Job Description
Position Title: Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations
Department: University Advancement
Reports To: Vice President, University Advancement
Location : On-campus (River Forest, IL)
Position Summary The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations is a member of the University Advancement (UA) team and reports directly to the Vice President of University Advancement. The Director will collaborate with senior leadership and campus partners, as appropriate, to align fundraising efforts with institutional priorities.
In this role, the Director will develop and execute a robust corporate and foundation fundraising and stewardship program. This includes identifying and cultivating relationships with both private and corporate foundations at the local, regional, and national levels to secure major gifts and grants that support the University's strategic initiatives.
Duties/Responsibilities - Responsible for building a dynamic, results-oriented corporate and foundation advancement program that builds partnerships and secures investments in support of university priorities.
- Maintain a comprehensive research program to determine the giving patterns of local, regional, and national corporations and foundations that align with the university's strategic priorities.
- Develop an active list of contacts to interact with external sources for the procurement of grants, gifts, and sponsorships.
- Develop relationships with potential donors through face-to-face meetings and site visits.
- Facilitate, build, and staff corporate and foundation relationships with university leadership, faculty, administrators, and volunteers, as appropriate.
- Prepare grant proposals to appropriate corporate and foundation prospects to support the university's strategic plan and funding priorities.
- Present proposals and related materials to potential funders in coordination with appropriate individuals (President, Vice President of University Advancement, Assistant Vice President of Planning and Government Relations, deans, faculty, administrative leadership, advancement staff, volunteers, etc.) as required to achieve successful fundraising outcomes.
- Regularly report the status of requests and pipeline.
- Establish regular communications to familiarize UA colleagues, deans, faculty, and others about the trends and interests of foundations and corporations.
- Prepare or assist in the preparation of stewardship reports to donors on the status of grants and the use of funds in accordance with the guidelines of approved grants; maintain accurate records on grant reporting deadlines.
- Keep abreast of federal and state legislation that would have a direct or indirect bearing on grant possibilities from these sources and assist in the preparation of proposals.
- Create and maintain an annual operating plan that includes a timeline and established measurable goals.
- Support the preparation of proposals and related projects for government and individual prospects, as assigned.
- Develop resource documents for use by University Advancement staff with internal and external audiences, including template proposals, PowerPoint presentations, funding initiative summaries, and sheets, letters, etc.
- Coordinate with other members of the University Advancement team to maximize the sharing of information mutually beneficial for the solicitation of gifts, grants, and sponsorships.
- Assist with other UA functions, such as screening sessions, presidential briefings, committee meetings, and volunteer activities, as needed and necessary.
- Perform other duties as requested, delegated, or assigned.
Required Qualifications - Bachelor's degree.
- Minimum of five years of related experience in a similar position for a non-profit organization, preferably in higher education.
- Experience in establishing rapport with individuals in the foundation and corporate arena for the purposes of building strategic relationships, presenting proposals, and soliciting grants.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - Ability to clearly articulate the mission of Dominican University.
- Ability to balance multiple priorities; generate contacts and meetings while preparing the necessary proposals.
- Ability to relate to others, both campus partners and external program officers.
- Ability to collaborate with university faculty, staff, and administration in gift or grant proposal and concept development.
- Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and review work to meet schedules and timelines.
- Ability to analyze situations and implement appropriate actions and responses.
- Excellent presentation skills and the ability to address the public with ease and confidence.
- Diplomacy, tact, and courtesy.
- Strong writing skills to develop professional reports, grant proposals, strategic plans, and correspondence.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Demonstration of integrity, a strong work ethic, and a positive attitude.
Preferred Qualifications - Knowledge of the Chicago philanthropic community.
- Familiarity with Raiser's Edge or grant research tools.
Physical Demands: - Ability to spend long durations of the workday sitting at a desk and working on a computer
- Ability to lift up to 15 pounds at times
- Note: accommodation will be made for applicants who cannot meet these physical demands
Salary and FLSA Status - Salary: $83,900 - $92,500
- FLSA Status: Exempt, Full-time, 37.5 hours
Benefits - Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement plan with employer matching contributions
- Professional development opportunities
- Tuition remission for employees and their dependents
- Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
- Generous paid time off (PTO)
Employment at Dominican University is contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation.
About Dominican University Dominican University is a Catholic, comprehensive teaching university located in River Forest, a suburb of Chicago, with an additional campus in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Dominican University offers associate, baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. It is highly regarded for its academic rigor, thoughtful accompaniment of students, intentional affordability, and values-based, relationship-centered learning environment.
Dominican currently enrolls over 3,800 students, including 2,690 undergraduates and 1,114 graduate students. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of undergraduate students identify as Latinx, 5% as Black or African American, and 3% as Asian. Under-represented minority students comprise 77% of the undergraduate enrollment and 38% of the graduate enrollment. Over 90 percent of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid. Nearly half of all undergraduates are first-generation college students; over half are federal Pell Grant recipients, illustrating their families' level of income; and 58% are eligible for low-income MAP grants from the State of Illinois.
Recognized since 2011 as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education, Dominican is committed to expanding and enhancing educational opportunities for Latinx students and all students from historically underrepresented groups. For more information, visit
Expectations for all Dominican Employees To support the University's mission of preparing students to pursue truth, give compassionate service, and participate in the creation of a more just and humane world, engage in university service work that promotes collaboration and community building. This includes participating in organizational initiatives, supporting campus events, contributing to community outreach, and fostering a supportive environment through involvement in various staff-driven activities and groups.
Institutional Statement Dominican University is committed to fostering a supportive academic community that provides access and opportunity for all our students.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Dominican University is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal and state employment regulations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need accommodations due to a disability, you may contact us at opc@dom.edu for assistance.
Job Tags
Full time, Local area, Flexible hours,