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 of Foundation and Corporate Relations advances fundraising by leading the implementation and execution of private gifts and grants for the College of Computing & Engineering, which encompasses Engineering, Computing & Informatics, and Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems. As a proposal writer, prospect researcher and fundraiser, the Associate Director will develop innovative approaches for submitting cutting-edge proposals that increase revenue. They will report directly to the Executive Director, Foundation and Corporate Relations in the central Office of Institutional Advancement (IA) and work closely with the lead development officers in the Engineering & Technology Unit, IA colleagues, college leaders, and key faculty and staff. This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Essential Functions

• Plan, organize, and implement strategies to secure foundation and corporate funds for Computing & Engineering.
• Pursuing the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of foundations and deepening relationships with and knowledge of faculty and staff in departments.
• Provide high-level customer service to the Dean, Associate Deans, faculty and staff and develop thorough understanding of funding priorities and primary areas of research.
• Write, edit and assemble letters of inquiry, proposals, stewardship reports, thank you letters, and supporting documentation to corporations and foundations and maintain electronic correspondence with faculty/staff in need of support.
• Collaborate closely with the lead development officers of the Unit to develop strategies towards annual and campaign goals and seek out opportunities to maximize fundraising progress.
• Make direct contact with grantors to gather information, answer questions or provide other assistance that increases the likelihood of new or renewed investment in Drexel.
• Collaborate with college/school grant administrators to ensure adherence to all processes and procedures for grant submissions.
• 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 and corporations aligned with schools, colleges, departments, and projects.
• Work independently and collegial across Institutional Advancement to research and review corporate and foundation prospects and develop strategies for significant 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.
• Document reports of contacts 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 assigned, and in line with Institutional Advancement’s overall financial goals.
• Create annual goals that align with the Unit’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 combination of education and work experience. (Please review the  Equivalency Chart for additional information.)
• Minimum of 5 years of full-time grant-writing and editing experience within a non-profit setting.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to handle high volume of specific and increasingly complex proposals and other writing assignments within a tight deadline.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in higher education, non-profit fund development and scientific writing.
• Knowledge of proposal development as well as corporate and foundation fundraising.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Experience with 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 M. Compensation for this grade ranges from $75,200 - $112,790 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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