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Director of Foundation Relations
University of California, Merced
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Director of Foundation Relations

University of California, Merced

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Details
Posted:
May 21, 2021
Location:
Merced, California
Salary:
Open
Type:
Full-time


Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design, and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The University of California, Merced, is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and has a strong institutional commitment to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating the University of California's Principles of Community. Come be a part of history through our staff position opportunities where you can help build a legacy in Central California. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct.


About the Department
The Division of External Relations serves as the university's lead advocate with elected officials, governmental staff, key community and business stakeholders to advance strategic university goals. External Relations also raises funds to advance the university's mission, creating relationships with individuals, corporations, and foundations to generate support for UC Merced students, faculty and programs. A major focus of the Division of External Relations is the formulation and implementation of strategic communications initiatives, fundraising programs, and signature events that showcase the newest and most innovative campus in the University of California System.

External Relations is comprised of several units, including: Alumni Relations, Government and Community Relations, Marketing, Philanthropy and Strategic Partnerships, Protocol and Special Events, and Public Relations.


About the Job
The Director of Foundation Relations (DFR) will be tasked with managing a portfolio of known foundation donors and will play an important role in growing the overall development strategy for identifying new foundation prospects that align with the mission of UC Merced. The DFR will employ various methods in increasing our foundation donor base and long-term strategic partnerships for the University's fundraising efforts. This position will develop mutually beneficial partnerships between UC Merced and various foundations, resulting in philanthropic support to the university.

The DFR is expected to employ a personal approach to fundraising by developing relationships with program managers at various foundations locally, regionally, state-wide and nationally; accomplishing meaningful touchpoints for UC Merced's philanthropic engagement; and closing five-, six- and seven-figure gifts.

The DFR position will complement the Director of Institutional Giving; whose primary focus is securing support from large private foundations and overseeing all institutional giving efforts. The DFR will work closely with the Director of Institutional Giving, the Director of Corporate Relations, the team of front line fundraisers and campus partners to cultivate leads, develop partnerships and generate philanthropic support from foundations.

This position must coordinate with various UC Merced departments and leadership campus-wide (academic schools, student affairs, athletics, library, etc.) to ensure strategic approach and consistent communications with foundations.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Serves as the front-line development officer and lead contact for identified foundation donors and prospects to UC Merced. Manages a portfolio of 50-100 prospects and develops strategies to ensure team goals and the following individual monthly activity benchmarks are met. Manages, develops and implements cultivation and solicitation strategy for foundation donors and prospects, including and not limited to meetings, campus tours, student testimonials, letters of introduction, proposals, recognition opportunities, general correspondence and reports. Utilizes moves management techniques to maintain and build a robust pipeline of foundation prospects; seeks to increase giving of current donors and attract new donors and partnerships to the university. Attends networking events and conferences (community, regional and internal) on behalf of UC Merced, as applicable.

2. Collaborates with colleagues in development, administration, faculty and staff to identify funding opportunities, recognize new opportunities for partnership, and pursue other areas ripe for support. Conducts proactive research, prospecting and networking to grow foundation support. In collaboration with the Director of Institutional Giving, develops and grows UC Merced's name recognition and philanthropic footprint among foundations, locally, state-wide and nationally. Develops annual strategic plans for enhancing foundation fundraising at UC Merced.

3. Generates proposals for foundation funding. Working with the Grant Writer, develops compelling cases to align with foundation's funding priorities. Advises senior leadership on engagement opportunities for participation and visibility; utilize current affiliations and contacts to expand reach; attend community events and networking opportunities on behalf of the university to identify, cultivate and steward donors thereby increasing the reach of UC Merced. Ensures foundation gifts are properly implemented and dispersed as intended. Working with the Grant Writer and Director of Stewardship, creates impact and stewardship reports for donors. Evening and weekend work as required.

Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or related area and a minimum of five years of progressively responsible prospect management and successful development experience or equivalent training/experience. (Required)
5+ years' experience with Foundation Relations and Giving. (Preferred)
Maintains valid U.S. Driver's License. (Required)


CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCIES:

Strong leadership skills, qualities and methodologies.
Advanced knowledge of all aspects of higher-education fundraising and understanding of the organization with the ability to articulate its vision, mission, goals, funding priorities, objectives, achievements and infrastructure.
Proven experience and understanding of fundraising, donor relations, moves management and public relations concepts, principles, techniques, procedures and practices.
Advanced knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, et cetera.
Strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills, including political acumen, to build and maintain effective working relationships at all organizational levels and with external constituencies.
Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills, including aptitude in creative and effective decision-making and problem identification, avoidance and resolution.
Thorough project management skills.
Skills to meet or exceed fundraising goals and objectives.
Ability to work with senior leadership (administrative and academic), and External Relations colleagues, to achieve goals and meet fundraising targets.
Advanced skills in making persuasive and compelling presentations of campus goals/objectives and securing gifts.
Able to travel with and provide staff support to campus leaders and trustees, as needed.
Able to represent UC Merced at internal, external and third-party events (including evenings, weekends, and possibly some holidays).
Able to perform other development-related duties as assigned.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate initiative and must be strategic, well-organized, and goal-oriented, with an enthusiastic and positive personality, strong interpersonal skills, the ability to manage complex projects and maintain a collaborative workstyle.
Exceptional communication, interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and develop long-term relationships with colleagues, partners and donors/prospects.
Ability to work with colleagues across campuses, prioritizing time, and managing multiple projects, priorities and deadlines.
Motivated to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
Able to strongly articulate message with persuasive written and oral presentation skills.
Genuine affinity for UC Merced – able to learn and understand the University's priorities and to advocate and articulate them to donors and prospects.
Collaborative problem solver that brings an entrepreneurial approach to designing personal donor engagement strategies.
Innovative, self-motivated leader. Creative, positive outlook, and sense of humor. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, work ethic. Time-sensitive, goal oriented, deadline driven. Ability to handle highly sensitive to confidential information.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office, database software (experience with Raiser's Edge preferred) and other basic computer skills.
Willingness and ability to travel on short notice.

Background Check
Background check and fingerprinting may be required.


Policy Statement

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position. To apply, please visit: https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucm/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_SCHJOB&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=25

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at https://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/







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About University of California, Merced
UC Merced is the first new American research university built in the 21st century, with a mission of research, teaching and service. The campus opened Sept. 5, 2005, in the San Joaquin Valley. The university is about an hour north of Fresno, two hours south of Sacramento, two hours southeast of San Francisco and the Silicon Valley, and 90 minutes west of Yosemite National Park.
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