General Information

The Assistant Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations is a member of the Philanthropy and Engagement division. The Assistant Director reports to the Senior Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations. All duties are carried out in accordance with the policies and procedures of Philanthropy and Engagement, the Development Office, and the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations.

The Assistant Director advances philanthropic support from private foundations and corporate giving programs by developing and managing a strategic pipeline of funding opportunities aligned with JMU's strategic priorities. This role leads proposal development, manages charitable sponsorship opportunities, and supports faculty and campus partners in pursuing external funding.

Duties and Responsibilities

Proposal Development & Faculty Engagement

• Lead primary drafting of high-quality proposals to foundation and corporate funders; coordinate with faculty and unit staff to gather program data, budgets, and outcomes; submit to the Associate Director for editorial review and approval.
• Translate academic and programmatic priorities into compelling, funder-aligned proposals and sponsorship opportunities.

Philanthropic Sponsorship Strategy & Growth

• Serve as a key and recurring contributor within the Corporate Partnership Hub engagement team model.

Philanthropic Pipeline Management

• Develop and maintain a structured pipeline of private foundation and corporate philanthropic sponsorship opportunities.

Stewardship & Reporting

• Lead stewardship and reporting for foundation and corporate gifts.

Team & Operational Support

• Track activity in Affinaquest (Salesforce).

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• 2-4+ years of experience in advancement, fundraising, grant writing, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education advancement.