statement.
- Two letters of recommendation, which may be submitted as part of the application or sent separately via email.
Application materials should be combined into one PDF document for submission. An anticipated start date is June 16, 2025. For interested candidates, the Foundation will host an informational webinar on Tuesday, February 11 from 12:00–1:00 pm and Wednesday, February 12 from 5:00–6:00 pm (EST). Please email Kayli Salzano, ksalzano@gundfdn.org if you are interested in attending one of the webinars.
