Director of Corporate And Foundation Relations

About the role

At Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), our mission is clear: to cultivate an inclusive community of experiential learners driven to solve the complex challenges of today and tomorrow. Our commitment to “learning by doing” extends beyond the classroom, fueling partnerships that empower innovation, advance discovery, and create lasting societal impact. We are seeking a purpose-driven Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations to play a critical role in advancing this mission.

In this role, you will build and steward strategic partnerships that connect MSOE’s strengths with the shared goals of corporate and foundation partners—unlocking opportunities that support students, strengthen communities, and accelerate solutions to real-world challenges. This is an opportunity for a connector and storyteller—someone who thrives at the intersection of higher education, industry, and philanthropy—to elevate MSOE’s visibility, align corporate and foundation interests with institutional priorities, and turn shared vision into transformative outcomes.

About MSOE

MSOE is an academic institution intrinsically tied to the real world—a confluence of industry knowledge, work ethic, and an enduring desire to know more. The university offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering, computer science, machine learning, user experience, construction management, actuarial science, business, and nursing. With about 3,000 students, faculty, and staff, MSOE is large enough for big opportunities and small enough for personal attention.

MSOE is a supportive environment where everyone is valued. Our method of learning by doing is our distinction: it is how we teach, how we learn, and how we serve. MSOE’s top priority is serving our students. By joining our community, you are building the leaders of tomorrow.

MSOE is united by six values—collaboration, excellence, inclusion, innovation, integrity, and stewardship—which represent the core of our campus culture. The university has embarked on an ambitious strategic plan, Extraordinary Together, that propels the institution forward.

Responsibilities

• Major Gift Productivity:
  • Manage a portfolio of strategic corporate and foundation partnerships with the goal of generating philanthropic revenue in consultation with the Vice President of University Advancement (VPUA) and the Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships (VPMSP).
  • Work with VPMSP, faculty, and staff to design and coordinate engagement across multiple units, involving university leadership as appropriate.
  • Serve as the University Advancement (UA) point of contact for incoming requests for information from companies and foundations on philanthropic engagement with MSOE.
  • Support the VPMSP in connecting companies and foundations to the appropriate department(s) and/or programs at MSOE.
  • Determine, in collaboration with UA, whether engagements should be single-point or added to the corporate and foundation portfolio for managed relationships.
  • Identify and develop new partnerships that support MSOE’s strategic initiatives with a focus on philanthropy, including student recruitment, internships, contracts, sponsored research, student organizations, senior design projects, and philanthropy.
  • Develop a strategic relationship plan for partnerships with philanthropic potential and interest.
  • Annually develop metrics for managing existing corporate partners, identifying and qualifying new partners, and setting direct/indirect revenue generation goals.
  • Complete a minimum of 120 personal visits that meet the standard for a qualified action.
  • Develop proposals and other fundraising communications, including reports for gifts and grants.
  • Participate in external meetings and events to enhance MSOE visibility and strengthen relationships.
  • Travel independently and with other development staff, faculty, and administrators.
• Portfolio Management:
  • Develop a multi-year strategic plan for MSOE’s top corporate partners and key foundations in consultation with VPUA and VPMSP.
  • Create management plans for companies and foundations added to the portfolio.
  • Submit timely reports for all interactions with businesses and corporate partners, including next steps to advance relationships.
  • Work with appropriate development staff to complete gift agreements, letters-of-intent, and in-kind gift forms to document donor commitments.
• Internal and External Development:
  • Internal: Serve as the UA staff liaison to the University Corporate Relations Committee. Support the VPMSP in recruiting members, setting agendas, recording minutes, and updating engagement strategies to ensure collaboration and transparency.
  • External: Serve as the UA staff liaison to the University’s Corporate Board. Support the VPMSP in recruiting members, setting agendas, preparing information, presenting as appropriate, recording minutes, and advancing agreed-upon next steps.
• Other Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Attend all required department meetings.
  • Provide staff support for events and activities related to the Office of University Advancement, which may include evenings and weekends.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; an advanced degree is preferred. Experience may be considered in lieu of educational accomplishments.
• 5 years of experience in corporate relations, fundraising, or a similar role.

Benefits

• Competitive, fully comprehensive benefit plans including medical, dental, life, disability, and vision insurance.
• 13 paid holidays, Paid Time Off (PTO), and paid parental leave.
• 403(b) retirement plan with company matching of up to 6% of employee earnings and immediate vesting.
• Educational benefits for employees and family members.
• Access to a state-of-the-art fitness center at no charge.

Located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, MSOE is just blocks away from the beautiful lakefront, the theater district, museums, sports and music venues, parks, and shopping.