Associate Director, Foundation Relations

About Drexel 

Drexel is one of Philadelphia's top 10 private employers, a comprehensive global research university and a major engine for economic development in the region. With over 24,000 students, Drexel is one of America's 15 largest private universities. Drexel has committed to being the nation’s most civically engaged university, with community partnerships integrated into every aspect of service and academics.

Drexel University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and believes that an inclusive and respectful environment enriches the University community and the educational and employment experience of its members. The University prohibits discrimination against individuals on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, status as a veteran or special disabled veteran, gender identity or expression, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions and any other prohibited characteristic.

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 Relations leads the implementation and execution of foundation fundraising strategies for the Office of University-Community Partnerships, the Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, and the School of Education. As a writer, prospect researcher, and fundraiser, this individual will partner with the aforementioned units to 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 and will work closely with other Institutional Advancement (IA) colleagues and campus partners including the Associate Director of Corporate Engagement, lead development officers, Foundation and Corporate Relations (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 assigned offices, schools, and colleges. This will be accomplished by pursuing the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of foundations, and deepening relationships with and knowledge of faculty and staff in all units.
• Serve as relationship manager for Drexel’s external consulting firm, leading strategies to advance fundraising in the areas of community partnerships and civic engagement
• 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.

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Five or more years of professional writing and editing experience in higher education, non- profit fund development work.
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy and the ability to work independently required.
• Ability to handle high volume of specific and increasingly complex proposals as well as other writing assignments required.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience with community programs and arts/humanities preferred.
• Knowledge of proposal development as well as corporate and foundation fundraising preferred.
• Excellent administrative skills preferred.
• Knowledge of database fundraising software programs desirable.
• Ability and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends is a plus.

Physical Demands 

• Typically sitting at a desk/table
• Typically standing, walking 

Location 

Remote/University City, Philadelphia, PA 

Additional Information 

This position is classified as Exempt with a salary grade of L. For more information regarding Drexel’s Professional Staff salary structure, https://drexel.edu/hr/career/ducomp/salstructure/  

Special Instructions to the Applicant 

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

Review of applicants will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified.