Associate Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

Fisk University; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Fisk University in Nashville seeks an Associate Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations to serve as the primary liaison with external partners. You will cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships to secure resources for research, scholarships, and community initiatives, reporting to the Vice President of Development and Alumni Affairs.

Responsibilities include developing engagement strategies with leadership, preparing proposals and grants, managing donor communications, analyzing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 4+ years in corporate relations, fundraising, or development within nonprofit context.
• Experience with grant writing and reporting.
• Strong project management and strategic planning abilities.
• Proven track record of securing funding from corporate and foundation sources.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with corporate and foundation partners to identify funding opportunities aligned with university priorities.
• Collaborate with university leadership to create and implement a comprehensive corporate and foundation engagement strategy.
• Prepare and submit funding proposals and grants, ensuring alignment with university goals and compliance with funding requirements, including recap reports and grant reporting.
• Manage donor relations through effective communication, reporting, and recognition programs to enhance engagement and support.
• Work closely with faculty, researchers, and administrative staff to identify funding needs and opportunities within various departments.
• Research and analyze trends in corporate and foundation giving to inform engagement strategies and identify potential partners.
• Schedule and conduct regular calls and face-to-face visits with corporate and foundation contacts to solicit major gifts.
• Prepare written proposals, concept and informational materials, presentations, and other materials to secure corporate and foundation investment.

Skills

Analytical skills

Grant writing

Fundraising

Communication

Relationship building

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Blackbaud Raiser's Edge

Job description

Job Details: Level: Management, Job Location: Fisk University - Nashville, TN, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: 4 Year Degree, Salary Range: Undisclosed, Job Category: Management, Job Summary:

Reporting to the Vice President of Development and Alumni Affairs, the Associate Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations serves as the primary point of contact between the university and external corporate and foundation partners. This role is pivotal in fostering strategic relationships that enhance funding opportunities, support university initiatives, and advance institutional goals. The Associate Director will lead efforts to cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with corporate and foundation stakeholders to secure resources for research, scholarships, and community engagement programs in close partnership with the Vice President.

Essential Functions:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with corporate and foundation partners to identify funding opportunities aligned with university priorities.
• Collaborate with university leadership to create and implement a comprehensive corporate and foundation engagement strategy.
• Prepare and submit funding proposals and grants, ensuring alignment with university goals and compliance with funding requirements – including recap reports and grant reporting.
• Manage donor relations through effective communication, reporting, and recognition programs to enhance engagement and support.
• Work closely with faculty, researchers, and administrative staff to identify funding needs and opportunities within various departments.
• Research and analyze trends in corporate and foundation giving to inform engagement strategies and identify potential partners.
• Schedule and conduct regular and strategically planned calls and face-to-face visits with corporate and foundation contacts to solicit major gifts
• Schedule and conduct regular and strategically planned calls and face-to-face visits with corporate and foundation contacts to solicit major gifts
• Prepare written proposals, concept and informational materials, presentations, and other materials needed to secure corporate and foundation investment

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong analytical skills to develop and implement strategies that align with university objectives.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining quality.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with proficiency in crafting compelling proposals and presentations. (Experience writing grants and term completion reports.)
• Knowledge of fundraising principles and practices, particularly in corporate and foundation philanthropy.
• Proficient in networking and building partnerships within the corporate sector and philanthropic community.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with academic leadership, faculty, prospects, donors, and/or volunteers in a wide range of roles
• Complex problem-solving skills coupled with the ability to conduct research, gather data, analyze information, and prepare effective, accurate, and timely reports and other documents to support development objectives
• Strong knowledge and understanding of database management
• Ability to exercise good judgment, to demonstrate an understanding of ethics related to development activities, and to use discretion in interactions with donors, prospects, volunteers, and others
• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience working in Blackbaud products – Raiser’s Edge is preferred

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree

Desired Experience:

• 4 years+ of experience in corporate relations, fundraising, or development within the nonprofit space (preferably higher education)
• Proven track record of successfully securing funding from corporate and foundation sources.
• Strong experience with grant writing and reporting.
• Experience in project management and strategic planning.

This position requires a dynamic, results‑oriented individual who is passionate about advancing the university’s mission through innovative partnerships and collaborative engagement strategies. This role has growth potential within the Development department.