Director, Foundation and Corporate Relations

About the role

The primary purpose of the Director of Foundation & Corporate Relations (FCR) is to promote and support the mission of Philanthropy through seeking foundation and corporate foundation dollars. Reporting to the Associate Vice President (AVP), Foundation & Corporate Relations, the Director will be a seasoned leader excited about building outreach, expanding the portfolio for foundation giving as part of MD Anderson's upcoming campaign, and maximizing philanthropic support through grants.

Responsibilities

• Work with faculty, executive leadership and colleagues, as appropriate, on developing strategy for investigation, approach and solicitation for foundations.
• Conduct research to identify alignment of a foundation's funding interest to that of MD Anderson's priorities and funding needs, with a special focus on foundations that fund basic, translational and clinical research.
• Understand MD Anderson's policies related to gifts, grants, sponsorships, sponsored research, corporate alliances, etc., to converse confidently with funding bodies on various channels of potential partnership.
• Develop high-quality presentations and proposals to potential supporters.
• Work closely with team and colleagues on improving standards for reporting on foundation and grant relations' activities and results.
• Engage with varied constituencies with social fluency and garner their trust as to influence donor behavior, appropriately aligning donors to giving opportunities and orchestrating and facilitating meaningful engagements.

Requirements

The ideal candidate is a seasoned fundraising professional with a proven ability to secure significant foundation and corporate support for research and institutional priorities. They excel at developing and executing strategic engagement plans, building trusted relationships with various stakeholders, and influencing decisions through strong communication and critical evaluation skills. With deep knowledge of grant-making processes, medical terminology, and institutional policies, this individual combines analytical rigor with creativity to align donor interests with organizational goals. They are highly collaborative, results-driven, and experienced in managing complex portfolios and multi-million-dollar grants, while demonstrating leadership in mentoring staff and fostering cross-functional partnerships. Adaptable and professional, they thrive in a fast-paced, campaign-driven environment and uphold the institution's core values in every interaction.

Qualifications

• Minimum: $146,500 | Midpoint: $183,000 | Maximum: $219,500

Skills

• Consultation with Critical Evaluation (40%)
• Collaborate with the AVP of Foundation and Corporate Relations, and/or the SVP/Chief Philanthropy Officer to create investigation, approach and solicitation strategies for assigned targeted foundations and corporations.
• Create a broad and deep understanding of current fundraising priorities across the institution, as outlined by the President, the Executive Leadership and Chief Scientific Officer, or as envisioned as part of MD Anderson's Strategy that is enterprise wide.
• Collaborate with the FCR team and other stakeholders and faculty leaders across the institution on targeted top-tier foundations and corporate foundations: creating an annual plan for each assigned foundation based on strategy that includes key leadership champion/s and volunteer/board connections; step-wise engagement scheme; thoughtful solicitation at the right time; and continuation of stewardship for deeper relationship building over time.
• Create and maintain a portfolio of documents for internal use that clarifies role and scope of the program and how it is of service to faculty members.
• Serve as a representative for the FCR team, as needed, at institutional gatherings (presenting on the program's areas) or externally, with potentially funding bodies. The director is expected to take the lead in providing education to faculty in all aspects of grant submission through on-campus or virtual workshops, website and other avenues.

Benefits

• Paid employee medical benefits (zero premium) starting on first day for employees who work 30 or more hours per week
• Group Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D and Disability coverage
• Paid time off (PTO) and Extended Illness Bank (EIB) paid leave accruals
• Paid institutional holidays, wellness leave, childcare leave, and other paid leave programs
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service
• Teachers Retirement System defined-benefit pension plan and two voluntary retirement plans
• Employer paid life, AD&D and an illness-related reduced salary pay program
• Extensive wellness, recognition, fitness, employee health programs and employee resource groups.

Pay

• Minimum: $146,500 | Midpoint: $183,000 | Maximum: $219,500

Schedule

• Not specified