Director of Development, Corporate and Foundation Relations

About FIU

Florida International University is a Top 50, preeminent public research university with 55,000 students from all 50 states and more than 140 countries, as well as an alumni network of more than 340,000. Located in the global city of Miami, the university offers more than 200 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels, including medicine and law. FIU faculty are leaders in their fields and include National Academy members, Fulbright Scholars and Mac Arthur Genius Fellows.

A Carnegie R1 institution, FIU drives impactful research in environmental resilience, health and technology and innovation. Home to the Wall of Wind and Institute of Environment, FIU stands at the forefront of discovery and innovation. With a focus on student success, economic mobility and community engagement, FIU is redefining what it means to be a public research university.

The Director of Development for Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR) serves as a strategic revenue leader and front-line fundraiser dedicated to expanding Florida International University s portfolio of institutional partners. This position is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting corporate and foundation donors to secure major gifts and advance multi-year partnerships aligned with the University s strategic priorities. Acting as a central liaison and advisor to College Deans and Unit Directors, the Director designs and executes coordinated engagement strategies that integrate philanthropy, sponsored research, and workforce development into comprehensive, high-impact institutional partnerships.

• Manages a defined portfolio of corporate and foundation prospects, guiding them through qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship to meet or exceed annual and multi-year fundraising goals, including revenue and pipeline targets. Additionally, identifies and solicits new revenue opportunities aligned with institutional priorities.
• Responsible for soliciting and securing corporate sponsor ships, grants, and philanthropic partnerships on behalf of Florida International University, and serving as a strategic partner to academic and administrative leaders. Additionally oversees partner stewardship, including benefit fulfillment, renewal management, and preparation of impact reports.
• Translates faculty research, institutional initiatives, and community impact into compelling funding opportunities aligned with corporate and foundation priorities. Collaborates closely with ORED and faculty to align philanthropic funding with sponsored research opportunities.
• Serves as a strategic advisor to colleges and units regarding corporate and foundation engagement strategies.
• Directs all fundraising activities for corporations and foundations. Initiates, plans and coordinates the development of donor cultivation, development of proposals and solicitations of corporate gifts and grants at the major and principal level gifts. Seeks out and presents new opportunities for partnerships and funding to both the Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations and the Lead Director of Development for the College.
• Meets the annual goal for personal contacts as established by the Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, and any other mutually agreed-upon goals. Tracks, monitors and reports on progress periodically with leadership.
• Drafts, designs and prepares personalized materials needed for the solicitation of prospective donors. Collaborates with Advancement Writing & Editorial Services as appropriate.
• Develops and/or implements a strategically planned travel schedule to meet with prospects and donors, aligned with strategies and outcomes in consultation with the Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations. Attends all Development meetings and other university-related events, as required.
• Collaborates closely with other Development and Alumni Relations teams throughout all campuses.
• Recommends and implements policies and procedures for fundraising activities.

Bachelor s degree and eight (8) years of experience in business, corporate development, foundations, and/or grants; OR twelve (12) years of experience in business, corporate development, foundations, and/or grants; OR an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.

Demonstrated track record of identifying, cultivating, and soliciting a portfolio of major donors, with documented success in closing six-figure ($100,000+) philanthropic commitments.

Extensive experience in securing corporate sponsor ships and leading high-revenue fundraising events (e.g., galas, golf tournaments, or conferences).

Proven ability to manage a dynamic pipeline of prospects, utilizing strategic techniques to advance donors from qualification to stewardship.

Experience providing strategic counsel to and partnering with senior academic leadership (Deans, Faculty) or C-suite executives to translate…