Job Details

Corporate and Foundation Relations Officer

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

• Must provide proof of writing skills, budget preparation, and fundraising ability
• Must have (3) professional contact references
• Resume

Posting Summary

Position Title: Corporate and Foundation Relations Officer

FLSA: Exempt

Department: Office of Institutional Advancement

Job Summary: Xavier University of Louisiana is accepting applications for the position of Corporate and Foundation Relations Officer. Under the direct supervision of the Executive Director for Corporate and Foundation Relations, as well as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, the Corporate and Foundation Relations Officer will develop and execute a robust corporate and foundation engagement, fundraising, and stewardship program, identifying and approaching both private foundations and corporations (Louisiana-based, national, and multi-national) for the purpose of building relationships that lead to major gifts for the University, in support of institutional priorities and initiatives. AA/ EOE

Minimum Qualifications

In order to perform this role effectively, the candidate must:

• Exercise initiative, good judgment, and discretion;
• Have capacity to embrace and effectively communicate Xavier's mission and the University's impact to the broader community;
• Have at least 5-7 years progressive experience in a grant writing and/or a non-profit development role;
• Possess outstanding verbal, writing, telephone, and other communication skills;
• Possess experience utilizing Blackbaud's Raiser's Edge or similar donor management software, to create queries and reports;
• Possess advanced budget management and quantitative, analytical reporting skills (including the preparation of complex grant proposal budgets);
• Have a professional demeanor with colleagues and constituents;
• Be highly organized and detail-oriented;
• Be entrepreneurial, goal-oriented, and proactive;
• Have superior knowledge and command of the full suite of Microsoft Office applications;
• Have the ability to cheerfully manage multiple projects at once and make proposal and reporting deadlines;
• Demonstrate problem-solving and decision-making skills with the ability to work in a flexible, team-oriented environment.
• Helpful but not required: Have knowledge of and experience working within a Historically Black College and University environment, and be familiar with Louisiana's philanthropic (especially corporate foundation) sectors.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Collaborates with the Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, and other staff to conceptualize, draft, and submit persuasive funding proposals to corporate and private foundation funders, in conjunction with faculty, Center Directors, researchers, and other University content experts.
2. Cultivates strong relationships with corporate and foundation representatives, developing a deep understanding of their philanthropic priorities.
3. Develops and maintains in-depth knowledge of institutional funding priorities, needs and accomplishments, across disciplines (experience working with the scientific, bio-pharma, and medical/ STEM sectors is a plus).
4. Documents all contacts, communications, visits, and proposals in Blackbaud's Raiser's Edge software, as well as in reporting to the Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations and other Office of Institutional Advancement leadership.
5. Works with Executive Directors of Corporate and Foundation Relations and Advancement Services to identify (via prospect research) and distribute identified funding opportunities to appropriate faculty, Center directors, and other relevant staff for the purpose of fulfilling University needs and priorities.
6. Develops highly competitive, persuasive, and compelling solicitations and proposals under the supervision of the Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations to accomplish strategic institutional priorities.
7. Responsible for managing a portfolio of approximately 50 corporate, foundation, and other institutional donors and carefully researched/vetted prospects, each with the potential for gift/grant commitments of at least $25,000. Also works closely with the Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations to strategize on and engage larger prospects and donors (e.g., those with the potential to give/grant at least $100,000).
8. Partners with Office of Institutional Advancement staff, Deans, Department/Division Chairs, Center Directors, and key faculty to ensure coordinated and collaborative approaches to prospective donors, and to ensure sound, professional cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
9. Meets annual and other dollar goals, as well as various activity metrics, e.g., solicitations/letters, strategic donor briefings/visits, formal written (hard copy) and online-submitted proposals. Also prepare and manage pledge and gift agreement documents, University gift/project establishment paperwork, and overall strategic communications with donors and prospects.
10. Adheres to all prospect clearance and communications protocols to maximize the collective success of the Office of Institutional Advancement.
11. Responds to all leads and newly-assigned prospects with timely follow-up.
12. Other duties as assigned.

Special Requirements Summary

• Be dedicated to Xavier's mission and maintain the highest ethical standards;
• Demonstrate sound judgment and discretion;
• Display excellent written and interpersonal communication skills with close attention to detail;
• Remain flexible, patient, and responsive in an environment with frequent deadlines and ambitious goals;
• Be willing and available to occasionally work evenings and weekends, as per proposal deadlines and CFR events/engagements warrant;
• Have the willingness and ability to work collaboratively as a member of a high-functioning and demanding team;
• Manage additional duties, as needed.

Work Hours

Full time

KSA's

Knowledge, Education, Experience, and Proficiencies

• Have at least 5-7 years of progressive experience in a grant writing and/or non-profit fundraising/development role;
• Possess outstanding verbal, writing, telephone, and other communication skills.

Knowledge, Education, Experience, and Proficiencies

Bachelor's degree or higher. Advanced degree or CFRE is a plus.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Description: See minimum and preferred qualifications.

Posting Number

S294P

Number of Vacancies

1

Desired Start Date

03/05/2025

Posting Date

02/14/2025

Application Review Date

Open Until Filled: Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

• Must provide proof of writing skills, budget preparation, and fundraising ability
• Must have (3) professional contact references

Founded in 1925 by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, Xavier is Catholic and historically Black. Located in New Orleans, the ultimate purpose of the University is to contribute to the promotion of a more just and humane society by preparing its students to assume roles of leadership and service in a global society. This preparation takes place in a diverse learning and teaching environment that incorporates all relevant educational means, including research and community service.