Foundation Relations Lead – Higher Education Fundraising

UM01 University of Maryland College Park (UMCP); United States; On-site; USD 137,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Maryland, College Park invites applications for a Foundation Relations Officer. This role is a key member of the Research Development team within the Office of the Vice President for Research and is responsible for developing university‑wide strategies to engage foundations and secure philanthropic support.

The incumbent will manage a portfolio of up to 25 foundations, collaborate with faculty across the university, and help raise support toward the Forward initiative.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Five (5) years of professional development, fundraising or external relations experience.
• Demonstrated success establishing and stewarding relationships with foundation partners.
• Experience in foundation relations within higher education.
• Knowledge of foundation prospect research.

Responsibilities

• Develop university-wide strategies to engage foundations and secure philanthropic support for institutional priorities.
• Provide foundation relations expertise, strategic guidance, and hands-on support for fundraising efforts.
• Manage a portfolio of up to twenty-five foundations and collaborate with faculty and staff across the university.
• Help raise annual support toward major initiatives and enhance the university’s profile among private foundations.

Skills

Foundation relations

Relationship building

Proposal writing

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

University of Maryland, College Park invites applications for a Foundation Relations Officer. This role is a key member of the Research Development team within the Office of the Vice President for Research and is responsible for developing university‑wide strategies to engage foundations and secure philanthropic support.

The incumbent will manage a portfolio of up to 25 foundations, collaborate with faculty across the university, and help raise support toward the Forward initiative.