Drexel’s Office of Institutional Advancement (IA) supports the University’s mission and strategic priorities by generating philanthropic engagement and by building and strengthening relationships among alumni, students, faculty, staff, civic leaders, friends, and foundation and corporate partners. We aspire to create a sustainable and lasting culture of philanthropy at Drexel University by cultivating the next generation of leadership through volunteer initiatives and alumni engagement. 

In alignment with Drexel University’s values and priorities, IA is committed to maintaining a flexible and dynamic work environment that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion; professional and career development; and collaboration and innovation across all our departments. 

Job Summary

The Associate Director, Foundation and Corporate Relations leads the implementation and execution of foundation and corporate fundraising strategies for the Westphal College of Media Arts & Design and the School of Education. As a writer, prospect researcher, and fundraiser, this individual will develop innovative approaches for submitting cutting-edge proposals that increase revenue. The Associate Director will report directly to the Executive Director, Foundation and Corporate Relations (FCR) and will work closely with other Institutional Advancement (IA) colleagues and campus partners including lead development officers, FCR colleagues, leaders in specific colleges and schools, and key faculty and staff.

Essential Functions

• Plan, organize, and implement strategies to secure foundation and corporate funds for the Westphal College of Media Arts & Design and the School of Education.
  • Provide high-level customer service to deans, faculty and staff and develop thorough understanding of funding priorities and primary areas of research.
  • Identify, vet and present foundation and corporate prospects for specific projects and stay informed of funding trends in relevant fields.
  • Oversee project management of faculty and staff proposal submissions, from initial funder contact to grant writing and editing support to final submission.
  • Assist with stewardship of awarded grants. Track reporting deadlines and help arrange site visits as needed.
  • Collaborate closely with the lead development officers of both units to develop strategies towards annual and campaign goals and seek out opportunities to maximize fundraising progress.
  • Collaborate with college/school grant administrators to ensure adherence to all processes and procedures for grant submissions.
  • Assist with special projects and funding opportunities as time allows.
• Participate in FCR internal education activities, which aim to:
  • Ensure that constituents across Drexel are informed about the responsibilities, procedures, and priorities of FCR as a service unit to the entire University.
  • Develop, streamline, and maintain effective procedures, systems, and strategies to support researchers, center directors, and administrators.
  • Develop strategic approaches to foundations aligned with schools, colleges, departments, and projects in the individual’s portfolio.
• Work independently and collegially across FCR and Institutional Advancement to research and review foundation prospects and develop strategies for collaborative, multidisciplinary funding proposals that are responsive to both University and grantor priorities.
• Follow IA procedures regarding prospect management and contact documentation, including responsibility for oversight and submission of all related fundraising reports, statistics, projections and publications.
• Enter reports of contacts within Advance in a timely manner for documentation and reporting purposes.
• Maintain a robust proposal pipeline and work within IA procedures and protocols for tracking progress to goals as an individual, for the portfolio of schools/colleges/programs assigned, and in line with Institutional Advancement’s overall financial goals.
• Create annual goals that align well with the schools/colleges/department’s fundraising goals, as well as peers within FCR.
• Perform other duties as assigned and adhere to performance goals and standards as specified under IA guidelines.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree or Equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in higher education or non-profit development work.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy and the ability to work independently.
• Ability to handle high volume of specific and increasingly complex proposals as well as other writing assignments.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with education and/or arts/humanities.
• Knowledge of proposal development as well as corporate and foundation fundraising.
• Excellent administrative skills.   
• Knowledge of database fundraising software programs.
• Ability and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Location

Hybrid: Remote/University City, Philadelphia PA

Additional Information

This position is classified as Exempt, grade L. Compensation for this grade ranges from $62,630 - $93,950 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.   

We encourage you to explore Drexel's Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on our compensation framework.  

You can also find valuable information about our benefits in the Benefits Brochure.  

Special Instructions to the Applicant

Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

Review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.

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