"Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations"

About Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts:

At MCLA, we're here for all - and focused on each - of our students. As a 2025 Top Ten Public College, classes are taught by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive on every level of their lives. Nearly 93% of our graduates land competitive jobs or are accepted by some of the best grad schools in the country. We engage in the most nationally relevant conversations by hosting some of the most celebrated thinkers and speakers on our campus in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, an area known for its mountain ranges, hiking trails, and panoramic views. Our hometown of North Adams is brimming with creative energy and the regional economy is booming as a result. In nearly every way possible, the experience at MCLA is designed to elevate you as an individual, a leader, and a communicator, fully empowered to make your impression on the world.

Job Description:

The Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations (DCFR) will manage and execute a comprehensive grants program for Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) from corporate, foundation and public funding sources. The DCFR will be responsible for building and maintaining corporate and foundation relations for the College with the aim of securing grant support. The DCFR will also maintain a comprehensive prospect and funding source database; disseminate information about funding opportunities to the College community; independently write as well as assist members of the College community in writing grant funding proposals; coordinate follow-through on all grants as the liaison between the College and respective private and governmental funders. In addition, the DCFR will work closely with the Chief Government Relations Officer to help ensure the success of an integrated approach to cultivation and solicitation activities.

• Conduct comprehensive assessment of corporate and private foundation opportunities and develop and execute a plan to increase grant funding from private foundations.
• Develop and manage a caseload of active grant proposals, and collaborate with internal stakeholders (faculty, administration, staff, etc.) to identify fundable projects, programs, and initiatives that align with the College's strategic plan; lead short and long-range planning efforts for foundation giving prospects.
• Regularly conduct direct, face-to-face visits with corporate and foundation prospects/funders to identify opportunities and set plans, strategies and timelines for proposals where alignment exists.
• Write and edit proposals, reports, LOIs, and other correspondence for submission of project- and initiative-based grant applications to potential foundation and corporate partners.
• Prepare and conduct final reviews of funding application/proposal packages to ensure accuracy and adherence to funder guidelines, federal, state, and College policies, and submission by required deadlines, and assist with management, reporting, and closeout of grant activities.
• Provide an easily accessible grant funding digest and other grants office communications, and set up monthly alert notifications for faculty and staff based on academic subjects, activities, and/or funding sponsors.
• Meet regularly with Finance personnel to ensure fiscal integrity of funded programs through budget encumbrances, revisions and amendments, program extensions, submission of required reports and other activities.
• Work with the Advancement Operations team to enhance the departmental database with relevant grant funder information; track contacts and connections with both internal and external partners using Raiser's Edge, ensuring effective follow-up and relationship management.
• Exercise exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple projects and ensure all tasks are completed on time; implement effective project management techniques and tools to track project progress, milestones, and deadlines.
• Support and help colleagues in the Advancement Division, as appropriate.
• Serve as an effective and well-informed representative of MCLA and participate in college and community events/activities, as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the CGRO.

Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's degree required.
• 5-7 years of corporate and foundation relations experience required, preferably in a higher education setting.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal and relationship-building skills and ability to interface with corporate, foundation and public agency contacts as well as faculty, administrators, and trustees.
• Strong organizational and technical skills with the ability to multi-task, paying close attention to details while meeting required deadlines.
• Problem-solving, research and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite and Raiser's Edge.

Additional Information:

This is a full-time, benefited position in the APA bargaining unit. The salary range for this position is $80,000-$85,000 per year. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. Should you need to request a reasonable accommodation for the application process, please email Brenda Stokes, Executive Director of Human Resources. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is deeply committed to fostering a community of excellence, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We provide equal access to educational, co-curricular and employment opportunities for all applicants, students, and employees regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital or parental status, veteran status, or membership in any other legally protected class. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity that they operate, which extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about Title IX, Equal Opportunity, or ADA/504 and other non-discrimination policies may be directed to MCLA's Interim Title IX and Equal Opportunity Coordinator, to the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, or both. Lucas Morrill Interim Title IX and EO Coordinator 375 Church Street, North Adams, MA 01247 Telephone: (413) 662-5103 Titleix@mcla.edu U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights 33 Arch Street, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02119-1424 Telephone: (617) 289-0111; FAX: (617) 289-0150; TDD (877) 521-2172 OCR.Boston@ed.gov

Application Instructions:

Applicants should electronically submit an application by clicking on the APPLY NOW button below.