Director of Foundation Relations

Essential Functions

• Work proactively and collaboratively with individual faculty, groups of faculty, and/or college/unit diversity programs to identify priorities and project ideas, particularly in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and align these with foundation opportunities.
• Identify and study local, regional, and national foundations to understand fully their goals, funding objectives, proposal guidelines, process, and deadlines. 
• Present project ideas to appropriate foundations, through personal visits, phone, electronic communications, or letters of inquiry as well as provide staff support for college faculty and administrators in their visits, contacts and/or communication with foundations.
• Build and manage an active portfolio of prospective foundation partners that are regularly reviewed and engaged.
• Build relationships with foundation program officers and staff as appropriate to effectively advance toward proposal development and submission, as well as effective post- award stewardship.
• Provide guidance and coordination in preparing and soliciting foundations, including writing grant proposals.
• Ensure appropriate coordination with the Pre- and Post-Award Offices (guidelines and budgets), the Executive Vice President for Research at Purdue, the Purdue Equity Task Force, and the Assistant Vice President of Advancement for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Purdue for Life Foundation.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain effective stewardship of foundation grants and foundation relations activities.
• Report regularly on progress towards goals, metrics and action plans set forth by the Executive Director with the expectation they are met annually.
• Coordinate Foundation Relations strategies with Purdue Equity Task Force, College, School and Units for submission of proposals for foundation prospects.
• Work with Assistant Vice President of Advancement for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Executive Director of Foundation Relations and Senior Directors of Foundation Relations to develop strategies and timelines for the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of foundation prospects.
• Ensure effective records maintenance, including timely filling of requests for prospect assignments, prospect strategies and contact reports, using the University’s prospect management systems.
• Continually improve professional competency through participation in and/or leadership in professional organizational and other not-for profit organizations.
• Meet regularly with the Deans, department heads, program directors, faculty, and other internal constituents to monitor and guide foundation relations activity.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, including the demonstrated ability to communicate well in writing and make presentations before large groups.
• Ability to interpret and articulate the mission of Purdue University and Purdue for Life Foundation as needed.
• Must be able to interact with stakeholders from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds.
• The ability to represent the University/Foundation with tact and diplomacy at all times is required.
• Sound judgment, initiative, and ability to collaborate effectively are required.
• Excellent relationship-building, organizational and time-management skills are required.
• Good computer skills are necessary.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel.
• Regular and reliable attendance are requirements of this position.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of three years of experience in foundation relations, business development or related.
• Extensive proposal writing experience.

If you are interested in applying, please click here to begin the process: https://www.applyatprf.com.The application deadline is Friday, February 4, 2022.

A criminal conviction check and negative controlled substance test are required for employment in this position. 

Purdue Research Foundation is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. PRF views, evaluates, and treats all persons in all Foundation-related activities solely as individuals on the basis of their own personal abilities, qualifications, and other relevant characteristics.  All qualified applicants for employment will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, color, gender, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran.