Director, Corporate & Foundation Relations

About the role

The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations is a senior member of the Division of University Advancement, responsible for building and managing strategic partnerships with corporations and private foundations to support university priorities.

Key responsibilities

• Manage and grow a portfolio of corporate and foundation donors, overseeing the full fundraising cycle from prospect identification to stewardship.
• Develop and implement strategies for prospect cultivation, proposal development, solicitation, and long‑term engagement.
• Collaborate with academic units, research centers, and administrative departments to align funding opportunities with institutional priorities.
• Prepare compelling proposals, concept papers, grant requests, sponsorship packages, and stewardship reports.
• Maintain a strategic moves‑management plan, track donor interactions, and ensure accurate documentation in advancement databases.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• At least ten years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, corporate relations, foundation relations, or a closely related field.
• Proven experience managing donor or external partner relationships and developing funding proposals.
• Strong project‑management, organizational, and communication skills.

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of corporate and foundation fundraising practices and institutional giving trends.
• Proficiency with Office 365 applications.
• Experience using donor, customer‑relationship‑management, or advancement database systems.