Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations - University Advancement

APU seeks employees who desire to contribute to our thriving culture by cultivating community through professional interactions, demonstrating a posture of lifelong learning, and modeling Christ-like character. Working together, employees at APU commit to establishing a university atmosphere that is edifying to God and one another.

The Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations reports to the Vice President for University Advancement. This position is responsible for proposal research and grant writing, project development, foundation executive relationship management, grant stewardship/impact reporting, communications, and record management. The Director is also responsible for expanding the pipeline of foundations, both private and corporate, who invest in APU’s mission and programs.

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred.

• Five or more years of proven experience in securing major grants from foundations. Experience in higher education and corporate foundation fundraising preferred.
• Knowledge and experience in grant management required.

• Reports to the Vice President for University Advancement.
• Demonstrate mature Christian faith and lifestyle consistent with Azusa Pacific University’s “What We Believe” document.
• Affirm, support, and sustain the contents of the “What We Believe” document, while also not advocating positions contrary to this document.
• Contribute to the spiritual, personal, and professional development of the members of the Division of University Advancement to achieve a high-trust, high-performing Advancement team.

• Develop an annual Foundations and Corporations plan, identifying each foundation or corporation that will be solicited, for what project, projected request, submission deadline, foundation or corporate contact and expected decision date.
• Develop an annual plan and calendar for prospective foundations or corporations, identifying when LOI or proposal should optimally be submitted and appropriate next steps.
• Provide leadership in identifying and implementing strategies to cultivate and increase major gifts from foundations or corporations by working with members of the APU community, including the president, provost, deans, development officers and faculty. Plan cultivation, solicitation and stewardship approaches that align with the interests of funders and the University’s strategic priorities.
• Generate $200,000 annually toward the University Fund (annual fund) goal, and an additional $3M+ annually in restricted project funding aligned with university priorities.

• Compose and edit all grant proposals, letters of inquiry, cover letters, presidential thank you letters, and budgets. Compile required documentation, ensure consistent and accurate financial information, and facilitate proposal submission in keeping with grantor guidelines and timelines.
• Create and maintain up-to-date boilerplate information, including but not limited to enrollment and demographic data, graduation rates, staffing information, and the like.
• Compile and maintain required documentation for proposal attachments, ensure consistent and accurate financial information, and facilitate proposal submission in keeping with external grantor and APU’s internal submission guidelines and timelines.
• Manage “up and across” the university to convene and facilitate meetings and teams of faculty and administrators to foster project and proposal design.
• Supervise the university’s foundation executive relationships, both current and prospective, developing unique moves management cultivation strategies, and when appropriate the solicitation of gifts, including face‑to‑face visits and occasional travel.
• Direct all written, electronic, and verbal communication between private foundations and the university; this includes cultivation, solicitation, compliance, and stewardship.

• Oversee multiple projects and duties simultaneously, while paying careful attention to detail.
• Cultivate a strong working relationship with APU’s Office of Research and…