Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

Full-time - Mid Level

Seattle, WA

About the position

The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at Seattle Pacific University plays a crucial role in securing and strengthening strategic partnerships with corporations and foundations. This position involves executing proposals to gain substantial philanthropic support, collaborating with university leadership and faculty to align institutional priorities with funding opportunities, and leading initiatives to enhance corporate and foundation giving. The director will also be responsible for researching grant opportunities, developing compelling proposals, and providing stewardship reports to demonstrate the impact of private grants.

Responsibilities

• Work with the VP for University Advancement, University President, and Chief Academic Officer to establish annual fundraising goals for corporate and foundation funding.
• Research, write, and successfully apply for private and corporate grant support (annual $250K+ or gifts of $50K+).
• Build and maintain a portfolio of 50-100 foundation and corporate donors, ensuring regular stewardship and solicitations.
• Collaborate with SPU community members to enhance corporate and foundation giving, unify approaches, and strategically steward gifts.
• Compose and edit grant proposals, letters, reports, and budgets in coordination with university collaborators.
• Ensure compliance with grantor guidelines.
• Develop relationships with foundation officers, board members, and foster connections with University personnel.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Communication, or equivalent; advanced degree preferred.
• Three years of related experience, preferably in a college or university setting.
• Minimum five years of experience working with corporations and foundations in grant proposal preparation for an educational organization.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience with Raiser's Edge or similar CRM preferred.
• Quick development of institutional knowledge.
• Ability to create processes, drive change, and build bridges for strategic funding opportunities.
• Connecting external funder research to internal projects.

Nice-to-haves

• Maturing and contagious Christian faith, with knowledge of and passion for the Christian mission of the University, including the willingness to accept the lifestyle standards of the Christian community.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with premiums paid by SPU.
• Generous contributions to an employee HSA account.
• 7% contribution to a retirement account for eligible employees, with immediate vesting.
• Tuition discount program (50% - 90%) available for the employee and qualified immediate family members.