Title: Director of Foundation Relations
Location: On-site at Thomas Aquinas College, CA Campus
Reports to: Executive Director of Development
Overview:
The Director of Foundation Relations at Thomas Aquinas College is a key position within the Advancement team. This role is responsible for writing grants and cultivating relationships with foundation partners to secure funding for the College’s mission.
The Director of Foundation Relations must have a strong understanding of the mission and values of Thomas Aquinas College as well as the ability to effectively communicate and articulate the College’s needs and goals to potential foundation partners. This position requires a strategic, detail-oriented individual with excellent writing and relationship-building skills.
Key Responsibilities:
Identify and cultivate prospective funding sources, visiting at least one foundation representative a month.
Draft proposals and letters of inquiry to charitable foundations.
Prepare and submit reports on grants that have been funded.
Schedule proposals and reports to meet foundation deadlines.
Research prospective new foundations.
Make recommendations about foundation requests and cultivation strategies.
Maintain foundation files.
Keep attachments requested by most foundations up to date (e.g. Board list, annual budget, etc.).
Work with the College’s Business Office to prepare annual endowment reports for donors.
Plan and execute the annual student thank-you letter project (match individual students to donors, prepare assignment memos, promote project on campus, organize closing party).
Plan and execute annual student biographical survey project (prepare, distribute, acknowledge, and transcribe surveys; conduct interviews, if applicable).
Research corporations that might be inclined to support the College and apply for grants as appropriate.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
5+ years of experience in foundation relations, development, or closely related field.
Proven track record of securing significant grants from foundations.
Commitment to the mission of Thomas Aquinas College.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong research and analytical skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with attention to detail.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge is preferred.
Ability to travel as required for foundation visits and events.
Exact salary will be commensurate with experience.
Working at Thomas Aquinas College:
Thomas Aquinas College is a four-year, coeducational institution, where students study the Great Books of Western civilization under the light of the Catholic faith.