Job Summary
Xavier University of Louisiana is accepting applications for the position of Corporate and Foundation Relations Officer. Under the direct supervision of the Executive Director for Corporate and Foundation Relations, as well as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, the Corporate and Foundation Relations Officer will develop and execute a robust corporate and foundation engagement, fundraising, and stewardship program, identifying and approaching both private foundations and corporations (Louisiana-based, national, and multi-national) for the purpose of building relationships that lead to major gifts for the University, in support of institutional priorities and initiatives. AA/EOE
Preferred Qualifications
1. Collaborates with the Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, and other staff to conceptualize, draft, and submit persuasive funding proposals to corporate and private foundation funders, in conjunction with faculty, Center Directors, researchers, and other University content experts.
2. Cultivates strong relationships with corporate and foundation representatives, developing a deep understanding of their philanthropic priorities.
3. Develops and maintains in-depth knowledge of institutional funding priorities, needs and accomplishments, across disciplines (experience working with the scientific, bio-pharma, and medical/STEM sectors is a plus).
4. Documents all contacts, communications, visits, and proposals in Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge software, as well as in reporting to the Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations and other Office of Institutional Advancement leadership.
5. Works with Executive Directors of Corporate and Foundation Relations and Advancement Services to identify (via prospect research) and distribute identified funding opportunities to appropriate faculty, Center directors, and other relevant staff for the purpose of fulfilling University needs and priorities.
6. Develops highly competitive, persuasive, and compelling solicitations and proposals under the supervision of the Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations to accomplish strategic institutional priorities.
7. Responsible for managing a portfolio of approximately 50 corporate, foundation, and other institutional donors and carefully researched/vetted prospects, each with the potential for gift/grant commitments of at least $25,000. Also works closely with the Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations to strategize on and engage larger prospects and donors (e.g., those with the potential to give/grant at least $100,000).
8. Partners with Office of Institutional Advancement staff, Deans, Department/Division Chairs, Center Directors, and key faculty to ensure coordinated and collaborative approaches to prospective donors, and to ensure sound, professional cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
9. Meets annual and other dollar goals, as well as various activity metrics, e.g., solicitations/letters, strategic donor briefings/visits, formal written (hard copy) and online-submitted proposals. Also prepare and manage pledge and gift agreement documents, University gift/project establishment paperwork, and overall strategic communications with donors and prospects.
10. Adheres to all prospect clearance and communications protocols to maximize the collective success of the Office of Institutional Advancement.
11. Responds to all leads and newly-assigned prospects with timely follow-up.
12. Other duties as assigned.