Executive Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations

POSITION DETAILS

The City University of New York (CUNY) seeks a highly experienced and strategic fundraising professional to serve as Executive Director for Corporate and Foundation Relations. Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, this university-wide role is responsible for advancing CUNY’s institutional priorities by securing philanthropic support from corporate and foundation partners. The incumbent partners closely with University and campus leadership to develop and implement strategies that strengthen external partnerships and support academic, research, and student success initiatives across CUNY.

Key duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, university-wide strategy for corporate and foundation engagement that advances CUNY’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward corporate and foundation partners, including personally managing a portfolio of high-level prospects and funders.
• Serve as a primary University representative in meetings with corporate executives, foundation leaders, and external stakeholders, strengthening CUNY’s visibility and philanthropic partnerships locally and nationally.
• Collaborate with senior University leadership, college presidents, deans, and advancement colleagues to align funding opportunities with university-wide and campus-specific priorities.
• Oversee the development, writing, and submission of complex grant proposals and reports, including coordination of project budgets, compliance requirements, and stewardship deliverables.
• Establish and maintain systems to track institutional relationships, proposals, submissions, awards, and stewardship activities to ensure accuracy, accountability, and compliance with donor guidelines.
• Facilitate coordinated engagement with multi-project and multi-campus funders, promoting collaboration across the University.
• Serve as a University-wide resource on best practices, policies, and trends related to corporate and foundation philanthropy, and convene peers for regular information sharing and professional development.
• Provide leadership and direction to corporate and foundation relations staff within University Advancement, including setting performance goals, supporting professional development, and ensuring high-quality outcomes.
• Lead or contribute to special initiatives and strategic projects related to institutional advancement, as assigned.

NOTES:

1. Until further notice, this position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.
2. Occasional travel in support of donor engagement may be required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum:

This position is in CUNY's Executive Compensation Plan. All executive positions require a minimum of a bachelor's degree and eight years' related experience.

Preferred:

• Fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in corporate and foundation relations, institutional advancement, or related fields, with demonstrated success in securing significant philanthropic support.
• Proven experience developing and managing complex relationships with corporate and foundation funders.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a large, complex organization, preferably within higher education or the public sector.
• Strong working knowledge of fundraising systems, databases, and reporting tools.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present a compelling case for philanthropic investment.
• Strong strategic, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build productive relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• High level of integrity, judgment, discretion, and emotional intelligence.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and operate effectively in a fast-paced, University-wide environment.
• Experience supervising professional staff and leading teams in a results-driven environment.

CUNY TITLE

University Assistant Administrator

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range is $180,000 - $214,006 , commensurate with credentials, education, and experience.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.