Washington University in St Louis
Senior Director, Foundation Relations University Advancement
Washington University in St Louis, Clayton, Ohio, United States, 45315
Scheduled Hours
37.5 Position Summary
The Senior Director is responsible for securing major gift level support from foundations whose charitable objectives are consistent with those of Washington University. The position raises funds for a diverse range of purposes including but not limited to research, facilities, programs, scholarships, and endowment with a primary focus on STEM departments, centers, and initiatives. The successful candidate will be strategic, thoughtful, and experienced in the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of gifts and grants. Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Fundraising:
Identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of foundations and philanthropic organizations. Engage in qualification strategy, relationship building, and proposal development for gifts or grants at the $250,000‑level and above. Work with faculty and fundraising colleagues to develop effective fundraising strategies that translate into successful proposals; may serve as the primary writer on a grant or gift. Develop and implement innovative plans for enhancing stewardship of foundation donors, providing timely reports of grants from foundations that have made philanthropic gifts to the University. University Knowledge and Partnerships
Develop and maintain a deep understanding of the programs and research being conducted by faculty within the STEM departments, centers, and institutes of the Danforth Campus. Conduct regular meetings with faculty and academic staff to identify research and programs that align with foundation funding interests. Serve as the department liaison to the Internal Selections Committee. Conduct regular meetings with university colleagues in the philanthropic strategy vertical whose roles align with liaison responsibilities. Identify and attend meetings for leadership and faculty with foundation staff; host campus visits by foundation representatives; attend professional Corporate and Foundation Relations conferences. Assist the Assistant Director in overseeing annual benchmarking of peer institutions’ foundation funding. Document all work with prospects and funders into the constituent relationship management tracking system in a timely manner in accordance with University Advancement policies. Provide any other duties as assigned. Working Conditions
Flexibility and ability to work outside of the normal workday/office hours, including evenings and weekends. Normal office environment. Ability to travel to various on‑ and off‑campus locations. Physical Effort
Typically sitting at a desk or table. Repetitive wrist, hand, or finger movement. Occasional lifting (up to 250 lbs.). Equipment
Standard office equipment. Required Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree. Certifications:
None required. Work Experience:
6 years of relevant experience. Skills:
Not applicable. Driver License:
Not required. Preferred Qualifications
Experience in foundation relations or development work with significant foundation and funding organization involvement. Direct experience and personal interaction with foundation officers during exploratory cultivation and solicitation stages. Demonstrated success securing significant grants from foundations, including six‑ and seven‑figure levels. Academic experience or degree in a STEM field. Experience in foundation and/or corporate relations fundraising for higher education. Facility in relaying detailed instructions and providing feedback. Understanding of the academic environment and ability to navigate it successfully. Salary Range
$96,000 – $169,300 per year (base salary). Benefits
• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time. • Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance. • Free Metro transit U‑Pass for eligible employees. • Defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan with 7% university match. • Wellness benefits including challenges, health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs, and an employee assistance program. • Family benefits including caregiver leave and tuition assistance up to 100% for eligible family members. Accommodation
Employees with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Pre‑Employment Screening
All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required background checks, drug screening, employment verification, physical examination, and vaccination requirements. Equal Employment Opportunity
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to equal employment opportunity and encourages applications from underrepresented groups. The University’s policy provides equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.
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37.5 Position Summary
The Senior Director is responsible for securing major gift level support from foundations whose charitable objectives are consistent with those of Washington University. The position raises funds for a diverse range of purposes including but not limited to research, facilities, programs, scholarships, and endowment with a primary focus on STEM departments, centers, and initiatives. The successful candidate will be strategic, thoughtful, and experienced in the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of gifts and grants. Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Fundraising:
Identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of foundations and philanthropic organizations. Engage in qualification strategy, relationship building, and proposal development for gifts or grants at the $250,000‑level and above. Work with faculty and fundraising colleagues to develop effective fundraising strategies that translate into successful proposals; may serve as the primary writer on a grant or gift. Develop and implement innovative plans for enhancing stewardship of foundation donors, providing timely reports of grants from foundations that have made philanthropic gifts to the University. University Knowledge and Partnerships
Develop and maintain a deep understanding of the programs and research being conducted by faculty within the STEM departments, centers, and institutes of the Danforth Campus. Conduct regular meetings with faculty and academic staff to identify research and programs that align with foundation funding interests. Serve as the department liaison to the Internal Selections Committee. Conduct regular meetings with university colleagues in the philanthropic strategy vertical whose roles align with liaison responsibilities. Identify and attend meetings for leadership and faculty with foundation staff; host campus visits by foundation representatives; attend professional Corporate and Foundation Relations conferences. Assist the Assistant Director in overseeing annual benchmarking of peer institutions’ foundation funding. Document all work with prospects and funders into the constituent relationship management tracking system in a timely manner in accordance with University Advancement policies. Provide any other duties as assigned. Working Conditions
Flexibility and ability to work outside of the normal workday/office hours, including evenings and weekends. Normal office environment. Ability to travel to various on‑ and off‑campus locations. Physical Effort
Typically sitting at a desk or table. Repetitive wrist, hand, or finger movement. Occasional lifting (up to 250 lbs.). Equipment
Standard office equipment. Required Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree. Certifications:
None required. Work Experience:
6 years of relevant experience. Skills:
Not applicable. Driver License:
Not required. Preferred Qualifications
Experience in foundation relations or development work with significant foundation and funding organization involvement. Direct experience and personal interaction with foundation officers during exploratory cultivation and solicitation stages. Demonstrated success securing significant grants from foundations, including six‑ and seven‑figure levels. Academic experience or degree in a STEM field. Experience in foundation and/or corporate relations fundraising for higher education. Facility in relaying detailed instructions and providing feedback. Understanding of the academic environment and ability to navigate it successfully. Salary Range
$96,000 – $169,300 per year (base salary). Benefits
• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time. • Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance. • Free Metro transit U‑Pass for eligible employees. • Defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan with 7% university match. • Wellness benefits including challenges, health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs, and an employee assistance program. • Family benefits including caregiver leave and tuition assistance up to 100% for eligible family members. Accommodation
Employees with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Pre‑Employment Screening
All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required background checks, drug screening, employment verification, physical examination, and vaccination requirements. Equal Employment Opportunity
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to equal employment opportunity and encourages applications from underrepresented groups. The University’s policy provides equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.
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