Director, Corporate and Foundations Relations

Lehigh University; Bethlehem (Northampton County); On-site; USD 83,910 - 102,080; Full time

Job summary

Lehigh University is seeking a Director of Corporate and Foundations Relations to lead a strategic portfolio of funders and align philanthropic priorities with university initiatives. The role drives sponsorships, research funding, and internship/job connections.

You will cultivate relationships, develop complex proposals, and coordinate with stakeholders to strengthen institutional partnerships and reporting across programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Liberal Arts, STEM, or Business; 5–8 years of development/fundraising experience.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with ability to engage donors and foundations at multiple levels.
• Position includes routine driving; valid driver’s license and good driving record required.
• Proficiency with fundraising software such as Blackbaud, Raiser’s Edge, or similar CRM.

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow a targeted portfolio of corporate and foundation partners.
• Cultivate relationships with funders including program officers, trustees, and executives.
• Collaborate with academic leaders, faculty, and development teams to secure sponsorships, research funding.
• Develop complex, budgeted proposals and coordinate stewardship including reporting and visits.

Skills

Donor engagement

Proposal writing

Strategic fundraising

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Liberal Arts, STEM, or Business

Tools

Blackbaud Raiser's Edge

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Lehigh University is hiring a Director, Corporate and Foundations Relations. The role involves managing a strategic portfolio of corporate and foundation partners, collaborating with academic leaders to align philanthropic priorities with funding opportunities, and driving sponsorships, research funding, and internship/job connections. The Director will cultivate relationships, develop proposals, and coordinate with various stakeholders to strengthen institutional partnerships.

Highlights

• Manage and grow a targeted portfolio of corporate and foundation partners to support college priorities.
• Cultivate relationships with funders including program officers, trustees, and executives through strategic outreach.
• Collaborate with academic leaders, faculty, and development teams to secure philanthropic and sponsored research funding.
• Develop complex, budgeted proposals and coordinate stewardship including detailed reporting and host visits.
• Experience required in major gift fundraising, foundation grant writing, and capital campaigns.
• Proficiency in fundraising software such as Blackbaud, Raiser’s Edge, or similar CRM, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Liberal Arts, STEM, or Business; 5-8 years of development/fundraising experience preferably in higher education or nonprofit sectors.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with ability to engage donors and foundations at multiple levels.
• Position includes routine driving; valid driver’s license and good driving record required.
• Salary range approximately $83,910 to $102,080, subject to experience and qualifications.