Corporate and Foundation Relations Specialist

Position Information

University Code 15214 University Title Senior Development Specialist 1-3 University Job Family Development ORP Eligible No For more information on ORP, visit: Retirement Plans
Recruitment Pool All Applicants Recruitment Type Multi Title Scope of Search Regional Working Title Corporate and Foundation Relations Specialist Position Number 592270 Is this employee on a H1B Visa? No Position Type Staff Job Status Full-Time FLSA Indicator Exempt Employee Group University Employee Department Development Organizational Overview

At VCU, we Make it Real through learning, research, creativity, service and discovery — the hallmarks of the VCU experience. A premier, urban, public research university nationally recognized as one of the best employers for diversity, VCU is a great place to work. It’s a place of opportunity, where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work.

Position Primary Purpose and General Responsibilities
Virginia Commonwealth University ( VCU ) recently completed the most successful campaign in its history. As the planning for our next campaign is in progress, Development and Alumni Relations is expanding its investment in VCU’s fundraising capacity within corporate and foundation relations. VCU is guided by Quest 2025: Together We Transform, the bold, next phase in its strategic vision as “a preeminent national urban public research university and academic health center” committed to advancing equitable access to social, economic, and health success. The four themes of VCU’s Quest 2025 strategic plan are: Student Success, National Prominence, Urban & Regional Transformation, and Diversity Driving Excellence. Bold ambitions require big investments; VCU is leveraging and realigning existing resources while seeking substantial new revenue from sponsored research, new partnerships, and private philanthropy.

The Corporate and Foundation Relations Specialist will join a growing team of development professionals in the VCU Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations ( CFR ) whose primary mission is to cultivate and steward long-term relationships with corporations and foundations and raise funds for priority needs of Virginia Commonwealth University – those identified in Quest 2025: Together We Transform, VCU’s strategic plan; Vision by Design ( VCU Health’s strategic plan) and the VCU Health Equity Plan; and other priorities identified by university leadership and community partners.

The Corporate and Foundation Relations Specialist (“Specialist”) is responsible for supporting the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations’ efforts to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects for Virginia Commonwealth University ( VCU ). The Specialist will work closely with the Associate Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations and Principal Giving, Director of Corporate Relations, Director of Foundation Relations, and Senior Associate Vice President of Development to secure external support for university initiatives.

The duties and assignments include, but are not limited to:
Manage the development, writing, editing, and submission of targeted solicitations (with a primary focus on online grant applications and grants below $50,000 but not limited to this number).
Work proactively with CFR staff and DAR leadership to identify potential funding sources.
Analyze, track and report on key CFR data/metrics.
Develop detailed profile reports of current donors and prospects and manage solicitation deadlines.
Create and maintain a system to assist in the stewardship process and ensure timely submission of interim and final reports to funders.
Work with CFR staff to create and execute cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.
Conduct proactive research (using news alerts, web searches, online databases, etc.) to identify top national and local funders that align with university projects and priorities – working in concert with VCU Prospect Development team members.
Develop briefing materials for site visits and meetings with prospective and current donors .
Work with development, academic and medical colleagues in the schools and units to identify priorities and develop funding opportunities.
Conduct proactive research to identify internal and external media for timely developments and potential funding opportunities relevant to the CFR office.
Monitor faculty grant activity via Office of Sponsored Programs’ database; work with CFR staff to identify ways to strengthen our working relationship with OSP .

As a team member, the Specialist will:
Demonstrate appreciation for the mission and aspirations of VCU .
Display a strong commitment to organizational success and delivering on individual responsibilities as a university citizen.
Demonstrate a commitment to the pursuit of excellence, high achievement and ongoing professional development by proactively seeking opportunities to develop new capabilities, skills, and knowledge.
Establish, cultivate and maintain collaborative working relationships with internal partners.
Demonstrate a commitment to the highest quality service to internal and external communities.
Demonstrate an open-minded approach to understanding people from all backgrounds, identities, abilities, perspectives and experiences.
Align with DAR’s and VCU’s core purposes and values.

Reporting Relationships:
The Specialist reports to Associate Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations and Principal Giving. Minimum Hiring Standards
A bachelor’s degree, preferably in a liberal arts or humanities concentration or significant comparable experience.
Excellent written, oral, and marketing communications skills.
Proven organizational, analytical and research skills.
High level of flexibility needed to work independently in a deadline-driven environment.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle details accurately.
Strong interpersonal skills and working with wide varieties of team partners.
Ability to handle multiple and concurrent tasks under pressure.
Sense of curiosity and humor.
Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff and student environment or commitment to do so as a university professional at VCU . Preferred Hiring Standards
A graduate degree in liberal arts, communications, social or life sciences.
Two or more years of nonprofit experience; prospect research or proposal writing experience.
Corporate and foundation relations experience in an academic or healthcare setting is highly desirable. Required Licenses/ Certifications Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with experience Application Process/Additional Information
The final job title and salary will be commensurate with the experience of the selected candiate. Campus Monroe Park Campus Hours/Week 40 Normal Work Days/Hours M-F Job Open Date 04/07/2021 Posting will close on or before Open Until Filled Yes Job Category Development Is this a restricted position? No Is this position eligible to participate in alternative work arrangements? Yes Sensitive Position No Resource Critical Yes Quick Link https://www.vcujobs.com/postings/104952 Posting Specific Questions

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Optional & Required Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter/Letter of Application

Optional Documents

1. Other Document