Purpose of position: The primary responsibility of the Director of Corporate Relations will be to effectively manage a portfolio of corporate donors and prospects, including meeting with corporate representatives and developing and submitting written proposals.
Essential functions Implement and manage a comprehensive development plan focused on expanding and enhancing corporate relationships; direct and coordinate activities related to corporate support. Evaluate potential funding prospects and initiate grant requests and inquiries to existing and potential corporate supporters on behalf of the University. Coordinate corporate fundraising for academic units. Work closely with Senior Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, Senior Grant Writer and Directors of Development in establishing corporate fundraising priorities, and advising them on trends in corporate philanthropy. Meet regularly with development staff to understand University priorities, seek projects and provide input on work. Ensure that all corporate donors are stewarded for their gifts and that strong relationships are maintained.
Marginal/Incidental functions Other functions as assigned.
Required qualifications Bachelor's degree. 5 years of professional experience in a development office for corporate and foundation fundraising or closely related field. A successful track record in soliciting and securing major gifts and meeting goals. Knowledge of cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies, particularly in the area of corporate fundraising techniques. Demonstrated experience in managing business relationships in a role such as account manager or corporate relations. Broad industry knowledge in major sector such as energy, healthcare, financial, technology, aerospace, etc. Experience needed to deal with high level management in the corporate sector. Applicants must include in their online resume the following information: 1) Employment history: name of company, period employed (from month/year to month/year), job title, summary of job duties and 2) Education: if some college or college degree, list school name, degree type, major, graduated or not, and hours completed if not graduated. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred qualifications Experience in a development/fundraising, university, or non-profit environment. Experience in Raiser's Edge or other fundraising database. Ability to gather, research, understand and synthesize information from a variety of sources, and ability to interact with faculty and staff members across a complex university environment to develop high-quality proposals. Knowledge and familiarity with research techniques for fundraising prospect research and experience with online grant submission. Understanding of fundraising fundamentals. High degree of professionalism and customer service. Strong organizational skills and ability to set and meet appropriate deadlines. Detail oriented with a high attention to follow through. Experience working with corporations to solicit funding. Experience in researching funding opportunities. Experience in writing and submitting proposals.
