POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1781
GRADE 44
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Executive Director of Prospect Development
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR) advances Missouri State University Foundation fundraising efforts by aligning the philanthropic interests of corporations and private foundations with the University’s strategic priorities and mission. This position is responsible for developing and managing relationships with corporate and private foundation partners through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospective and current donors.
The Director of CFR develops and implements fundraising strategies focused on securing support from corporate and private foundation sources, while also engaging individual donors and businesses as assigned by University Advancement leadership. This position initiates and conducts personal outreach with key corporate and foundation representatives and accompanies the University President, the Vice President for University Advancement, development staff, academic deans, and/or faculty members on visits to strengthen donor relationships and advance fundraising objectives. . Responsibilities also include writing and submitting compelling gift and grant proposals, with an emphasis on opportunities of $25,000 or more.
The Director of CFR develops proposals and grant applications to foundations that meet donor guidelines and specifications as well as University policies and fundraising priorities. The Director of CFR collaborates with campus partners to provide timely reports and financial tracking of grants from foundations that have made philanthropic gifts to the University.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor’s degree is required in Business Administration, Marketing, Public Relations or other related field is required. Master’s degree preferred. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.
Experience: At least three years of successful professional experience is required, preferably in higher education fundraising or in a related career with a comparable, demonstrated, and a documented successful track record. Experience in grant administration and grant writing or other similar professional writing is preferred.
Skills: Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective professional relationships.. Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential, exceptional organizational and project management abilities, including strategic planning, deadline management, prioritization of competing demands, and evaluation of progress toward key goals and outcomes. Proficiency with computer applications, including Microsoft products, internet-based research tools, and database systems, is required. Must possess the ability to work effectively under pressure, manage multiple priorities simultaneously, meet firm deadlines, and achieve established fundraising objectives.
Effort: Occasionally required to lift and carry boxes of materials and equipment weighing 25-50 pounds.
Other: The scope of the job requires travel as well as attendance at evening and/or weekend activities, meetings, events, seminars, and workshops and visits to donors in their homes and offices. A valid driver’s license is required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Assures long-term financial support for University priorities by identifying, cultivating, and soliciting corporate and private foundation donors.2. Designs, implements, and manages a comprehensive and proactive development plan focused on expanding and enhancing corporate and foundation relationships by directing and coordinating activities related to obtaining corporate and foundation monetary support.
3. Identifies emerging business leadership and industry trends with a special emphasis on developing corporate alliances and identifies, cultivates, and solicits large philanthropic commitments to support the mission and goals of the University.
4. When assigned by the Executive Director of Prospect Development , serves as the Development liaison to an assigned college by acting as a resource for the Dean and Department Heads, consulting on questions related to development activities in the College, conducting scheduled meetings with the Dean to understand the fundraising priorities of the College, communicating those priorities to University Advancement staff, prospects, and donors, participating in select College meetings, serving as a source of information about the College for other University Advancement staff, and encouraging the College to establish programs and conduct activities to involve alumni in meaningful ways to advance the mission of the College.
5. Develops and follows an annual work plan that encompasses major gift fundraising, administrative responsibilities, and professional development.
6. Manages the comprehensive corporate and foundation grant process for the Missouri State University Foundation, monitors proposal deadlines, prepares and edits grant proposals, manages the proposal submission process, and collaborates with campus partners to provide timely grant reporting to foundations and corporations as may be required.
7. Conducts and assesses various types of research to develop information for reports about viable corporate or private foundation funding prospects.
8. Develops highly competitive proposals for corporate and foundation prospects by aligning funder priorities and interests with related University strategic goals and funding needs. Maintains a comprehensive knowledge of corporate and foundation giving strategies, to proactively identify cultivate and secure philanthropic opportunities that support the University’s fundraising priorities and initiatives.
9. When appropriate, coordinates and facilitates visits between funding organization representatives and University stakeholders, including hosting campus visits and/or site visits to corporate and foundation partners.
10. Maintains professional expertise in grant writing, corporate relations, and higher education fundraising by engaging in continuous learning, professional development, industry benchmarking and networking, and active membership in professional organizations. organizations such as Southwest Missouri Grant Writers, Council for Advancement of Education, and/or Association of Fundraising Professionals. Utilizes advancement best practices to successfully engage donors, fostering philanthropic support through personal visits, relationship building, solicitation and stewardship efforts.
11. Enters detailed contact reports, strategic plans and proposals for donors and prospects into the relationship management system in a timely manner in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Office of Development.
12. Maintains strict donor confidentiality and protects sensitive information by conducting all interactions with professionalism, discretion, and adherence to the Division for University Advancement policies.
13. Supports, University Advancement, institutional and individual goals by fostering collaborative and productive relationships with administrators, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders, while advancing strategic initiatives and strengthening engagement across the University.
14. Contributes as an effective member of the professional staff by adhering to University, Division for University Advancement, and Office of Development policies, procedures, and guidelines.
15. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as directed by University Advancement leadership..
16. Contributes to the overall success of the University by assuming primary responsibility for special projects as assigned and performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned in a timely, thorough, and professional manner.
SUPERVISION
The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations does not supervise any direct reports but may coordinate the work of some full-time and part-time clerical staff, graduate assistants, and student employees.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED AUGUST 2026
