Lead Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations - and Alumni Engagement

Lead Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world‑class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. The Division of Advancement and Alumni Engagement utilizes resources, technology, and business for the purpose of constituent engagement, donor research and solicitation, and stewardship throughout Emory University and Health Systems. Our mission is to inspire and steward meaningful, lasting relationships that elevate engagement and giving to fulfill Emory’s mission to serve humanity.

• Creates and implements strategies for managing foundation and corporate prospects and soliciting them for major and transformational gifts.
• Leads this process with school/unit Development Directors, Deans, Faculty, and University Leadership.
• Partners with advancement officers, faculty, and Emory University and Emory Healthcare leadership to drive enterprise‑wide efforts to increase philanthropic support from foundations and corporations, corporate executive and employee engagement, economic development and entrepreneurship, research collaborations, and corporate student engagement.
• Proactively identifies, stewards, and cultivates an active portfolio of foundation and corporate prospects on behalf of a school/unit.
• Stays apprised of industry best practices.
• Develops and negotiates school/unit programmatic project ideas for funding consideration aligning school/unit needs with foundation and corporate goals/interests.
• Leads meetings and partnerships between prospects, schools/unit and central Foundation and Corporate Relations offices.
• Serves as primary liaison between school/unit and central Foundation and Corporate Relations offices.
• Writes and prepares complex proposals for submission to prospects.
• Stays abreast of complex application or solicitation requirements.
• Writes, reviews, and edits letters, briefings, and other fundraising materials.
• Communicates and negotiates ideas in ways that are donor‑centric, while also beneficial to Emory.
• Identifies foundation and corporate prospects to be researched to evaluate feasibility/alignment with interests/goals.
• Oversees maintenance of records and reports.
• Hosts campus visits.
• Travels to meet with donors as needed.
• Performs related responsibilities as required.

• Bachelor’s degree and six years of experience in corporate and/or foundation setting, or related field.

• Successful candidates will have experience as a lead solicitor, closing annual and major gifts of ($100,000+) from foundation or corporate prospects.
• Prior experience working with comprehensive campaigns, alumni engagement, non‑profit, or a university setting.
• Experience working with various technologies including advanced knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office Suite, mass email applications, database and project management software, and CRM systems.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, organizational, problem‑solving skills with attention to detail, the ability to work with ambiguity, navigate a complex work environment, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience leading teams, working independently as well as collaboratively to achieve goals, with a commitment to delivering excellent customer service.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills as well as effective presentation skills.
• Flexibility to accommodate changing priorities and deadlines.
• Experience reading, analyzing, designing, and executing fundraising processes and procedures.
• Possess a high level of professionalism and commitment to confidentiality with sound judgment and discretion.

In addition to the duties outlined above, the Lead Director may be required to: meet department metrics for visit preparation, qualification, contact reports, visits, referrals, and accurate coding using the CRM system; represent the department, school/unit, division, or University; and may manage a board and engage volunteers or broad solicitation program. This position requires coming in person two days a week.

This role will be granted the opportunity to work from home…