Posting Details (Default Section)
Posting Number:20254450SPosition Title:Corporate and Foundation Relations OfficerPosition Type:StaffLocation:Villanova, PARecruitment Type:Work Schedule:full-time/12-monthsAvg Hours WeekDepartment:604 - University AdvancementPosition Summary:
Ignite Your Career at Villanova University! Whether undergraduate or graduate, faculty or staff, each community member brings with them a wealth of experiences that enrich our University and shift our perspectives. As a part of this community, your work will improve lives and ignite change!
Why work at Villanova?
- Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University’s founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
- Villanova has been included among the nation’s best colleges and universities. VU’s inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best Colleges” rankings is another indication of the University’s continued prominence and forward momentum.
- Villanova’s most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more.
Villanova University has embarked on a 10-year strategic plan, Rooted. Restless., with the goal of enhancing the Augustinian Catholic living and learning experience for all members of our community. University Advancement is seeking exceptional talent to join our mission-driven team working together toward our shared vision for Villanova, fueled by the generosity of the University’s philanthropic supporters as we “keep moving” in the spirit of St. Augustine in the public phase of Villanova’s comprehensive capital campaign: Espiritus Nova.
The Corporate and Foundation Relations Officer is a pivotal member of the University Advancement Team and reports to the Senior Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations. The Officer is a dynamic, driven, and dedicated fundraising professional responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding foundation and corporate prospects to secure philanthropic support for Villanova University.
The Corporate and Foundation Relations Officer is a key member of the University’s frontline fundraising staff and will have their own portfolio of foundation and corporate prospects. The individual will develop innovative approaches for submitting cutting-edge proposals that increase philanthropic revenue. They will partner closely with and support the efforts of faculty, as well as Villanova leadership for university priorities. In addition to managing a portfolio of corporate and foundation donors, the Officer with serve as the liaison for Corporate and Foundation Relations to assigned areas of the University, including the College of Engineering and Villanova School of Business. The Corporate and Foundation Relations Officer will also manage a university-wide Corporate Relations group to facilitate cross-campus collaboration on corporate relations.
Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Fundraising: Plan, organize, and implement strategies to secure foundation and corporate funds for Villanova University. Collaborate closely with the Senior Director, Foundation and Corporate Relations to develop strategies towards annual and campaign goals and seek out opportunities to maximize fundraising progress. Develop specific plans to advance priorities for the College of Engineering and Villanova School of Business. Partner with University leadership and faculty to identify foundation and corporate donors whose philanthropic priorities align with interests of Villanova University.
Additionally, this individual will take the lead on pursuing the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of foundations and companies in their portfolio to achieve individual annual fundraising goals. Proactively build relationships with foundations and corporations and complete approximately 3 to 4 visits per month with corporate and foundation representatives. Write, edit, and assemble letters of inquiry and proposals from foundations and corporations to secure support. Make direct contact with foundations and corporations to gather information, answer questions or provide other assistance that increases the likelihood of new or renewed philanthropic investment in Villanova University.
- Stewardship: Coordinate the completion of reports for foundations and corporations in their portfolio with support from the Assistant Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations. Pursue and execute opportunities to host site visits at Villanova University for foundation and corporate partners. Initiate and execute small events for corporate and foundation donors in their portfolio for stewardship purposes.
- Prospect Research: Identify new corporate and foundation prospects for faculty research and programs and initiatives at Villanova University using tools such as iWave, Foundation Directory Online, and Pivot.
- Miscellaneous: Accurately enter donor activity into Salesforce, including gift projections and prospect visits. Assist staff members with miscellaneous projects and other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- 3+ years of fundraising experience in higher education or the nonprofit sector, preferably in corporate and foundation relations.
- Knowledge of higher education fundraising in the corporate and foundation relations area.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including persuasiveness in written and oral communications. Strong analytical and research skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Demonstrate a commitment to the University’s mission and understanding of Villanova’s programs, strategic plan, and fundraising priorities.
- Must be a team player and highly collaborative.
- Display personal initiative and the ability to work independently.
- Ability to build and maintain strong professional relationships with campus stakeholders, including faculty, administrative, and students.
- Ability to develop and nurture philanthropic partnerships with corporate and foundation donors.
- Knowledge of general office equipment, including personal computers, Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Office 365.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree preferred.
Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:
Evening and weekend work required as necessary.
Special Message to Applicants:Posting Date:07/31/2025Closing Date (11:59pm ET):Salary Posting Information:
This position falls within salaried grade 17 and the range for this position is $82,400-103,000. The final salary will be determined with consideration of several factors including the selected candidate’s qualifications, department budget availability, market data, and internal equity.
Salary Band:17Job Classification:exempt
