Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, University Advancement

Position Title: Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

Department: University Advancement

Reports To: Vice President, University Advancement/Executive Director, Rowan University Foundation

Position Summary

The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at Rowan University is a senior leadership position responsible for developing and implementing strategies to cultivate and steward relationships with corporate entities and philanthropic foundations. Drawing from experience at a Carnegie classified institution, this role involves driving revenue growth through securing grants, sponsorships, and partnerships to support the university's strategic priorities, research initiatives, and institutional advancement efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy Development: Develop and execute comprehensive strategies for engaging corporations and foundations in alignment with Rowan University's fundraising goals and strategic priorities, leveraging insights gained from experience at a Carnegie classified institution.
• Relationship Management: Cultivate and maintain relationships with corporate leaders, foundation executives, and program officers, drawing from existing networks and experiences, to identify funding opportunities and establish mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Grant Acquisition: Lead the identification, research, and application process for securing grants from corporate and foundation sources, applying strategies honed at a Carnegie classified institution to support various university programs, research projects, and initiatives.
• Proposal Development: Collaborate with faculty, administrators, and development staff to create compelling grant proposals, sponsorship packages, and funding requests that align with donors' interests and funding priorities, utilizing best practices refined through prior experience.
• Stewardship and Reporting: Ensure timely and accurate reporting to corporate and foundation donors on the impact of their contributions, drawing from expertise in stewardship practices to cultivate long-term partnerships and continued support.
• Collaboration and Coordination: Work closely with colleagues across departments, including academic units, research centers, and administrative offices, leveraging experience in interdisciplinary collaboration to align fundraising efforts and maximize opportunities for collaboration and partnership.
• Budget Management: Develop and manage the budget for corporate and foundation relations activities, applying fiscal management skills acquired at a Carnegie classified institution to ensure resources are allocated effectively to support strategic priorities and fundraising goals.
• Compliance and Ethics: Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards governing fundraising activities, applying knowledge of fundraising principles, ethics, and best practices to maintain transparency and integrity.
• Professional Development: Stay informed about trends, best practices, and emerging opportunities in corporate and foundation fundraising, drawing from prior professional development activities to enhance skills and knowledge in the field.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in corporate and foundation relations, fundraising, or related fields, with experience at a Carnegie classified institution highly preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in managing teams and leading projects in a fast-paced organizational setting.
• Proven record of success in securing major grants, sponsorships, and partnerships from corporate and foundation sources.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including corporate executives, foundation leaders, faculty, and staff.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts and funding opportunities in a clear and compelling manner.
• Strategic and analytical thinker with the ability to develop and implement effective fundraising strategies and plans to achieve fundraising goals.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including experience managing teams, budgets, and projects.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles, ethics, and best practices, as well as familiarity with relevant laws and regulations governing charitable giving and philanthropy.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with a high degree of professionalism, integrity, and discretion.
  
  

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it. Responsibilities may change over time to accommodate organizational growth and priorities.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Rowan University promotes a diverse community that begins with students, faculty, staff, and administrators who respect each other and value one another’s inherent dignity. By identifying and removing barriers and fostering individual potential, Rowan cultivates a community in which all members can learn and grow. The Rowan community is committed to a safe environment that encourages intellectual, academic, and social interaction and engagement across multiple intersections of identities. At Rowan, creating and maintaining a caring community that embraces diversity in its broadest sense is among the highest institutional priorities. On the University Advancement team and throughout the University, we believe every team member enriches our diversity by exposing us to a broad range of ways to: understand and engage with the world; identify challenges; and discover, design, and deliver solutions.

Starting Date

As soon as possible.

Salary

Rowan University offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including tuition remission for qualified employees.

General Information

This is a full-time Monday-Friday position. The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Determinations regarding this position’s potential flexible work options will be considered in adherence to applicable policies and subject to approval by Human Resources.