University of Virginia
Assistant Director of Foundation Relations
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States, 22904
Overview
External Relations at the University of Virginia (UVA) is seeking a highly qualified candidate to fill the role of
Assistant Director of Foundation Relations . The University of Virginia has a strong advancement community, comprising a robust central advancement organization, 12 University schools, and more than 25 University-related programs. We offer a wide variety of career opportunities, as well as an outstanding environment for professional growth and development.
Responsibilities
Serve as lead fundraiser for foundation funding opportunities of $150,000 and below.
Identify, cultivate, and solicit foundation prospects aligned with the university’s mission and funding priorities.
Collaborate with faculty and administrators to develop high-quality proposals for research, academic programs, scholarships, and institutional initiatives.
Manage the full grant lifecycle, from concept development and proposal submission to reporting and stewardship.
Ensure proposals and stewardship reports are tailored to each foundation’s interests and guidelines.
Stay abreast of the foundation funding landscape, including trends and announcements; synthesize and disseminate RFPs and key headlines to internal stakeholders.
Maintain accurate records in the university’s advancement database.
Strategic Collaboration & Internal Partnerships
Partner with faculty, development colleagues, and research offices to identify projects with strong funding potential.
Provide support, guidance, and resources to faculty and staff on foundation fundraising strategies.
Develop familiarity with UVA’s policies that govern foundation funding (gift vs. grant policies, etc.).
Team Collaboration on Large Proposals and Prospect Research Needs
When warranted, serve as a team contributor on proposals that are complex and in need of significant support.
Create funder prospect lists for faculty and development colleagues, in concert with the CFR Research Strategist.
Support more in-depth prospect research projects, such as preparing meeting briefing documents for leadership and co-author memos for Limited Submission Opportunities.
CFR Stewardship
Reviewing acknowledgement letters for private foundations and companies to ensure content is accurate and appropriate for stewardship.
Staff and support corporate and foundation visits in partnership with CFR team members.
Qualifications The ideal candidate will be organized, analytical, and detail oriented, with the ability to grasp complex subjects, meet deadlines, and be a motivated self-starter with strong communication skills.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree
Three years of related experience
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with foundation relations fundraising and/or in a higher education environment is strongly preferred
Experience with CRM software (Salesforce is a plus) and fundraising research tools
Experience using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word)
Self-starter with initiative, ownership, and ability to work independently
Strong project management and organization skills with ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to interact professionally with stakeholders, leadership, and colleagues
Ability to present and build relationships with faculty and foundation partners
Excellent interpersonal skills and collaboration
Ability to prioritize and pivot in response to shifting priorities
Ability to work effectively in a complex environment and under pressure
Interest in higher education and philanthropy with a willingness to learn
Commitment to confidentiality and discretion with sensitive data
Emotional intelligence and social awareness
Attention to detail and high standard of excellence
Physical Demands This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The role may require traveling to attend meetings and programs.
Salary Range The anticipated hiring range is $65,000 - $75,000, commensurate with education and experience.
Position Type & Work Location
This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.
This is a restricted position, dependent on funding and funding availability.
External Affairs at UVA, which includes the advancement function, offers a flexible and hybrid workplace. The hybrid position can be worked remotely, but frequent in-person work in UVA offices or at event venues is required. Candidate should live within driving distance of Charlottesville, Virginia.
Application Timeline Application review will begin after October 7, 2025.
Additional Requirements
Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.
How To Apply Please apply online by searching for requisition number
R0076996 .
Complete an application with the following documents:
Resume
Cover Letter
Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.
Contact
For additional information about the position, please contact Sandi Hall at eym5wh@virginia.edu.
For questions about the application process, please contact Jon Freeman, Recruiting Specialist, at jf2sw@virginia.edu.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Read UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Assistant Director of Foundation Relations . The University of Virginia has a strong advancement community, comprising a robust central advancement organization, 12 University schools, and more than 25 University-related programs. We offer a wide variety of career opportunities, as well as an outstanding environment for professional growth and development.
Responsibilities
Serve as lead fundraiser for foundation funding opportunities of $150,000 and below.
Identify, cultivate, and solicit foundation prospects aligned with the university’s mission and funding priorities.
Collaborate with faculty and administrators to develop high-quality proposals for research, academic programs, scholarships, and institutional initiatives.
Manage the full grant lifecycle, from concept development and proposal submission to reporting and stewardship.
Ensure proposals and stewardship reports are tailored to each foundation’s interests and guidelines.
Stay abreast of the foundation funding landscape, including trends and announcements; synthesize and disseminate RFPs and key headlines to internal stakeholders.
Maintain accurate records in the university’s advancement database.
Strategic Collaboration & Internal Partnerships
Partner with faculty, development colleagues, and research offices to identify projects with strong funding potential.
Provide support, guidance, and resources to faculty and staff on foundation fundraising strategies.
Develop familiarity with UVA’s policies that govern foundation funding (gift vs. grant policies, etc.).
Team Collaboration on Large Proposals and Prospect Research Needs
When warranted, serve as a team contributor on proposals that are complex and in need of significant support.
Create funder prospect lists for faculty and development colleagues, in concert with the CFR Research Strategist.
Support more in-depth prospect research projects, such as preparing meeting briefing documents for leadership and co-author memos for Limited Submission Opportunities.
CFR Stewardship
Reviewing acknowledgement letters for private foundations and companies to ensure content is accurate and appropriate for stewardship.
Staff and support corporate and foundation visits in partnership with CFR team members.
Qualifications The ideal candidate will be organized, analytical, and detail oriented, with the ability to grasp complex subjects, meet deadlines, and be a motivated self-starter with strong communication skills.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree
Three years of related experience
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with foundation relations fundraising and/or in a higher education environment is strongly preferred
Experience with CRM software (Salesforce is a plus) and fundraising research tools
Experience using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word)
Self-starter with initiative, ownership, and ability to work independently
Strong project management and organization skills with ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to interact professionally with stakeholders, leadership, and colleagues
Ability to present and build relationships with faculty and foundation partners
Excellent interpersonal skills and collaboration
Ability to prioritize and pivot in response to shifting priorities
Ability to work effectively in a complex environment and under pressure
Interest in higher education and philanthropy with a willingness to learn
Commitment to confidentiality and discretion with sensitive data
Emotional intelligence and social awareness
Attention to detail and high standard of excellence
Physical Demands This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The role may require traveling to attend meetings and programs.
Salary Range The anticipated hiring range is $65,000 - $75,000, commensurate with education and experience.
Position Type & Work Location
This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.
This is a restricted position, dependent on funding and funding availability.
External Affairs at UVA, which includes the advancement function, offers a flexible and hybrid workplace. The hybrid position can be worked remotely, but frequent in-person work in UVA offices or at event venues is required. Candidate should live within driving distance of Charlottesville, Virginia.
Application Timeline Application review will begin after October 7, 2025.
Additional Requirements
Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.
How To Apply Please apply online by searching for requisition number
R0076996 .
Complete an application with the following documents:
Resume
Cover Letter
Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.
Contact
For additional information about the position, please contact Sandi Hall at eym5wh@virginia.edu.
For questions about the application process, please contact Jon Freeman, Recruiting Specialist, at jf2sw@virginia.edu.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Read UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.
#J-18808-Ljbffr