Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Development, this leadership role is integral to the University’s fundraising team. The Director leads the development, execution, and stewardship of corporate and foundation fundraising initiatives, aligning opportunities with institutional priorities and securing major gifts, sponsor ships, and multi‑year commitments.

• Develop and implement a strategic plan for corporate and foundation engagement aligned with institutional priorities.
• Identify, qualify, and pursue new funding opportunities to grow institutional giving.
• Partner with senior leadership to position the organization for transformational philanthropic investments.
• Manage a portfolio of corporate and foundation prospects and donors, setting clear cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship goals.
• Lead the development of compelling proposals, grant applications, sponsorship packages, and reports.
• Secure major gifts and multi‑year commitments to support key initiatives, programs, and capital priorities.
• Collaborate with academic leaders, program staff, and advancement colleagues to identify funding needs and develop competitive proposals.
• Coordinate institutional responses to foundation and corporate opportunities, ensuring alignment and compliance.
• Serve as a liaison between funders and internal stakeholders, facilitating introductions, site visits, and engagement opportunities.
• Cultivate strategic, trust‑based partnerships and sustain meaningful relationships with corporate and foundation leaders through consistent, personalized engagement.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting to funders, demonstrating impact and accountability.
• Design and implement stewardship strategies that deepen engagement and encourage continued investment.
• Track and analyze outcomes to inform strategy and improve performance.
• Conduct ongoing research to identify new corporate and foundation prospects.
• Monitor trends in institutional philanthropy and funding priorities to inform strategy.
• Maintain accurate records of activity and pipeline in the CRM system.

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
• At least five years of fundraising experience with a focus on corporate and foundation relations.

• Advanced degree (Master’s or Doctorate).
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or mission‑driven organizations.
• Knowledge of corporate social responsibility and foundation funding landscapes.
• Experience using Raiser’s Edge NXT CRM.

• Demonstrated success in securing five‑ and six‑figure grants and partnerships.
• Familiarity with CRM systems and prospect research tools.
• Ability to translate complex programs into compelling cases for support.
• Proven ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Strong proposal writing, editing, and communication skills.
• Strategic thinking and initiative.
• Relationship building and collaboration.
• Persuasive communication and storytelling.
• Project management and execution.
• Results orientation and accountability.