Corporate and Foundation Relations Manager

Position Summary Dillard University seeks a Corporate and Foundation Relations Manager to build, strengthen, and secure institutional partnerships that advance the university’s mission. This position leads the full process of identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding corporate and foundation funders. The manager will expand Dillard's portfolio of institutional partners, increase grant and sponsorship revenue, ensure compliance in reporting, and position the university for long-term philanthropic growth.

This role is central to the university’s goal of becoming a high performing advancement operation with strong external engagement and measurable results.

• Manage a portfolio of 60 to 75 corporate and foundation prospects.
• Identify and qualify new institutional funders aligned with academic programs, scholarships, student services, and institutional initiatives.
• Develop cultivation and solicitation strategies for each prospect.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of all contacts, proposals, and awards in Raiser’s Edge.

• Prepare high quality grant proposals, letters of intent, budgets, and supporting documents.
• Submit at least 20 proposals annually totaling $3 million or more in requested support.
• Coordinate with the Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Finance, Sponsored Programs, and academic leadership to ensure accuracy and alignment with institutional needs.
• Present clear cases for support that reflect Dillard's mission, impact, and priorities.

• Maintain a master grant and sponsorship calendar that tracks deadlines for submissions, reports, renewals, and compliance requirements.
• Ensure one hundred percent on-time submission of required progress reports and financial documentation.
• Produce stewardship reports for all institutional funders that summarize goals, outcomes, and impact.
• Work with Finance to verify expenditures and ensure proper documentation for funders.

• Develop and manage sponsorship packages for corporate partners tied to events, programs, and brand visibility.
• Support multi-year funding opportunities and long-term institutional partnerships across the Gulf South and national philanthropic networks.
• Prepare donor meeting briefings for the Vice President of Institutional Advancement and University President.
• Represent Dillard University at relevant corporate, civic, and philanthropic events.

• Produce quarterly dashboards outlining proposals submitted, funds awarded, reporting compliance, and revenue progress.
• Collaborate with the Director of Development and Annual Fund Officer to ensure alignment across all donor segments.
• Participate in monthly pipeline meetings and advancement planning sessions.
• Maintain complete and accurate data to strengthen institutional memory and planning.

• Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree preferred.
• Three to five years of experience in institutional fundraising, grant writing, corporate engagement, philanthropy, or related fields.
• Strong writing and analytical skills with the ability to prepare compelling proposals and cases for support.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Experience building relationships with corporate, foundation, or nonprofit partners.
• Proficiency with CRM or donor management systems such as Raiser's Edge.
• Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to Dillard’s mission.