Assistant Director of Foundation Relations

Roger Williams University; Bristol (RI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Roger Williams University is seeking an Assistant Director of Foundation Relations to advance foundation grants and gifts. You will work with faculty, clinicians, and administrators to secure complex funding and manage a growing portfolio of foundations regionally and nationally.

The role emphasizes proposal development, donor stewardship, and collaboration across campus to align funding with RWU priorities and initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Three to five years of professional experience in grant writing and fundraising.
• Exceptional research and communication skills, both self-directed and within a team.
• Outstanding writing skills tailored to varying audiences.
• Strong problem solving and relationship-building abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a portfolio of foundation prospects and cultivate relationships.
• Write, edit, and submit LOIs and proposals on behalf of RWU.
• Coordinate with faculty and staff to align proposals with RWU priorities.
• Track deadlines, prepare foundation profiles and grant reports.
• Plan foundation visits and develop acknowledgement materials.

Skills

Grant writing

Fundraising

Research

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Donor database

Graphic design basics

Job description

Roger Williams University

Title: Assistant Director of Foundation Relations

Location: Bristol, RI

Category: Professional and Clerical

Job Type: Full-time Regular

Posted On: Tue Oct 20 2026

Job Description

Reporting to the Senior Director of Foundation Relations, the Assistant Director of Foundation Relations is responsible for providing continued growth for foundation grant programs to secure complex grants, including four to five figure gifts. The Assistant Director works closely with administrators, program directors, clinicians, and primary investigators from Roger Williams, to raise vital funding for the Universities priorities.

Pipeline Development

Conduct thorough research to identify and assess new prospective funding sources, maintain up-to-date information on foundations, and prepare foundation pro?les in preparation to present the findings to the appropriate groups across campus.

Work within the donor database to record actions, update records, track deadlines, and ensure timely and accurate grant reporting communications.

Manage an active portfolio of foundation prospects and maintain foundation interactions, including stewardship.

Develop and execute ambitious growth plans to raise significant funding from existing and new institutional and private foundations bothregionallyand nationally.

Researchnew and existing foundation sources to support funding priorities and new initiatives.

Grant Writing

Develop a broad and deep understanding of current fundraising priorities across campus, as outlined by the President, Provost, Vice President of Research and Academic and Research Deans.

Work with faculty and fundraising colleagues across campus to develop proposal concepts that meet potential funders' and RWU's priorities, mission, and needs.

Write, edit, and submit letters of intent and full proposals on behalf of the University, serving as the primary author in a team environment.

Create compelling and competitive proposals through engaging in productive interactions with faculty and colleagues.

Stewardship

Collaborate with Principle Investigators, Finance, and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs to produce and submit grant reports.

Plan foundation visits, which may include senior academic, administrative, and volunteer leaders.

Develop acknowledgement materials such as letters, press packages, and testimonials to communicate grant impact personalized to each funder.

Additional Functions

Collaborate with campus partners on new faculty training related to grants and the Assistant Director's role in finding and securing grants, as well as additional outreach activities, and promoting foundation funding opportunities across campus.

Organize foundation visits, which may include senior academic, administrative, and volunteer leaders.

Job Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related field.

Three to five years of professional experience in grant writing and fundraising or a similar content production environment such as journalism, communications, or publishing.

Exceptional research and communication skills, both self-directed and within a team environment.

Outstanding writing skills, with the ability to tailor a narrative to varying audiences.

Superior creative problem solving and systems thinking to effectively match funding needs to opportunities.

Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate with campus partners on content development and represent the organization in conversation with potential funders.

The ability to give and receive constructive feedback.

Knowledge of best practices in philanthropy, higher education, and non-profits

Preferred Qualifications

Track record of success in securing grants or proposals of $50k or above.

Familiarity with RWU's programs and vision.

Experience managing or supporting a prospect portfolio.

Proficiency in basic graphic design and layout.

At the University's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be accepted where the candidate can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the University, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Additional Information

Roger Williams University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other basis protected by applicable state and federal law. For information on our Non-discrimination policy, visit here.

RWU prohibits all forms of discrimination on the basis of sex in its education programs and activities and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and its implementing regulations not to discriminate in such a manner. Complaints of Title IX sexual harassment should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator at the contact information listed below. Details regarding the formal complaint process can be found here. All complaints of sexual harassment will be taken seriously and responded to promptly. TITLE IX COORDINATOR: Dr. Jen Stanley, 1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809 / Phone Number: [phone] /Email Address:[e-mail]

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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