Strategist – Strategic Relationships

Under the direct supervision of the Vice President of Strategic Relationships or the Director of Strategic Relationships the Strategist uses health-related knowledge and expertise to support the design and implementation of grantmaking tools and engagement strategies within the Strategic Relationships department. The strategist demonstrates initiative, strategic thinking, and relationship-building skills to advance the Foundation's mission. This role includes responsibility for managing specific grantmaking tools, contributing to partner engagement efforts, ensuring effective stewardship of current and potential grantees, and collaboration with internal and external partners.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• As requested for assigned topic areas and programs, collect and communicate information internally about local, state, and national influencers and stakeholders, evidence-based and promising practices, community factors impacting an issue, and current public, private and philanthropic activity.
• Provide operational day-to-day support, including analysis and development of recommendations, for the design, implementation, assessment, and refinement of strategy within assigned programs, engaging effectively with internal and external partners.
• Define and manage day-to-day work activities that promote effective execution of assigned program strategies with appropriate use of resources.
• Identify, engage, and maintain relationships with partners critical to the success of assigned strategies and issue areas.
• Plan, organize, and facilitate various group processes including meetings, convenings, webinars, etc. with strategic partners and stakeholders.
• Support proposal review, due diligence, and grant monitoring using strong judgment and knowledge of health equity and systems change.
• Document learnings and insights from assigned tools and grants to inform cross-team learning and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure consistent, aligned strategy implementation and partner communication.
• Apply MFH values to all aspects of grantmaking and engagement, with the mission of health equity for all.
• Represent the Foundation at meetings, events, and convenings relevant to assigned grantmaking tools or focus areas.
• Participates in team activities and completes diverse assignments in support of team goals.
• Performs general Foundation support activities and carry out special projects as required.
• Adheres to the Foundation’s core and staff values.
• Other related duties as assigned.

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Public Policy, Public Administration, Urban Studies/Planning, Social Sciences, or related field preferred; Master’s degree or equivalent experience in philanthropy, community development, or health equity fields is a plus.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience in philanthropy, nonprofit, public health, government, or community-based work.
• Demonstrated experience with grantmaking processes, program implementation, or stakeholder engagement required.
• Demonstrated experience in strategy execution, research, or convening with a focus on health equity or systems change is a plus.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to connect insights to action.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for engaging internal and external partners.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams and deadlines in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Demonstrated cultural humility and experience working with diverse communities.
• Comfort with ambiguity and adaptability to evolving workstreams and priorities.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite and grant management systems (e.g. Salesforce, Temelio, or similar).

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT DEMANDS:

The physical and work environment demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with a disability to perform the position responsibilities.

This position requires the ability to work in a traditional office environment and to use standard office equipment, including a computer. The employee is regularly required to sit, stand, bend, and move about the office. The role may require occasionally lifting or moving items up to 10 pounds.

This position also requires travel throughout the Missouri Foundation for Health service region (10% - 15%). Travel may include visits to partner organizations, convenings, and community meetings. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be necessary to accommodate external events or engagements.

Salary Description

Starting Salary range $63,860 - $71,379