Senior Director, Foundation Relations & Partnerships

West Virginia University Foundation, Inc.; Morgantown (WV); On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

The West Virginia University Foundation (WVUF) seeks a Senior Director of Foundation Relations to lead a comprehensive program advancing private foundation support across the WVU enterprise. This role shapes funder strategies and partners with development officers, faculty, and leaders to secure and steward foundation gifts.

As a senior member of the Central Development Team, you will collaborate across WVUF, WVU and affiliated entities, manage a robust foundation portfolio, and guide proposals

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s preferred.
• Minimum 5 years in leadership annual, major and principal gift fundraising.
• Experience in higher education fundraising is preferred.
• Strong grant writing and proposal development skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage foundation relations program and portfolio.
• Develop and execute foundation grant strategies and proposals.
• Collaborate with WVU units and external funders to advance priorities.
• Ensure pipeline and post-award stewardship of foundation gifts.
• Support transitions to post-award administration.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Grant writing

Communication

Relationship management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

CRM systems

Fundraising databases

Job description

The West Virginia University Foundation (WVUF) seeks a Senior Director of Foundation Relations to lead a comprehensive program advancing private foundation support across the WVU enterprise. This role shapes funder strategies and partners with development officers, faculty, and leaders to secure and steward foundation gifts.

As a senior member of the Central Development Team, you will collaborate across WVUF, WVU and affiliated entities, manage a robust foundation portfolio, and guide proposals