JOB TITLE
Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations
LOCATION
Worcester
DEPARTMENT NAME
Government & External Relations
DIVISION NAME
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI
JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
The Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR) plays a critical leadership role in advancing the mission of WPI by developing, managing, and strengthening relationships with corporations and private foundations. This position leads an office that serves as the “front door” and central point of contact for external corporate and foundation partners, supporting the university’s priorities in research, academic innovation, student success, community engagement, and capital initiatives.
Working closely with university leadership, faculty, advancement colleagues, and external stakeholders, the Executive Director will lead efforts to secure significant philanthropic support, ensuring alignment with the institution’s strategic plan and fundraising objectives.
The ideal candidate will be a highly strategic and collaborative leader with an established network of foundation contacts and a strong track record of securing major institutional support. They will bring deep expertise in navigating complex internal structures, guiding proposal development, and cultivating partnerships that lead to transformational investment.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Responsibilities:
Fundraising & Relationship Development
1. Manage a portfolio of high-value corporate and foundation prospects and donors, cultivating and stewarding relationships to secure major gifts, grants, partnerships and sponsorships.
2. Write and oversee the preparation of compelling proposals, letters of inquiry, grant applications, and reports in coordination with faculty and staff.
3. Represent WPI in meetings with corporate executives, foundation officers, and other institutional stakeholders, serving as a key ambassador for the university’s mission and research strengths.
Strategic Leadership & Planning
4. Develop and execute a comprehensive corporate and foundation relations strategy that emphasizes long-term relationship building and aligns with WPI’s strategic priorities and fundraising goals.
5. Partner with Deans, department heads, research centers and university leadership to identify funding opportunities that align with institutional priorities and foundation interests.
6. Lead internal processes for competitive or limited-submission funding opportunities, providing guidance and coordination to strengthen proposals and institutional positioning.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
7. Serve as a liaison between Advancement, Sponsored Programs, academic leadership, and research administration to ensure alignment, compliance, and shared accountability in proposal development and grant management.
8. Collaborate closely with the Office of the Vice Provost for Research to align CFR strategies with broader research initiatives and sponsored funding goals.
9. Facilitate workshops and offer strategic consultations for faculty and staff to enhance understanding of corporate and foundation funding landscapes, proposal strategies, and engagement best practices.
Team Leadership & Operations
10. Lead and mentor a team of CFR professionals, providing strategic direction, portfolio oversight, and fostering a high-performance, service-oriented team culture.
11. Oversee prospect research, data integrity, reporting, and CRM utilization related to corporate and foundation engagement efforts.
12. Manage subscriptions to key prospecting tools (e.g. Foundation Directory) and guide the proactive identification of new philanthropic opportunities.
Requirements:
13. Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
14. Minimum of 8–10 years of experience in development, advancement, or related fields, with a strong background in corporate relations and foundation fundraising within higher education or a complex nonprofit environment.
15. Strong network of foundation contacts and deep knowledge of the philanthropic landscape.
16. Proven track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts or grants.
17. Exceptional writing and communication skills, with experience developing successful grant proposals and engaging high-level stakeholders.
18. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with faculty, academic leaders, and external partners on complex interdisciplinary initiatives.
19. Familiarity with federal and private funding landscapes in areas such as research, STEM, and education.
20. Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and prospect research tools.
Preferred Attributes:
21. Deep understanding of the mission and operations of higher education institutions.
22. Strategic thinker with excellent organizational and project management skills.
23. Energetic, entrepreneurial, and results-oriented approach to leadership.
24. Ability to navigate and manage complex internal and external relationships with diplomacy and professionalism.
FLSA STATUS
United States of America (Exempt)
WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.