Director, Corporate & Foundation Relations
About the role
The California State University, Office of the Chancellor, is seeking a Director, Corporate & Foundation Relations to provide strategic leadership and frontline fundraising for corporate and foundation partnerships that advance systemwide and multi-campus priorities of the California State University.
Responsibilities
Serve as a frontline fundraiser for CSU systemwide and multi-campus initiatives by managing a portfolio of high-capacity corporate and foundation prospects aligned with Chancellor’s Office priorities.
Develop and implement systemwide strategies for prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, in coordination with campus advancement leaders when funders have existing or parallel campus relationships.
Qualify, prioritize, and manage corporate and foundation prospects—including invitation-only and foundation-like entities—whose interests align with high-impact, multi-campus or CSU-wide initiatives.
Lead systemwide solicitation strategies that coordinate campus participation, manage overlap, and maximize collective philanthropic outcomes, while respecting campus-based relationships and roles.
Align Chancellor’s Office fundraising strategies with campus priorities, strengths, and existing funder relationships.
Facilitate coordination across campuses to support multi-campus and interdisciplinary initiatives, including shared prospect strategies, joint proposals, and common cases for support.
Navigate and resolve funder-related overlap or complexity across campuses, ensuring transparent communication, shared credit, and appropriate recognition.
Provide consultation, guidance, and capacity-building support to campuses—particularly under-resourced campuses—participating in systemwide funding opportunities.
Lead the strategic framing, positioning, and development of corporate and foundation funding strategies in collaboration with Chancellor’s Office administrative departments, which serve as subject-matter experts for systemwide initiatives.
Partner with administrative departments (e.g., Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Student Success and Strategic Enrollment Management) to identify funding opportunities and translate programmatic priorities into competitive grant concepts and proposals.
Test funding concepts and proposal approaches with corporate and foundation partners prior to submission, as appropriate, to strengthen alignment and competitiveness.
Coordinate institutional review, approval, and external funding clearance processes for corporate and foundation proposals in collaboration with Sponsored Programs, Budget and Finance, and Academic Affairs.
Coordinate stewardship and reporting processes for systemwide and multi-campus corporate and foundation awards, in partnership with administrative departments, campuses, and finance teams.
Maintain complete and accurate records of corporate and foundation activity in applicable CRM and reporting systems.
Support the development of system-level impact narratives that aggregate outcomes across campuses for corporate and foundation partners.
Contribute to the strategic leadership of the Office of Systemwide Philanthropy through fundraising planning, forecasting, and performance analysis related to corporate and foundation support.
Monitor trends in corporate and foundation philanthropy to inform strategy and identify new opportunities relevant to CSU’s mission and scale.
Support special initiatives, pilot programs, and new funding models that enhance systemwide philanthropic effectiveness.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible experience in corporate and foundation relations, institutional fundraising, or related development work within a complex organization.
Demonstrated success securing significant corporate and/or foundation gifts or grants (typically $100,000+), including experience with multi-entity or institutionally complex proposals.
Experience partnering with non-advancement subject-matter experts (e.g., academic, programmatic, or administrative leaders) to translate priorities into competitive funding strategies.
Demonstrated ability to navigate shared credit, recognition, and resource allocation across multiple institutions or organizational units.
Strong organizational and political acuity, with the ability to build consensus and advance strategy in matrixed, decentralized environments.
Proven ability to develop, write, and/or lead the preparation of competitive funding proposals for corporate and foundation partners.
Expert written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to frame complex initiatives for institutional funders.
Strong interpersonal and presentation skills with the ability to engage senior leaders, faculty, administrators, and external partners.
Strategic thinking and analytical skills to align institutional priorities with funder interests.
High degree of judgment, discretion, and professionalism in handling confidential and sensitive information.
Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
The incumbent must possess a valid driver’s license and be available to travel to meetings, training programs and special events which may take place in the evenings or on weekends in and out of state.
Premium Benefits
Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits
Generous vacation plan 15 paid holidays a year
Tuition waiver education program (also applies to eligible family members)
Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)