Job Posting Title:

Associate Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

Job Description:

Position Overview

The Associate Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations is a fundraising professional with a passion for working creatively with corporate leaders and foundation funders. The ideal candidate demonstrates considerable initiative, independent judgment, detail orientation, and creative thinking, along with strong written and verbal communication skills. This position reports to the Vice President of Advancement (VPA) and is responsible for building and maintaining a portfolio of institutional funders to achieve KGl’s fundraising goals. The Associate Director works with corporate representatives, foundation leaders and program directors, and campus leadership, faculty, and staff to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward corporate and foundation donors.

Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) is a recognized leader in biotechnology and healthcare education and is a graduate institution within the consortium of The Claremont Colleges. Founded on the belief that the future of science requires a new type of leader, KGI is an entrepreneurial, nimble, and industry-focused university dedicated to translating scientific discoveries into medical solutions. Spanning the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and the School of Applied Life Sciences, KGI equips students for high-demand careers in genomic medicine, bioprocessing, and healthcare management. Joining KGI means becoming part of a mission-driven community that values innovation, diversity, and the power of science to improve the human condition.

Located in beautiful Claremont, California, KGI is a member of the Claremont Colleges, a consortium of five undergraduate liberal arts colleges, two graduate institutions, and The Claremont Colleges Services, which provides shared institutional support services. Each nationally recognized college has its own campus, students and faculty, and distinctive mission, and each offers top-notch curricula, small classes, distinguished professors, and personalized instruction. The Claremont Colleges consistently place at the top of national college rankings, including Forbes, Money and U.S.  News and World Report, and the Princeton Review.

Education and Experience

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a minimum of three years of professional experience, preferably in fundraising, business development, nonprofit management, grant writing, or research administration. Candidates with strong transferable skills such as backgrounds in sales, marketing, or technical writing who are seeking to transition into higher education advancement are also encouraged to apply. Experience or familiarity with the biotech, healthcare, or life sciences industries is beneficial. Demonstrated success in securing funding, generating revenue, or managing high value partnerships is required.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Individuals must possess knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential function of the position or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions may be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

Portfolio Management & Proposal Development

• Execute Fundraising Strategy: Manage an active portfolio of 80–100 corporate and foundation prospects with a giving capacity of $10,000 or more. Move prospects through qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship cycles.
• Pipeline Development: Proactively identify and qualify new leads from the biotech, healthcare, and life sciences sectors. Translate KGI’s institutional priorities into compelling sponsorship opportunities and grant proposals.
• Proposal Writing: serve as the primary drafter for corporate appeals, grant applications, and sponsorship decks. Collaborate with the VPA to refine messaging for high-level solicitations.
• External Representation: Represent KGI at industry functions, community events, and corporate meetings to increase visibility and identify potential partners.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Strategy

• Internal Partnership: Build productive working relationships with faculty, Deans, and program directors to understand their funding needs. Translate complex academic and scientific goals into accessible language for external funders.
• Cross-Departmental Coordination: Partner with the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects and Corporate Partnerships to coordinate focused meetings with key internal stakeholders. assist in documenting strategies to ensure a unified approach to institutional prospects.
• Leadership Support: Prepare briefing materials and talking points to support the VPA and President in high-level fundraising activities.

Operational Excellence (CFR Administration)

• Data Integrity: Maintain accurate and timely records in Raiser’s Edge NXT, including contact reports, proposal tracking, deadline management, and stewardship updates.
• Stewardship: Ensure all corporate and foundation partners receive timely acknowledgement and impact reporting on their investments.
• Team Contribution: As a member of the Advancement team, assist with department-wide priorities, including major events and other fundraising communications as needed

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Individuals must possess knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential function of the position or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions may be performed, with or without. reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Persuasive Writing: Demonstrated success in writing appeals, proposals, or business cases for prospective institutional funders and partners.  Knowledge of AI tools and their appropriate usage in business communication.
• Relationship Building: A proven record of accomplishment in building relationships with both internal (faculty, deans) and external (donors, vendors) constituencies.
• Communication: Outstanding writing skills, attentiveness to detail, and excellent analytical skills. Superior verbal communication skills in professional and social settings.
• Agility: Positive attitude, flexibility, and the ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Autonomy: Strong sense of project ownership and accountability; ability to work both independently and as a member of the Advancement team.
• Integrity: Ability to demonstrate confidentiality and professional discretion regarding financial and personal information about donors, volunteers, faculty, and staff.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel) and knowledge of fundraising best practices and CRM databases (Raiser's Edge NXT preferred).
• Travel/Availability: Flexibility and willingness to travel independently for outreach activities and work extended hours or periodic weekends as needed to meet institutional goals. Must maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record that meets the Institute’s insurance eligibility standards.

Hours, Classification, and Status: 

This is a regular, full-time, benefits-eligible, exempt position.
 

The regular hours of this position are Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Hours will vary due to the needs of the College or department.

Salary range: $78,000 - $85,000 annualized. The hourly rate of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.   

KGI offers a comprehensive compensation and benefit package. To learn more, visit https://services.claremont.edu/benefits-administration/ 
 

Physical and Mental Requirements

Ability to maintain good concentration level while dealing with interruptions; attention to details with emphasis on accuracy; capable of giving, receiving, and analyzing information, formulating work plans, and articulating goals and action plans. Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time. Standing for extended periods of time. Reaching and extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction. Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than the whole hand(s), or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard.
 

Communication skills using the spoken word. Ability to see within normal parameters. Ability to hear within normal parameters. Ability to bend and stoop, for example, to file. Ability to move about. Ability to lift and carry short distances up to 20 lbs., for example, to lift or move office supplies, or participate in setting up activities for campus events.
 

Ability to drive locally. Occasionally, they will be required to stand for prolonged periods of time at activities/events.

To Apply:

A confidential review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. To be ensured full consideration, please upload a letter of interest, resume, and three professional references (a manager, a direct report, if applicable, and a coworker).

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy:

Keck Graduate Institute is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate against qualified employees or applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal law. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all terms and conditions of employment.

Employment Eligibility:
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without employer sponsorship. No visa sponsorship is available from Keck Graduate Institute.

KGI is a participating employer in E-Verify and uses the system to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees as required by federal law. For more information about E-Verify, please visit www.e-verify.gov.