At the PSU Foundation, we believe in the power of higher education to transform lives. We are a mission-driven organization focused on advancing Portland State University through relationships, community connections and philanthropy.

As part of our team, you’ll join a group of passionate, committed and engaged individuals working to empower students, faculty and the communities we serve.

The Opportunity

The PSU Foundation is seeking an experienced and motivated Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR). Reporting to the Vice President of Development, this role will oversee the CFR team while building relationships with corporations and private foundations to secure significant philanthropic support for Portland State University. This position plays a pivotal role in developing strategies, managing donor portfolios, and collaborating with university leadership and faculty to align with PSU’s long-term goals.

Position Overview

• Lead corporate and foundation relations with a focus on securing substantial philanthropic contributions.
• Develop and execute strategic plans to enhance foundation partnerships aligned with PSU’s goals.
• Identify and respond to emerging trends, recommending strategies to secure major gifts and grants.
• Manage a portfolio of corporate and foundation prospects, focusing on closing substantial philanthropic support.
• Oversee a team-wide portfolio of key foundations, engaging in qualification, strategy, relationship building, and closing of foundation gifts.
• Coordinate and track all corporate and foundation prospects and donors from planning to reporting stages using Blackbaud CRM.
• Develop highly competitive proposals and budgets that align with corporate and foundation goals and the University's priorities
• Write, edit, and manage highly competitive proposals, budgets, and grant reports.
• Ensure high-quality donor stewardship, including prompt acknowledgments and progress updates.
• Partner with PSU faculty, development colleagues, and university leadership to build a strong prospect base.
• Serve as a resource on foundation grants and policies, collaborating with key university departments to identify funding opportunities.
• May directly supervise 1-4 development team members
• Manage and mentor the Corporate & Foundation Relations team, fostering a culture of inclusivity and professional growth.
• Lead recruitment, selection, and training efforts for the Corporate & Foundation Relations department.
• Organize and participate in events and meetings that engage potential donors and showcase opportunities for support.
• Conduct research to identify and cultivate new corporate and foundation donors.
• Stay informed about industry trends and report back to leadership.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of grants, ensuring compliance with policies.
• Manage the CFR department’s budget to maximize fundraising returns.
• Ensure accurate reporting of foundation funding and maintain up-to-date project/prospect status reports.

Measures of Success:

• Meet or exceed frontline fundraising metrics, including (but not limited to) visits, submitted/funded proposals, individual and unit fundraising.
• Effective management of portfolio of prospects through all phases of the donor cultivation cycle, with special emphasis on cultivating and soliciting gifts and grants of $50K or more.
• Effective relationship management both internally with PSU/F partners/units and externally with donors/prospects.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum five to eight years of relevant fundraising experience, including proven success in securing six- and seven-figure gifts and grants.
• Fundraising and grant experience in higher education preferred, particularly for a large, public institution or comparably complex organization with multiple stakeholders. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Requirements

• Ability to create and collaborate within an equitable and inclusive team environment, and to communicate effectively within the context of diverse behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to deploy discretion related to confidential information.
• Ability to make strong decisions that are organization-focused, strategic, and have a positive impact.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to work effectively in a matrixed environment placing a high premium on collaboration toward shared goals and understanding complex processes.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze processes and information, identify trends, challenges, opportunities, solutions, and strategies.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency, including experience using Microsoft Office, Google Applications, Adobe Sign, and other paperless management tools. Experience with expense and financial management systems is a plus.
• Demonstrate reliable, regular, and predictable work attendance.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, leadership, coaching, and conflict resolution skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google applications.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with necessary stakeholders, both internal and external to the organization and at every level.
• Self-motivated and require little guidance to tackle projects, tasks, and priorities.

Other Essential Information

• Department: Development
• Work Days/Hours: Full Time, 40 hours/week, Monday-Friday
• Work Type: We currently have a hybrid work model at the PSU Foundation. This position will be required to work at least 16-24 hours/week on Portland State University campus and the remainder of the work week may be worked remotely in Oregon or Washington.   

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual Compensation: $87,300 – $109,000 (depending on experience)
• Full Time Employee Benefits: We are proud to say that we have one of the leading benefit packages for Nonprofit organizations in Oregon. Highlights of our benefits package includes:
  • 100% employer paid medical coverage on our “base-plan” for all enrolled employees with two additional buy-up plans are offered.
  • 34 days of paid time off every year available after a 90-day initial employment period
  • 11 company paid holidays
  • Up to 12% employer contributions to an eligible employee’s 401(k) plan after applicable waiting periods
  • Employer paid Long Term Disability and Life Insurance coverage
  • Portland State University affiliated employee benefits
  • For a full list of our awesome full-time employee benefits, please visit: https://www.psuf.org/careers

Interested in applying? We invite you to submit your application, along with your resume and cover letter, through our website.

PSU Foundation is an EEO employer. To learn more about the foundation, our strategic direction and our financial impacts, please visit: https://www.psuf.org/about-psu-foundation