Assistant Director of Foundation Relations

Roger Williams University•Bristol, RI

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Foundation Relations reports to the Senior Director of Foundation Relations and supports the growth of Roger Williams University's foundation grant programs by securing complex grants, including four- to five-figure gifts. The role works with university administrators, program directors, clinicians, primary investigators, faculty, and fundraising colleagues to raise funding for university priorities. The Assistant Director researches and assesses prospective funders, maintains foundation information and donor database records, manages an active portfolio of foundation prospects, and develops growth plans for funding from existing and new regional and national foundations. The position also develops proposal concepts and writes, edits, and submits letters of intent and full proposals as the primary author in a team environment. The role collaborates with investigators and university offices to prepare grant reports, plans foundation visits, and develops tailored acknowledgment and impact materials. It also supports faculty training and campus outreach to promote foundation funding opportunities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related field.
Three to five years of professional experience in grant writing and fundraising, or in a similar content production environment such as journalism, communications, or publishing.
Exceptional research and communication skills, both independently and in a team environment.
Outstanding writing skills and the ability to tailor narratives to different audiences.
Creative problem-solving and systems-thinking skills to match funding needs with opportunities.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate with campus partners on content development and represent the organization in conversations with potential funders.
Ability to give and receive constructive feedback.
Knowledge of best practices in philanthropy, higher education, and nonprofits.

Nice To Haves

A track record of success securing grants or proposals of $50,000 or more.
Familiarity with Roger Williams University's programs and vision.
Experience managing or supporting a prospect portfolio.
Proficiency in basic graphic design and layout.

Responsibilities

Research and assess prospective funding sources, maintain current foundation information, and prepare foundation profiles for campus groups.
Use the donor database to record actions, update records, track deadlines, and support accurate and timely grant reporting communications.
Manage an active portfolio of foundation prospects and maintain foundation interactions, including stewardship.
Develop and execute growth plans to raise funding from existing and new institutional and private foundations regionally and nationally.
Research foundation sources to support university funding priorities and new initiatives.
Develop an understanding of fundraising priorities identified by the President, Provost, Vice President of Research, and academic and research deans.
Work with faculty and fundraising colleagues to develop proposal concepts aligned with potential funders' and the University's priorities, mission, and needs.
Write, edit, and submit letters of intent and full proposals on behalf of the University, serving as primary author in a team environment.
Collaborate with principal investigators, Finance, and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs to produce and submit grant reports.
Plan and organize foundation visits that may include senior academic, administrative, and volunteer leaders.
Develop personalized acknowledgment materials, including letters, press packages, and testimonials, to communicate grant impact.
Collaborate with campus partners on new faculty training about grants and the Assistant Director's role in finding and securing them.
Conduct outreach and promote foundation funding opportunities across campus.