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Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University

Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

Reporting to the Executive Director of University Development, The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations is responsible for maximizing philanthropic support from corporations and foundations as well as appropriate government sources through grants and contracts. Through close collaboration with the Provost and Deans the Director is expected to identify academic priorities appropriate for external funding; identify potential corporate or foundation sources for funding these priorities; and to lead the cultivation and solicitation of these prospects. The Director is expected to build upon the University's existing established relationships with a number of national and regional foundations in order to continue and increase their support of University priorities. S/he will also identify, cultivate and solicit new funding prospects to increase the level of support for these priorities.

The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations will be expected to:

  • Manage relationships with a portfolio of corporate and foundation funders.
  • Identify and cultivate new relationships with prospective corporate, foundation and government funding sources.
  • Coordinate priorities for University proposals with the Executive Director of University Development and the Vice President for University Advancement.
  • Personally visit key prospects and arrange visits for the President, Provost, Deans, or other appropriate University representative.
  • Solicit philanthropic support from prospective funders through the preparation and submission of written proposals; assist the Provost, Deans and faculty with proposals; and shepherd the application process to timely and successful completion.
  • Oversee stewardship of corporate, foundation and government funders and their grants to the University and ensure the submission of timely and accurate reports.
  • Oversee faculty proposal/award processing for adherence to University budgeting policies.
  • Coordinate with the Business Office on proposal and pre-award issues.
  • Oversee the documentation of all activity with corporate and foundation funders and prospective funders within the Raiser's Edge database.
  • Maintain up-to-date reports on all proposal submissions including documentation of dollars requested vs. awarded.
  • Establish benchmarks and standards for reporting on corporate, foundation and grant relations' activities and results.
  • Lead the office and staff in providing education to faculty in all aspects of grant submission through on-campus workshops, office website, and other appropriate avenues.
  • Supervise the associate director of corporate and foundation relations and the corporate and foundation relations coordinator.
  • Manage office workflow and priorities.

The successful candidate will have a thorough understanding of, depth of experience with, and proven record of successful fundraising from corporate and foundation funders. The candidate should have a working knowledge of federal funding opportunities for liberal arts institutions like Washington and Lee. S/he will be a passionate, high-energy individual with outstanding skills in management, communication, and collaboration with academic leaders, faculty and development colleagues.

Washington and Lee seeks a director of corporate and foundation relations with the capacity and desire to embrace the mission and values that make the University distinct among its liberal arts peers. S/he must be adept at working independently and as a member of a collegial team of development professionals. The successful candidate will have a minimum of five years of relevant experience, preferably in a higher education setting. A Bachelor's degree is required and a master's degree preferred.

Questions and Additional Information:

  • Please contact Tres Mullis, Executive Director of University Development, at 540-458-8165 or tmullis@wlu.edu.