Associate Director of Foundation Relations

University of New Hampshire; Durham (NH); Hybrid; USD 66,480 - 118,860; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits information available upon request

Hybrid work model

Job summary

The University of New Hampshire is seeking an Associate Director of Foundation Relations to enhance fundraising efforts by building relationships with foundation funders. This position focuses on identifying, cultivating, and soliciting partnerships that align with the university's strategic goals.

The role involves direct collaboration with university staff and requires strong communication, organizational, and fundraising skills. The candidate will engage in a hybrid work model and provide support for fundraising initiatives across the campus.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of fundraising experience or equivalent.
• Proven success in goal achievement and proposal development.
• Willingness to develop knowledge of campus programs.

Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward foundation donors.
• Assist in preparing proposals aligning with foundation priorities.
• Monitor foundations’ funding strategies relevant to UNH.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Verbal and written communication skills

Relationship-building skills

Organizational skills

Project management skills

Knowledge of fundraising profession

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Database technologies

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Overview

The Associate Director of Foundation Relations (ADOFR) helps build and steward relationships with foundation funders and generates philanthropic support for UNH programs and priorities. Serving in a frontline fundraising role, the ADOFR will partner with the Managing Director of Foundation Relations to strengthen a foundation fundraising program that reflects UNH’s culture, mission, goals, and evolving strategic plans. In these efforts, the ADOFR will coordinate and direct activities that will ensure regular and increased support from foundation donors and prospects to fulfill UNH’s goals and priorities, and work collaboratively and transparently with faculty, staff, academic leadership, Advancement colleagues, board members, and alumni. They will identify, cultivate, and solicit prospective foundation partners; maintain and expand relationships with existing partners; and participate in ongoing institution-wide conversations about fundraising vision, strategy, and goals.

Responsibilities

Frontline Fundraising - 70%

• Use professional relationship-building skills to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward foundation donors and prospects capable of supporting UNH programs, projects, and research initiatives.
• Regularly meet with faculty, staff, associate deans/deans, and other internal partners to understand priorities and programmatic needs; research and identify foundation prospects based on institutional priorities and funders’ giving interests.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with foundation contacts; develop engagement strategies to advance UNH’s goals with those funders.
• Assist in the preparation and submission of proposals, letters of intent, and other funding application materials, ensuring alignment with foundation priorities and working in collaboration with the Office of Sponsored Program Administration.
• Close gifts/grants and sponsored projects agreements with a typical funding range of $25,000-$250,000.
• Proactively research new and existing foundation funders and prospects whose giving interests align with UNH priorities. Develop outreach plans to showcase key UNH programs and capabilities with prospective funders.

Strategy Development and Implementation - 30%

• Monitor foundations’ funding strategies and interests to identify potential alignment with UNH priorities and faculty research, education, and outreach activities.
• Gather and disseminate information on RFPs and other foundation funding opportunities to faculty and administrators.
• Engage in strategic planning discussions to help advance the Foundation Relations team’s impact.
• Keep abreast of the complex and dynamic foundation funding landscape and advise internal constituents on funding approaches accordingly.
• Collaborate and cooperate with colleagues to advance UNH’s overall fundraising priorities and achieve strategic goals.
• Participate in other Development activities as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of fundraising experience or equivalent (sales, business development, account/relationship management, marketing and/or public relations).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Experience in a fundraising setting and proven success in goal achievement, planning, proposal development, and related work. Related experience in communications, professional sales/marketing, financial planning/advising, and other fields will be considered.
• Orientation as a team player with collaborative instincts and a metrics-driven, entrepreneurial mindset that informs strategy and work.
• Willingness to develop broad knowledge of campus programs, projects, and activities, as well as the mechanisms by which foundations partner with educational institutions.
• Exceptionally strong verbal and written communication skills, organizational and analytical skills, and project management skills.
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to deal with complex concepts and negotiate conversations with diplomacy.
• Demonstrated commitment to collaboration as well as the ability to work well both independently and collectively with a diverse team and donor/prospect constituency.
• Openness to occasional travel (primarily local or regional) for foundation visits.
• Commitment to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and advancement.
• Proficiency in database technologies and Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree
• Proven experience in soliciting and closing annual and/or major gifts, and/or experience in a Development Services role in a higher education setting or campaign environment.
• Knowledge of the fundraising profession, theories, and standards.
• Knowledge of philanthropy policies, practices, and systems.
• Passion for higher education and an understanding of complex institutions.
• Experience with portfolio and/or volunteer management.

Hybrid Workplace Expectation

University Advancement has implemented a hybrid work model, and this is a hybrid position. The expectation is that employees reside within reasonable distance to the Durham, NH campus (under three hours) so they are available to come to campus as often as business needs dictate, which vary depending on the position and assigned areas. The hiring manager will clarify exact expectation of in-person versus remote working time for each specific position.

Compensation Pay Range

$66,480.00 - $118,860.00

Benefits information available upon request.

Location

Durham

EEO Statement

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.