Director Of Corporate Giving

In support of the University President's goals and under the direction of the Vice President of University Advancement and Engagement (UAAE), the Director of Corporate and Foundation Advancement will solicit new support for The University of Tulsa from corporations and foundations. This individual will be responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gifts in support of fundraising campaigns and the TU strategic plan. Responsibilities include creating, implementing, and managing a proactive development plan focused on expanding and enhancing corporate and foundation partnerships.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (RESPONSIBILITIES):

• Creates a comprehensive plan for engaging corporate and foundation partners, which will include establishing and implementing a formal corporate partners program, establishing procedures for qualifying new foundation prospects, and developing protocols for tracking proposals to corporate and foundation prospects.

• Manages a portfolio of corporate and foundation prospects for cultivation, solicitation and stewardship; works with prospect research staff to identify funding opportunities and develops forward-thinking, dynamic and comprehensive strategies to support critical new initiatives, large scale transformational projects, capital projects, and investments in new ideas and partnerships.

• Collaborates closely with the Director of Campaign and Development Operations, Development Directors, the Director of Annual and Affinity Giving, and Director of Alumni Engagement on the solicitation of corporate and foundation partners for Tulsa Mayfest, Homecoming, Cane Careers, and other high profile sponsorship opportunities.

• Qualifies and vets assigned prospects and new potential prospects to evaluate funding feasibility.

• Achieves stated goals for face-to-face visits and solicitations; meets revenue targets for portfolio of donors and prospects.

• Develops plan and targets benchmark for improved corporate sponsorship opportunities; strategically secures funding for both specific projects and standard activities; tracks funding and project progress.

• In partnership with Sr. Director of Advancement Communications, campus leadership and Development Directors, write letters of inquiry and formal grant proposals for submission.

• Obtain internal approvals for all grant submissions.

• Initiate positive, long-term relationships with key corporate and foundation executives, program officers, recruiters, and other staff of current and potential corporate and foundation donors to cultivate relationships and learn of funding priorities.

• Maintains positive relationships with foundations throughout the gift/grant cycle and keeps abreast of changes within the foundations, monitors and/or provides appropriate stewardship to ensure that gifts will lead to future support.

• In concert with development staff and campus partners, schedules meetings with corporate and foundation prospects to discuss potential partnerships with TU, including but not be limited to philanthropy, recruiting, research and professional education.

• When appropriate, assists staff, deans, administration and/or faculty on corporate and foundation donor calls; prepares talking points and coordinates stewardship efforts.

• Represent TU at corporate and foundation events in collaboration with University Advancement and Alumni Engagement

• Coordinates strategy with other areas of campus and development staff and develops engaging letters of inquiry and formal proposals to donor prospects for specific projects; ensures timely submission consistent with requirements.

• Facilitates strategic relationships between senior TU leaders and institutional giving prospects; educates senior administrators and faculty about corporate and foundation fundraising strategies and best practices; determines ways to leverage relationships key internal partners have with corporations and foundations; positions and supports leadership in conversations with potential funders and partners.

• Builds relationships with internal academic partners and constituencies to achieve fundraising goals.

• Maintains a deep and broad understanding of TU programs and priorities, and faculty research strengths; uses this understanding to seek funding or working with groups across campus to develop projects that will attract funding.

• Coordinates solicitation and stewardship activities with other advancement staff.

• In conjunction with the Coordinator of Stewardship Reporting, ensures timely submission of thorough and accurate progress and final reports, consistent with funder's guidelines.

• Coordinates with the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs to ensure appropriate unit handles proposals.

• Collaborates with UAAE special events team and alumni engagement team to design and staff cultivation and stewardship activities that promote continued engagement with donors.

• Facilitates communication with donors and friends that fosters an environment of equity, inclusion, and belonging, that values diverse life experiences, ideas, and perspectives.

• Performs other duties as assigned/needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college of university

• 3+ years professional experience in higher education fundraising, sales, and marketing, or equivalent experience.

• Demonstrated success in soliciting and closing major gifts.

• Demonstrated creative strategy in donor engagement.

• Ability to create a climate of confidence and trust on the part of donors and colleagues.

• Experience in building relationships internally and externally with donors and strategic partners

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the company.

• Strong customer service skills and ability to anticipate customers' needs and respond with creative solutions, and ability to utilize these skills with internal stakeholders as well.

• Experience with consensus building among various competing interests.

• Ability to work nights and weekends