Description
The Director of Foundation Relations is a key individual contributor and partner for the Industry and Foundation Relations team (IFR) and is an essential part of the Office of Advancement at the University of Colorado Boulder. The Director uses expert knowledge of fundraising techniques to manage a portfolio of foundation funders, including prospects that are capable of providing grants and making gifts in excess of $100,000+, that help further the mission and goals of the university.
At CU Boulder Advancement, we are committed to fostering an environment where everyone matters and all can thrive. This dedication is rooted in our core values and our mission to drive impactful fundraising and engagement. Our team actively engages in learning, reflection, and the transformation of systems, policies, and practices that perpetuate oppressive ideologies—including racism, sexism, ableism, and heterosexism. We recognize our responsibility to lead by example in building a supportive and inclusive culture for both internal colleagues and external partners. We hold ourselves accountable through individual and divisional goals that continuously assess our progress, growth, and outcomes—ensuring alignment with our mission and values every step of the way.
Requirements
Job Duties with Percentage
Partnership Development and Strategy (70%)
Manage a portfolio of 40 foundation prospects aligned with CU Boulder’s strengths, each capable of contributing $100,000 or more.
Develop and implement comprehensive, tailored strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and long-term stewardship for major foundation partners, including impact reporting, recognition and renewal strategies.
Develop and maintain awareness of funding opportunities and elevate high priority initiatives with the goal of securing 6-7+ figure awards to support world-class research and impact for CU Boulder.
Proactively engage in dynamic external relationship-building activities through calls, travel and campus visits that lead to strong, sustained partner relationships and proposal invitations.
Plan and execute strategic funder site visits, often coordinating with multiple stakeholders, including faculty and university leaders.
Develop and achieve performance goals for outreach, proposals, and prospect development in coordination with Managing Senior Director of Foundation Relations.
Proposal Development and Collaboration (30%)
Develop letters of intent, concept papers, and proposals, ensuring alignment with university policies and funder interests.
Ensure timely, accurate completion of proposals, gift and grant agreements, stewardship, and report requirements.
Maintain accurate records in the university’s database, ensuring timely contact reports and entity updates.
Collaborate with Office of Contracts and Grants, Research and Innovation Office and University of Colorado Foundation on proposal development and submission, award negotiation and compliance, often serving as the liaison between the offices and the funder.
Serve as a strategic liaison with campus stakeholders, including faculty, unit heads, and leadership. Build trust and foster collaboration to advance foundation engagement. Share insights and opportunities with IFR colleagues and advancement leaders, promoting a culture of teamwork and shared success across the CU system.
Perform other duties as assigned to support team and institutional goals.
Requested Minimum Requirements (Education and Experience, Software Utilized)
Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
Experience: 4+ years of experience at an R-1 university or complex healthcare system. Progressive experience in business development and/or fundraising roles with quantifiable outcomes working with foundations.
Software Utilized: Microsoft Office products, donor tracking software (Salesforce), Zoom, Teams, LinkedIn.
Competencies/Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to understand and properly fit the right investment vehicle (gift, grant, etc.) based on the prospective foundation partner’s needs or desired outcomes and navigate the University’s contracts and grants rules.
Expert knowledge of foundation-focused fundraising techniques.
Solid knowledge of the funding landscape and giving climate for foundation partners.
Expert knowledge in grant writing.
Solid knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards governing foundation grant-making.
Understanding of foundation-university contract, grant, and gift fundamentals.
Expert ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Strong ability to analyze information/situations and solve problems.
Solid ability to handle sensitive information discretely and maintain confidentiality.
Solid ability to organize and manage multiple projects/tasks simultaneously (project management experience a plus – specifically in technical arenas such as engineering or science); ability to work independently and on a team and adapt to changing priorities.
Solid knowledge of current issues facing public universities and interests/projects of assigned school, students, faculty, and alumni.
Ability to embrace the shared values of the Office of Advancement.
Ability to exercise a high degree of diplomacy, discretion, and collaboration in working with a diverse range of constituents.
Strong relationship building skills.
Growth mindset, resilience and perseverance.
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated experience in securing foundation funding in both philanthropy gifts and sponsored research at $100,000+ or greater.
Advanced degree.
