Director of Foundation Relations

Merrimack College is a selective, private college in a beautiful, residential setting — just minutes from Boston, Massachusetts.

Position Overview & Responsibilities

The Director of Foundation Relations works closely with college senior administrators, department leadership and faculty to raise the necessary support for identified priorities. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Grants and Institutional Development, this individual will be external facing and have responsibility for identifying and cultivating foundation relationships, developing funding proposals, soliciting, and following up in securing philanthropic support for Merrimack College.

The Director of Foundation Relations works collaboratively with the College’s Development team on behalf of Merrimack, and continuously seeks ways to increase effectiveness and efficiency. This position offers the right candidate an opportunity to grow and advance at a rapidly growing private institution, while transforming the world around us.

Responsibilities include:

• Solicit foundation grants and gifts in the $100,000+ range. Lead all aspects of creating and submitting foundation grant proposals, including writing, creating budget, preparation of supporting documentation, drafting and collection of required attachments; developing stewardship plans.
  
  
• Build relationships with external foundation funders through visits correspondence, and regular communication.
  
  
• Develop individualized strategies for foundation (corporate, independent, family, and public charity) prospects and manager of a portfolio of minimum 50 prospects.
  
  
• Become a subject matter expert in key areas and develop a strong working knowledge of the history, current goals, priorities, and strengths of the university.
  
  
• Conduct research to identify foundation prospects, for both the institutional priorities as a whole and for specific programs, projects and research that align with the College’s strategic direction (RFPs, foundation guidelines, etc.).
  
  
• With the AVP, work strategically to define goals, objectives, and metrics for the Foundation Relations program.
  
  
• Work collaboratively with university senior leaders, faculty and staff to identify, develop and frame new and existing programs that have the potential to attract grant funding.
  
  
• Track all grants in an organized manner, including writing and developing materials to meet grant reporting requirements.
  
  
• Maintain regular reporting and reconcile income reports with the grants’ accountant.
  
  
• Facilitate faculty training.
  
  
• Represent Foundation Relations at various training opportunities, workshops, and events on and off-campus.
  
  
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
  
  

Education & Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent record of professional achievement and qualifications with a demonstrated track record of success.
  
  
• A minimum of 5 years of a proven track record of success in corporate and foundation fundraising.
  
  
• Demonstrated experience securing gift commitments and developing relationships with corporations and foundations.
  
  
• Experience preparing timely, accurate, and comprehensive written reports and presentations.
  
  
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills –written and verbal – with internal and external audiences.
  
  
• Advanced written communications, analytical skills, collaboration, and project management skills.
  
  
• Proven ability to effectively articulate clear and compelling messages.
  
  
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
  
  
• Ability to understand and utilize fundraising databases, software, and Internet search engines to identify funding prospects
  
  
• Excellent organizational, planning, tracking and follow-up skills, plus attention to detail.
  
  
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and limited resources.
  
  
• Ability to handle confidential and proprietary information with discretion.
  
  
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office software package.
  
  
• Ability to create and maintain good working relationships with a variety of diverse internal and external team members.
  
  
• Strong commitment to teamwork.
  
  
• Ability to travel locally and out of state as required.
  
  

Application Materials Should Include:

• Resume and cover letter.
  
  

This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.

All candidates should describe in their application previous experience related to equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as how they will engage in fostering a culture that supports our Augustinian mission, our Catholic faith and our values of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Statement on Our Mission

Merrimack College is a Catholic Augustinian institution of higher education committed to building a culturally and racially diverse community. Our mission is to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives and is inspired by our Catholic faith and the Augustinian tradition of seeking truth through inquiry and dialogue.

Merrimack College seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to Merrimack’s Augustinian mission and values and advance our work in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups. All candidates should describe in their application previous experience related to equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as how they will engage in fostering a culture that supports our Augustinian mission, our Catholic faith and our values of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Required Vaccinations & Remote Work:

This is a remote negotiable position. Merrimack College currently has a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. Students, faculty and staff are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

About Merrimack College

The only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, Merrimack College is a private, independent, coeducational institution with more than 5,000 undergraduates and graduate students from 32 states and 37 countries, and comprises schools of liberal arts, science and engineering, health sciences, education and social policy, and business. The college’s 260- acre campus is approximately 25 miles north of Boston in North Andover and Andover, Massachusetts. Merrimack is a Master’s Colleges & Universities/Medium Programs institution in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Merrimack is one of the fastest growing educational institutions in the country and has steadily climbed up U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Best Colleges, coming in 46th out of 170 schools ranked in the Regional Universities North category in 2020. Merrimack is also listed as one of the top 10 most innovative schools and placed 35th for best undergraduate teaching programs among schools in the U.S. News category.

Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Internal Applicants - Apply Now

External Applicants - Apply Now