Job Opening: Director, Corp & Fdn Relations – Wilkes Univ.
Wilkes University invites applicants for a full time Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations in the Advancement Division beginning March 15, 2009. Wilkes University is an independent institution of higher education with approximately 2,200 undergraduate and 2,000 graduate students located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, a mid-sized city in northeast PA within two and one-half hours driving distance of New York City and Philadelphia. The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of foundations and corporations that have the ability to support Wilkes University
The successful candidate will develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for corporate and foundation grant requests including major gifts for capital projects, educational initiatives, annual support, and sponsorship. The candidate will research funding sources and identify and meet with prospects in response to current and future institutional priorities and needs.
A bachelor’s degree is required. The ideal candidate will have at least five years progressively responsible experience and proven success in foundation, corporate, or government fundraising in an educational setting. The candidate should have outstanding writing and presentation skills and the ability to work independently on complex projects while meeting strict deadlines.
Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Wilkes University has developed a dynamic team of ambitious and enthusiastic development professionals determined to help our University grow. We are committed to a donor-centric approach to fundraising and seek to add an individual committed to establishing long term relationships with our supporters.
Applicants should send a current resume and cover letter by February 6, 2009 to: Michael Wood, VP Advancement Wilkes University 84 W. South Street, Wilkes-Barre PA 18766, Wilkes University is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to a diverse faculty, staff and student body. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
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Wilkes University, Advancement Office
Position Overview
JOB TITLE: Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations
OFFICE/DEPARTMENT: Advancement
SUPERVISOR: Vice President, Advancement
POSITION PURPOSE
The Director of Foundation & Corporate Relations is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of foundations and corporations that have the ability to support Wilkes University. The Director interacts with the many constituencies of the university to develop and implement corporate and foundation giving strategies in support of Wilkes University and its institutional priorities.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
1. Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for corporate and foundation grant requests including major gifts for capital projects, educational initiatives, annual support, and sponsorship.
2. Provide leadership and initiative in the planning, cultivation and solicitation of primary decision makers in corporations and private / family foundations. Conduct at least 50 face to face visits each year.
3. Aggressively research foundation, corporate, and government funding sources and identify prospects in response to current and future institutional priorities and needs. Identify and prioritize promising opportunities and submit written proposals.
4. Participate in committees, workgroups, and campus activities that increase personal knowledge of subjects/projects appropriate for foundation, corporate or government support.
5. Provide leadership to achieve the funding goals Wilkes University by identifying appropriate project personnel, convening planning sessions, scheduling project development, coordinating and monitoring project progress, editing or writing proposal components, organizing project support documents, distributing draft proposals for review, securing work group approvals, submitting of proposals and following up once submitted to funding organization.
6. Provide thoughtful, consistent and appropriate stewardship.
7. Create and maintain an index of key local, regional, and national foundation, corporate, and government funding sources.
8. Work with Annual Fund Office to broaden the corporate matching program and enhance major sponsorship opportunities
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Individuals must be able to demonstrate that they possess the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the following essential functions of the job.
1. Strong organizational skills and attention to planning
2. Constituent relationship management philosophy
3. At least 5 years progressively responsible experience and proven success in foundation/corporate/government fundraising in an educational setting
4. Outstanding writing and presentation skills
5. Ability to work independently on complex projects and meet strict deadlines
6. Ability to develop strategies to achieve fundraising goals and analyze results and adjust plans to reflect those results
7. Possess integrity and demonstrate professionalism
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred. CFRE certification a plus. Successful candidate will have thorough understanding of the value of a residential liberal arts and sciences education and be able to articulate that understanding.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Wilkes University is developing a dynamic team of ambitious and enthusiastic development professionals determined to help our University grow. We are committed to a donor centric approach to fundraising and seek to establish long term relationships with our supporters.