Job Type: Full time
The Executive Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations will play a leadership role in the completion of the University of Virginia’s $5 billion Honor the Future Campaign while also building the team that will support the University’s next multi-billion dollar effort. With strategic plans in place for UVA and UVA Health, the Executive Director is positioned to expand the impact of the existing Corporate and Foundation Relations program across UVA, exploring existing and emerging opportunities in medicine, biotechnology and STEM in particular.  They will develop and implement a pan-University strategy to identify and engage nonprofit (foundations and other organizations) and corporate donors to grow and expand sources of philanthropic support for the University's missions and priorities. Collaborating closely with partners across Grounds, they will nurture and grow relationships with multiple entities including the Office of the Provost; the Vice President for Research; leadership in UVA Health; the School of Data Science; the Office of Sponsored Programs; deans, faculty, and researchers Grounds-wide; UVA Licensing and Ventures Group; and CFR colleagues housed in various schools and units.  Reporting to the Associate Vice President – Corporate Philanthropy, Foundation Relations, and Gift Planning, they will work closely with the Vice President for Advancement and members of University Advancement’s Leadership Team to continue to ensure the University’s success as a top public Research I university.  For more information, please visit: https://executivesearch.virginia.edu/searches         Strategy Development:  Develop and implement pan-University strategies to identify and engage nonprofit (foundations and other organizations) and corporate donors to grow and diversify philanthropic support for the University's missions and priorities.Fundraising:Lead fundraising efforts to secure major gifts and grants from corporate, industry and foundation donors, contributing significantly to the University's overall fundraising goals. Build and maintain strong, productive relationships with corporate leaders and foundation representatives that lead to meaningful collaborations and sustained support. Collaborating closely with deans, faculty, researchers, as well as University leadership, build a culture of fundraising that enables strong relationships between the University and its institutional funders.Stay abreast of industry trends, best practices, and emerging opportunities within corporate and foundation philanthropy and research. Leadership:Oversee University Advancement’s programs in Corporate and Foundation Relations.Recruit, mentor, and lead a team of development officers and support staff in foundation relations and corporate relations. Represent the corporate and foundation relations field within the broader development and academic communities.  Share relevant information on strategy and the roles of institutional funders in the overall fundraising landscape. Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong productive relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. Work closely with fundraisers, faculty and deans, and research leadership, and provide strategic support to schools, colleges and units and their faculty in the building of funding and durable, multilateral relationships with institutional donors such as corporations, foundations, and nonprofits. Build the communications strategy and collaboration tools and processes necessary to optimize CFR fundraising for the University. Prospect Research and Cross-Functional Collaboration:Oversee the evolution of prospecting, research and coordination tools that will allow internal stakeholders to achieve ambitious goals for sponsored research and for philanthropic support from foundations, nonprofits, and corporations.Provide these partners and collaborators with best-in-class fundraising skill, insight, and support. Proposal Development and Tracking: Oversee CFR outreach to faculty and unit partners on funding opportunities, proposal strategy, and the translation of research data into development information systems for tracking of philanthropic support.Core Competencies: An understanding of, and commitment to, the mission, vision, and values of the University of VirginiaSignificant experience in higher education preferredAbility to establish and maintain effective relationships with diverse individuals and groups across various functions within the University as well as external constituencies including donors, parents, foundation representatives, corporate executives, professional organizations, and other external agenciesDemonstrated success creating effective communications, across different formats (memos, letters, reports) for different audiences (e.g., foundation leaders, corporate executives, University leadership, internal partners)Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a team as evidenced by improved team performance, staff retention, leveraging team members’ strengths, and professional growth of those under direct supervisionAbility to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and manage time-sensitive requests, at times in high-pressure situationsExcellent organizational and analytical skills, sound judgment, and the ability to develop strategy, foster teamwork, and formulate recommendationsGoal-oriented, committed to data-based performance evaluation and accountable for delivery and follow-throughAbility to navigate a complex, matrix environment with finesse, tact, and an appreciation for differences and nuances between and among various partnersCommitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; the ability to work comfortably with diverse groups across a broad range of functionsIdeal Experience Bachelor's degree required; Master’s preferred7+ years of experience in direct fundraising and fundraising management, with a significant portion in corporate and foundation relations, and preferably at a Research I institution with an academic medical center; demonstrated success growing and improving CFR impact5+ years of administrative and leadership experience in a complex organizationExperience securing $1M+  gifts and grants from corporations and foundations in a higher education or nonprofit settingExperience building and maintain strong relationships with industry executives, foundation representatives, and key university stakeholdersStrong record of working with executive leadership (deans and VPs) to develop strategy and close giftsLeadership competency including entrepreneurial thinking, coaching, and mentoring, and a desire to explore new strategies and opportunitiesA commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace ensuring a supportive and inclusive environmentThe University of Virginia is eager to build a diverse pool of talented individuals. The search committee is working with UVA Executive Search Group (ESG), an internal executive search firm in the Office of the President.Confidential inquiries and nominations should be directed to Susan Gaines, Managing Director, at susangaines@virginia.edu. To apply, submit a letter of interest and resume via Workday. The search will be carried out with full confidentiality and will remain open until filled.The University of Virginia is fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspective and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.PHYSICAL DEMANDSThis is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.  We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences.  We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.