Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations

Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations

Pomona College — Claremont, California

Lead strategy to secure transformational foundation and corporate investment, translating institutional priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities at a defining moment of campaign growth.

In partnership with Lindauer, Pomona College is seeking a strategic and intellectually curious leader to serve as its next Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations
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Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Complex, Legacy, and Principal Gifts, the Director will serve as the strategic architect and catalyst for Pomona’s foundation and corporate engagement strategy. The successful candidate will bring the ability to elevate Pomona’s institutional priorities into compelling philanthropic propositions and expand the College’s capacity to secure transformational support from national and international foundations and corporations.

• Build and execute a comprehensive strategy to secure six- and seven-figure foundation and corporate support for Pomona's operating, capital, and restricted priorities.
• Develop and manage a high-performing foundation and corporate relations team while creating a proactive, institutionally aligned engagement model.
• Serve as a strategic partner to senior academic and advancement leadership, convening stakeholders around a shared funding agenda and coordinated prospect strategy.
• Lead the development of large-scale, interdisciplinary proposals in close collaboration with faculty, academic affairs, sponsored research, and advancement colleagues.
• Strengthen stewardship and grant management practices across campus, ensuring strong funder relationships and long-term philanthropic partnership.

• Bachelor's degree required (advanced degree or PhD preferred), ideally in a liberal arts, writing, fundraising, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5–7+ years of progressive foundation and corporate relations experience, with demonstrated success securing major institutional support.
• 5–7+ years of experience in an academic environment, with senior leadership or management team experience strongly preferred.
• Strong proposal development and writing expertise, including letters of intent, full proposals, and strategic briefings for senior leaders.
• Proven ability to lead teams and build trust-based partnerships across a faculty-driven institution, with an entrepreneurial and collaborative approach.

The salary range for this role is $140,000–$165,000.

• Pomona offers the rare combination of a deeply personal liberal arts education and the expansive academic ecosystem of The Claremont Colleges.
• The College's commitment to access and opportunity is core to its identity, including a longstanding promise to meet full demonstrated financial need for all enrolled students.
• With record fundraising momentum and an upcoming major campaign launch, Pomona is positioned to advance ambitious academic and global priorities at scale.