Title: Associate Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations

Department: Corporate & Foundation Relations

Reports to: Executive Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations

Location: Kingston, RI

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Position Summary

This position is responsible for working with University of Rhode Island Foundation (URIF) development staff, URI faculty, and other parties as needed to develop and strengthen Corporate and Foundation (C&F) relationships for the benefit of the University of Rhode Island. The Associate Director will identify national and international C&F prospects and develop and implement appropriate solicitation strategies to garner philanthropic support for URI. Additionally, this position will create written materials serving the C&F team.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Grant Development

Serve as the primary relationship manager for a portfolio of Corporate and Foundation prospects and donors, developing customized engagement and solicitation strategies.
Conduct meetings, presentations, and external outreach to identify philanthropic interests and advance funding opportunities aligned with institutional priorities.
Manage a portfolio of 65+ corporation and foundation prospects capable of $100K+ awards, with 20-30 being actively cultivated towards solicitation at any one time, with a goal of $1M annually.
Maintain portfolio through identification and qualification of new prospects and disqualification of current prospects after regular strategy reviews that consider University priorities.
Develop thorough and compelling concept papers and proposals for corporation and foundation prospects, working closely with faculty experts and University leadership.
Oversee the internal proposal routing process by managing timelines, securing leadership approvals, coordinating with campus partners, and ensuring compliance with institutional and funder requirements.
Engage and mobilize key faculty members and academic leaders as appropriate.
Work closely with the Executive Director, URIF senior leadership, University leadership (President's Office, provost, and deans), and URI faculty to manage complex proposal submissions and associated grant administration processes.

Prospecting

Research and review sources for Corporate and Foundation charitable funding opportunities whether local, regional, or national.
Explore, research, and present recommendations for sources of foundation funding to the executive director and C&F staff and subsequently to appropriate University recipients based on institutional priorities.
Explore and research possible funding opportunities within corporate structures and the process required to secure such support, including sponsorships, equipment donations, or other forms of in-kind contributions.

Operations

Collaborate with C&F grant writer and grant administrator to ensure accurate records of submissions.
With other C&F staff, conduct training sessions and workshops as requested by college-based fundraising teams, grants teams, and other cross-campus partners.

Required Education and Experience

A bachelor’s degree is required.
A minimum of five+ years of experience, preferably in development, stewardship, marketing, advancement services or a related field within higher education or a comparably complex organization.
The highest degree of professionalism and discretion dealing with donors and potentially sensitive matters of donor confidentiality are required.
Excellent communication and writing skills, particularly the ability to write successful grants, proposals, and solicitation letters. Demonstrated ability to present information concisely and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Highly organized and demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail.
Able to problem-solve and act both independently and as a member of a team.
Manage multiple tasks, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
Good judgment, maturity, personal integrity, and strong interpersonal skills.
Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Preferred Education and Experience

Experience in corporate and foundation fundraising is preferred.

Salary: $85,000 - $95,000 based on experience.

Join the URI Foundation team!

We offer competitive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, generous paid time off, and unparalleled retirement savings programs. Join our team of talented, mission-driven advancement professionals!

We are an equal opportunity employer and provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, making decisions based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic characteristics, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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