Foundation Relations Officer

Organization's Summary Statement:
The mission of the Research Development Office is to grow the volume and visibility of UMD’s research enterprise. We provide customized services to help faculty and faculty-led groups across the university turn ideas into action. Whether you are launching a new initiative, communicating a vision to university leaders, or identifying opportunities for unique research contributions, we are supportive partners during pivotal moments.

Position Summary:

The Foundation Relations Officer is a key member of the Research Development team within the Office of the Vice President for Research. This role is responsible for developing university-wide strategies to engage foundations and secure philanthropic support for institutional priorities and signature initiatives. The Office of Foundation Relations is jointly supported by the Division of Research and the Division of University Relations.

The incumbent will collaborate with faculty and staff across the university in order to build a strong and diverse pipeline resulting in an increase in competitive proposals and substantive relationships with foundations and other philanthropic entities.

The position provides foundation relations expertise, strategic guidance, and hands‑on support for fundraising efforts and manages a portfolio of up to twenty‑five foundations. The incumbent will secure support for the Forward:
The University of Maryland Campaign for the Fearless a $2.5 billion initiative—the largest in its history. The person in this role will be responsible, over the next three years, for increasing annual support from foundations and philanthropic organizations by $7-10 million. Working with the Director, the Foundation Relations Officer will develop university-wide collaborations; play a leading role in multi-disciplinary and large-scale proposals;

identify new funding sources for institutional areas of excellence; and help raise the university’s profile among private foundations.

• Bachelor’s degree and 6–8 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, with an emphasis on foundation relations.
• Demonstrated success establishing and stewarding relationships with foundation partners.
• Proven fundraising track record, including securing six- and seven-figure awards.
• Experience in foundation relations within higher education.
• Advanced degree.

• Proven ability to establish, cultivate, and steward meaningful relationships between universities and foundations.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, with experience securing major gifts.
• Strategic visioning and planning experience, including landscape analysis and generating institutional buy-in.
• Ability to translate high-level strategy into clear programmatic goals.
• Work with faculty in multiple disciplines translating complex concepts into laymen’s terms.
• Strong interpersonal awareness and ability to build positive relationships and collaborate as part of cross-functional teams.
• Exceptional listening and interpretive skills
• Ability to navigate complex organizations and support others in doing so; solutions-oriented mindset.
• Creativity, sound judgment, and strong attention to detail.
• Outstanding interpersonal and customer service skills; poised and professional communication style across formats and audiences.
• Ability to work independently, set priorities, take initiative, and manage multiple projects efficiently.
• Commitment to organizational values and responsibility for meeting goals and deadlines.
• Ability to make informed decisions in fast-paced, dynamic, and deadline-driven environments.
• Superior writing skills, including experience with proposal development.
• Knowledge of foundation prospect research.
• Strong computer skills,…