Position Details

Title: Corporate and Foundation Relations Manager

Type: Job

Class: Full-time

Date: 7/16/2025

Region: Northern Illinois

City, State: River Forest, IL

Summary:

The Corporate and Foundation Relations Manager is a member of the University Advancement (UA) team and reports directly to the Vice President of University Advancement. The Manager will also work closely with the Assistant Vice President of Planning and Government Relations, to align fundraising efforts with institutional priorities.

In this role, the Manager will develop and execute a robust corporate and foundation fundraising and stewardship program. This includes identifying and cultivating relationships with both private and corporate foundations at the local, regional, and national levels to secure major gifts and grants that support the University’s strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities:

Responsible for building a dynamic, results-oriented corporate and foundation advancement program that builds partnerships and secures investments in support of university priorities.
Maintain a comprehensive research program to determine the giving patterns of local, regional, and national corporations and foundations that align with the university’s strategic priorities.
Develop an active list of contacts to interact with external sources for the procurement of grants, gifts, and sponsorships.
Develop relationships with potential donors through face-to-face meetings and site visits.
Facilitate, build, and staff corporate and foundation relationships with university leadership, faculty, administrators, and volunteers, as appropriate.
Prepare grant proposals to appropriate corporate and foundation prospects to support the university’s strategic plan and funding priorities.
Present proposals and related materials to potential funders in coordination with appropriate individuals (President, Vice President of University Advancement, Assistant Vice President of Planning and Government Relations, deans, faculty, administrative leadership, advancement staff, volunteers, etc.) as required to achieve successful fundraising outcomes.
Regularly report the status of requests and pipeline.
Establish regular communications to familiarize UA colleagues, deans, faculty, and others about the trends and interests of foundations and corporations.
Prepare or assist in the preparation of stewardship reports to donors on the status of grants and the use of funds in accordance with the guidelines of approved grants; maintain accurate records on grant reporting deadlines.
Keep abreast of federal and state legislation that would have a direct or indirect bearing on grant possibilities from these sources and assist in the preparation of proposals.
Create and maintain an annual operating plan that includes a timeline and established measurable goals.
Support the preparation of proposals and related projects for government and individual prospects, as assigned.
Develop resource documents for use by University Advancement staff with internal and external audiences, including template proposals, PowerPoint presentations, funding initiative summaries, and sheets, letters, etc.
Coordinate with other members of the University Advancement team to maximize the sharing of information mutually beneficial for the solicitation of gifts, grants, and sponsorships.
Assist with other UA functions, such as screening sessions, presidential briefings, committee meetings, and volunteer activities, as needed and necessary.
Perform other duties as requested, delegated, or assigned.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree.
Minimum of three to five years of related experience in a similar position for a non-profit organization, preferably in higher education.
Experience in establishing rapport with individuals in the foundation and corporate arena for the purposes of building strategic relationships, presenting proposals, and soliciting grants.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to clearly articulate the mission of Dominican University.
Ability to balance multiple priorities; generate contacts and meetings while preparing the necessary proposals.
Ability to relate to others, both campus partners and external program officers.
Ability to collaborate with university faculty, staff, and administration in gift or grant proposal and concept development.
Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and review work to meet schedules and timelines.
Ability to analyze situations and implement appropriate actions and responses.
Excellent presentation skills and the ability to address the public with ease and confidence.
Diplomacy, tact, and courtesy.
Strong writing skills to develop professional reports, grant proposals, strategic plans, and correspondence.
Knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Demonstration of integrity, a strong work ethic, and a positive attitude.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of the Chicago philanthropic community.
Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge or grant research tools.

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary and FLSA Status

Salary: $80,000 - $85,000
FLSA Status: Exempt, Full-time, 37.5 hours

Benefits

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement plan with employer matching contributions
Professional development opportunities
Tuition remission for employees and their dependents
Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
Generous paid time off (PTO)

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Corporate and Foundation Relations Manager

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