Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations

Title: Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations

Application Review Date: 08/08/26

Campus Location: Radford City - Main Campus

Job Description

The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations is responsible for leading a comprehensive program to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward corporate and foundation partners in support of the University’s strategic priorities.

This position plays a critical role in proactively researching funding opportunities, aligning institutional needs with external funders, and developing competitive proposals that advance academic, student success, and institutional initiatives.

The Director serves as the University’s primary liaison for corporate and foundation engagement and works collaboratively across campus to build a robust pipeline of institutional funding opportunities.

Success in this role will be measured by the development of a strong funding pipeline, the number and quality of proposals submitted, and the growth of corporate and foundation philanthropic support.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree from an accredited institution, or a bachelor’s degree with experience that equates to an advanced degree.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, development, corporate relations, foundation relations, or grant writing.
• Experience developing and submitting grant proposals, letters of inquiry, or similar funding requests.
• Proven ability to manage a portfolio of prospects or donors.
• Experience conducting prospect research and evaluating funding opportunities.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with external partners and internal stakeholders.
• Proficiency with CRM systems or donor databases (e.g., Raiser’s Edge or similar platform)
• Ability to represent an organization in professional settings with corporate and foundation partners.
• Must have the availability to travel and work non-traditional hours as needed to carry out responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Higher education fundraising experience, particularly in corporate and foundation relations.
• Experience working with large, complex, multi-disciplinary grant proposals.
• Experience presenting to senior leadership, faculty, or external boards.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please submit a resume and cover letter.

Is this position Grant Funded: No

Is this position restricted: No

Is this position eligible for telework: No

Hours Per Week: 40

Months per Year: 12

Statement of Economic Interest Required: Yes

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Classification: Administrative & Professional Faculty

Employee Classification: Administrative - Lecturer

Department: Advancement-MG

Salary: $86,000 - $106,000 (Commensurate with experience and qualifications)

Department Contact Name: Sharon Ratcliffe

Department Contact Phone: 540-831-6716

Department Contact Email: srratcliffe@radford.edu

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Radford University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years’ of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at Radford.edu/police. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the Radford University Police Department located at 810 East Main Street PO Box 6883, Radford, VA, 24142.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation in the application process please contact the hiring department.

Criminal Background Check Statement

Radford University is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all employees, students, volunteers, and stakeholders. As part of our hiring and screening process, we conduct criminal background checks in compliance with Virginia Code § 19.2-389 and other applicable state and federal laws. Successful candidates will be required to have a criminal background check.