Executive Director of Corporation and Foundation Relations University Advancement
West Virginia State University West Virginia State University: West Virginia State University (WVSU) is a public-land grant institution, which was founded in 1891 as a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), and has evolved into a fully accessible, diverse, and multi-generational institution serving approximately 3,500 students. The University is a community of students, staff, and faculty committed to innovative teaching and learning, research and service that offers 23 undergraduate and seven graduate degrees through its four colleges, and competes in athletics at the NCAA Division II level in five men’s sports and five women’s sports. WVSU is located in Institute, WV, a suburb of Charleston, the largest city and the capital of West Virginia. With more than 300,000 people living in the metropolitan area, it is an active, exciting and engaging community, boasting cultural and historical events, music, festivals and entertainment.
Position Description Reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement, the Executive Director of Corporation & Foundation Relations works in close collaboration with constituents across campus and within University Advancement to plan, develop and implement relationships with the university’s corporate and foundation partners. The Executive Director is responsible for identifying and building relationships with foundation program officers and corporations to secure private funding for university-wide initiatives in accordance with industry best practices, and serves as the primary prospect manager for a portfolio of 50 – 75 foundations, corporations, and organizations.
The Executive Director manages ongoing relationships and serves as the primary liaison with external organizations, provost, deans, faculty and other key stakeholders. The Executive Director ensures that proposals are delivered on time, adhere to the highest possible standards, and meet customer expectations while conveying a consistent strong brand message for University Advancement, the university, and its colleges and units.
Working in a collaborative team environment, the Executive Director regularly meets with colleagues in colleges and other university units to investigate the viability of identified Page 1 of 4 Posting date: 04/20/2021
fundraising and partnership opportunities as well as consults with them and appropriate administrators on project development and management. The Executive Director performs these duties in a professional and positive manner, and demonstrates integrity, good judgment, and the ability to work well with a variety of people and styles.
An understanding of organizational policies and procedures is critical. The Executive Director will develop and implement measures for evaluating the effectiveness of corporate and foundation relations activities which track progress, analyze results, and benchmark against peers, etc. The Executive Director will prepare periodic reports on the status of these results for the Vice President for University Advancement and other university leaders.
Other Work/Responsibilities ● Plan and implement the university’s Corporation & Foundation Relations fundraising program, in collaboration with the Vice President for University Advancement. ● Identify and manage a portfolio of 50 – 75 foundation and corporate partners and implement cultivation/solicitation strategies for each partner. Report regularly on this portfolio to the Vice President for University Advancement. ● Prepare proposals and related materials as needed to secure gifts. Develop gift proposals for foundations, corporations, corporate foundations, and organizations, working with appropriate faculty and other academic personnel. ● Implement foundation and corporate visits, both off and on-campus. Prepare itineraries and briefing materials for guests, faculty, deans, and university leadership to ensure all participants are well-prepared for the purpose of the meeting to lead to the desired outcomes. ● Maintain strong understanding of the university’s teaching, research and service programs and develop relationships with colleagues across campus. Use this information to match foundation and corporate interests with these areas in support of university priorities. ● Plan and implement special donor recognition events and projects. ● Work closely with faculty to ensure timely and quality stewardship. ● Foster supportive and productive relationships with colleagues both within Advancement and the university as a whole. ● Represent University Advancement, and the university at special functions and on appropriate committees. ● Participate in the activities of appropriate professional organizations, establishing relationships with staff in comparable institutions to participate in information exchange, professional development activities, special projects, etc. ● Support the Vice President for University Advancement with special projects as needed. Perform other duties as assigned.
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Requirements for the Executive Director of Corporation and Foundation Relations Bachelor’s degree or higher and three to five years of related work experience. Employment contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check. Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Preferred Experience, Credentials, Qualifications Experience working in corporate and foundation relations in a complex non-profit organization, preferably in a higher education setting. Experience securing significant gifts Knowledge of best practices in relationship management with foundations, companies, and organizations as evidenced by presentations, publications, or experience in a high- performing corporate and foundation relations office. Knowledge of WVSU, its culture, mission, structure, and donors.
Salary Statement $70,000 - $80,000 salary commensurate with experience
To Apply This position will remain open until filled. However, first consideration will be given to applicants who submit a resume, cover letter, academic transcripts, and the names and email addresses or phone numbers of three professional references, etc. by May 6, 2021. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. West Virginia State University Executive Director of Corporation and Foundation Relations Human Resources Department PO Box 1000/105 Cole Complex Institute, WV 25112-1000 Or email to: [email protected]
West Virginia State University conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Any offer of employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.
West Virginia State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. No person shall be denied admission to educational programs, activities or employment on the basis of any legally protected status, or be subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, marital status, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be made to provide Page 3 of 4 Posting date: 04/20/2021
this content into an alternate accessible format by contacting Human Resources at (304) 766- 3156 and/or [email protected].
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