Foundations Relations Officer

Job Summary:

The Foundation Relations Officer (FRO) will serve on the Division of Institutional Advancement’s fundraising team. Reporting to the Vice President, the FRO will lead the Division’s work in creating and managing a strategic, well-coordinated plan to identify, cultivate and solicit funds from private foundations and will liaison with internal partners as well as volunteer boards in matters concerning private foundation outreach. Working closely with the Vice President, Institutional Advancement (IA) colleagues, and University leadership, the incumbent will focus on advancing key University priorities through proactive identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of private foundation partners on the local, regional and national levels. The Officer will align funding opportunities with University priorities and growth initiatives and will develop and oversee outreach to a portfolio of private foundations while working to achieve an individual production goal. The incumbent will liaison with the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs and will facilitate outreach to University faculty, staff and administrators to develop and articulate strong, professional letters of inquiry and proposals on behalf of the Northeastern Illinois University Foundation.

Job Description:

• Initiate, implement, and manage a comprehensive, proactive approach to develop and enhance foundation relationships that lead to opportunities for financial support.
• Develop and implement a personal portfolio for selected foundations within assigned priority areas to meet or exceed established fundraising goals.
• Develop an annual grants calendar that creates a pathway for the pursuit of grant funding.
• Draft, write, and/or edit concept papers, letters and proposals, in collaboration with IA staff or independently, that position the University as a successful recipient of private gift support.
• Consult with Deans, Program Directors and key staff to develop and implement cultivation strategies to generate private support based on University priorities.
• Coordinate and facilitate meetings with the University President, Provost, Vice Presidents, and/or Deans for key foundation contacts to discuss strategies that lead to leadership gifts.
• Coordinate on-campus visits and presentations with prospective donors or their representatives.
• Coordinate prospect management responsibilities, especially cultivation and stewardship strategies, with IA staff and other University units.
• Liaison with the Office of Sponsored Programs to leverage existing support from federal, state, and other public grantor agencies with private foundation outreach.
• Liaison with the Center for College Access and Success on key fundraising/grant writing needs.
• Provide general consultation for faculty, administrators, and staff seeking foundation support.
• Identify emerging industry trends with an emphasis on developing high value- exchange alliances with foundations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Preference will be given to candidates who have fundraising experience or knowledge of fundraising in higher education.
• Preference will be given to candidates who hold an advanced degree or fundraising certification.