Associate Director of Foundation Relations, Drexel University

Posted by Drexel University on March 5, 2018

The Office of Institutional Advancement’s (IA) Foundation Relations Department serves the entire University. The primary responsibility of the Associate Director of Foundation Relations is to advance fundraising in arts & humanities, social sciences, and community engagement by co-leading efforts in the Office of University-Community Partnerships, Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, and the College of Arts & Sciences (COAS). As a seasoned proposal writer, prospect researcher, and fundraiser, he/she will partner with various University departments and centers to develop innovative approaches for building teams and submitting multi-disciplinary cutting-edge proposals that increase revenues. He/she will report directly to the Executive Director of Foundation Relations, and will also work closely with other Directors and Proposal Writers in IA, Development Officers focused on Westphal, College of Arts & Sciences and University-Community Partnerships, and Provosts, Deans, faculty, and staff.

Qualifications:

1. Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills required.
2. Five or more years of professional writing and editing experience in higher education, non- profit fund development work or communications/public relations fields required.
3. Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy and the ability to work independently required.
4. Ability to handle high volume of specific and increasingly complex proposals as well as other writing assignments required.
5. Ability to work independently and collaboratively required.
6. Knowledge of proposal development and foundation fundraising preferred.
7. Excellent administrative skills preferred.
8. Knowledge of database fundraising software programs desirable.
9. Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends is a plus.

Essential Functions:

In partnership with the Foundation Relations team, the Associate Director will:
1. Plan, organize, and implement strategies to secure private foundation funds for research and programs in Drexel’s Office of University-Community Partnerships, Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, and social sciences and humanities departments in the College of Arts & Sciences. This will be accomplished by:
– Pursuing the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, recognition, and stewardship of local and national foundations.
– Gaining deep relationships with and knowledge of deans, directors, faculty, staff and projects in relevant departments and schools/colleges.
– Identifying areas for cross-disciplinary collaboration both within assigned units and throughout the University.
2. Write, edit and assemble letters of inquiry, proposals, stewardship reports, thank you letters, and supporting documentation to foundations and maintain electronic correspondence with faculty/staff in need of support.
3. Work closely with Executive Director of Foundation Relations to strategize approaches to select University priority foundations.
4. Work independently and collegially with Institutional Advancement colleagues to research and review foundation prospects and develop strategies for significant funding proposals that are responsive to both University and grantor priorities.
5. Make direct contact with foundation representatives and program officers to arrange exploratory conversations, gather information, answer questions or provide other assistance that increases the likelihood of new or renewed investment in Drexel.
6. Work directly with faculty and staff to track deadlines for submitting their proposals and stewardship reports for funded projects. Assist them in preparing and submitting required materials on a timely basis, and responding to grantor requests for information.
7. Follow IA procedures with regard to prospect management and contact documentation, including responsibility for oversight and submission of all related fundraising reports, statistics, projections and publications.
8. Perform other duties as assigned and adhere to performance goals and standards as specified under IA guidelines.

Supplemental Posting Information:

Drexel University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and believes that an inclusive and respectful environment enriches the University community and the educational and employment experience of its members. The University prohibits discrimination against individuals on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, status as a veteran or special disabled veteran, gender identity or expression, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions and any other prohibited characteristic. Please visit our website to view all University Policies and Workplace Postings.

Background investigations are required for all new hires as a condition of employment, after the job offer is made. Employment may not begin until the University accepts the results of the background investigations.

To apply for this position, please apply online at:

http://www.drexeljobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=83127

or visit http://www.drexeljobs.com and search for

The requisition number is 8791

For more information about Drexel University, please visit http://www.drexel.edu.