Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations

JOB PURPOSE:

The Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations is responsible for increasing Carthage College’s visibility among regional, state, and national private foundations, businesses, corporations, and government associated funding entities. The director actively engages in working to establish long-term partnerships and strengthen existing relationships with the corporate and foundation sector, as well as other key communities, which result in funding for the immediate and long-term goals of the College.

This position will work collaboratively with the Office of Sponsored Programs, which provides direction and support to faculty members submitting government and other fund proposals in support of academic programs and undergraduate research. The position also will work collaboratively with the Director of Corporate Sponsorships for Athletics to ensure a coherent and strategic solicitation strategy. Additionally, the Director will serve as a liaison to the Aspire Center, working to create and steward partnerships with businesses, corporations, and other organizations that can provide internships and jobs for Carthage students and graduates.

DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Design, implement, and manage a comprehensive proactive development plan focused on expanding and enhancing foundation and business relationships by directing and coordinating activities related to obtaining monetary support from these entities.
• Identify emerging business leadership and industry trends with a special emphasis on developing high value-exchange corporate alliances and identify, evaluate, cultivate and solicit five- and six-figure philanthropic commitments to support the mission and goals of the College.
• Work closely with Alumni & Family Engagement staff, major gift officers, and other College representatives creating opportunities to build awareness among corporate and foundation constituencies in order to significantly expand positive fundraising relationships. Identify key alumni within corporations/foundation and review corporate profiles that suggest potential relationships because of common interests.
• Manage the Carthage Business and Professional Coalition, a 20+ year program that engages primarily regional businesses in a luncheon speaker series on campus.
• Work directly with campus Development Directors, Administrators, and Deans/Faculty to develop new approaches to foundations and corporations and coordinate these contacts to initiate the cultivation/fundraising process.
• Identify opportunities from private foundations and corporations in support of College programs and goals and develop highly competitive proposals for corporate and foundation. Monitor proposal deadlines, prepare and edit letters of intent and proposals, and manage proposal submissions.
• Maintain a rigorous schedule of contacts with foundation and corporate representatives, creating moves management plans related to them, compelling presentations, and comprehensive fundraising proposals.
• Maintain high quality stewardship process for active foundation and corporate prospects and donors. Maintain accurate and detailed records of foundation gift correspondence and agreements. Work with program managers, the budget office, and others as needed to ensure that reporting requirements are met. Steward individual and organizational relationships, providing additional reporting and engagement as needed to ensure successful ongoing partnerships.
• Work collaboratively with the Office of Sponsored Programs in determining gift versus grant opportunities and partnering as needed to secure funding especially related to faculty and academic initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Athletics to establish solicitation strategies for local and regional businesses, including development of a sponsorship program with strategic giving levels and assets, and incentives.
• Work collaboratively with the Aspire Center and other campus departments to create and steward partnerships with businesses, corporations and other organizations that can provide internships and jobs for Carthage students and graduates.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

DESCPRITION OF NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

N/A

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

N/A

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: (To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.)

• Bachelor’s degree required; masters preferred.
• A minimum of 3-5 years demonstrated successful fundraising experience preferably in higher education (or a comparably complex organization) required.
• Knowledge of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies and techniques in the area of corporate and foundation fundraising required.
• Demonstrated ability in grant and proposal writing at appropriate levels for varied proposal development required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of methods, practices, and procedures for obtaining information about the giving programs of corporations and foundations are essential.
• Demonstrated self-motivation and discipline skills to regularly set and achieve work goals.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and networking skills with large groups as well as with individuals are essential.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of poise and professionalism in all circumstances.
• Ability to initiate and build relationships with prospective foundation and corporate donors, and interact via telephone and in person with institutional representatives.
• Demonstrated ability to take primary responsibility for diverse number of projects and to complete them in a timely manner with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated record of success in generating significant commitments from corporations and foundations.

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PROTECTIVE CLOTHING REQUIRED:

n/a

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (The physical demands described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The phrases “occasionally,” “regularly,” and “frequently” correspond to the following definitions: “occasionally” means up to 1/3 of working time, “regularly” means between 1/3 and 2/3 of working time, and “frequently” means 2/3 and more of working time.)

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and/or use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects, tools, or controls. The employee is regularly required to talk and/or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move between 1 and 5 pounds while carrying banners, brochures and materials to meetings/events. Regular travel regionally and nationally required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: (The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

Work is performed mostly in an office environment in a variety of work locations throughout the Carthage Campus. The noise level in the work environment is moderate and typical of an office setting and/or meetings with College constituents in their homes and offices.

The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principle functions of the occupation described and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the occupation.

Institutional Information

Founded in 1847, Carthage College combines an environment of reflection and self-discovery with a culture of high expectation, so that our students uncover and ignite their true potential. As a four-year private liberal arts college with roots in the Lutheran tradition, we place a strong emphasis on both moral and intellectual values. Our prime location in Kenosha, Wisconsin, midway between Chicago and Milwaukee, allows students the opportunity to learn in a professional context. Our beautiful campus, an 80-acre arboretum on the shore of Lake Michigan is home to 150 scholars, 2,600 full-time students, and 400 part-time students. Our rich academic experience equips students with foundational knowledge and skills, preparing graduates to be lifelong learners and to lead meaningful, productive lives.

Carthage College is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse community. We welcome applications from a broad spectrum of people, including members of ethnic minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex,gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation,national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.