Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

Buckner International•Houston, TX

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations to join our development team. As a Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, you will serve as the enterprise leader for corporate and foundation philanthropy across Buckner International and its subsidiaries. This role executes multiyear fundraising strategies, manages the organization’s most complex and high-value funder relationships with foundations, and advises executive leadership on revenue growth, risk, and opportunity. Through data-driven decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, and external leadership, the Director drives sustainable corporate and foundation revenue that advances Buckner’s mission and long-term priorities, totaling $1.5MM+ annually. Join our team and shine hope in the lives of others!

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in related field required. 10+years proven experience required in the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors and prospective donors.
Requires experience in working with necessary parties to develop and refine content for case necessary to support solicitations.
Requires proven successful experience in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and sustaining donor relationships.
Requires proficient working knowledge and experience in proposal writing, knowledge of foundation grant writing processes.
Requires proficient working knowledge of donor development, fundraising and public relations laws and regulations governing agency and employees.
Requires in-depth ability to plan, administer, and report budgets.
Requires ability to provide strategic and logistical planning and facilitate meetings. Requires ability to organize complex tasks and plans and to be detail oriented.
Requires ability to speak clearly and make self-understood effectively in face-to-face interactions; articulate with accuracy to speak on the phone; ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing and speak in front of groups.
Requires recognized ability to meet multiple deadlines by maintaining a high level of organization.
Requires demonstrated strong analytical skills, including an ability to synthesize large amounts of information and to focus quickly on the essence of an issue; strong commitment to producing measurable results. Strong business acumen required.
Requires ability to function in a fast-paced, high volume, multi-faced, results-oriented work environment and to analyze issues, identify priorities, manage projects, and make decisions expeditiously.
Requires experience developing, directing, and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
Requires bias for fact-based decision making and action-oriented project management practices.
Ability to minimize risk to the company and remove obstacles required.
Excellent presentation and influencing skills.
Requires recognition that the organization is a faith-based organization operating with a commitment to Christian principles.

Nice To Haves

Current certification as a Certified Fundraising Executive preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as the enterprise lead for corporate and foundation relations across Buckner International and its subsidiaries. Own strategy for application, stewardship, execution, and results.
Partner with the VP and CDO to set multi-year revenue strategies for corporate and foundation philanthropy aligned with organizational priorities in mind.
Establish and be accountable for annual and multiyear revenue goals for corporate and foundation giving. Monitor progress and adjust strategy based on performance and market conditions.
Lead the design, execution, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive foundation fundraising strategy, including annual, capital, and special initiatives.
Serve as an organizational expert on foundation philanthropy trends, funding vehicles, compliance requirements, and competitive positioning.
Advise the CEO, CDO, VP of Development, and senior leaders on high-value corporate and foundation relationships, including strategy for top-tier funders and complex or high-risk opportunities.
Establish performance measures and dashboards to evaluate effectiveness, return on investment, and pipeline health. Present insights to VP, CDO, and CEO when important.
Oversee foundation prospecting, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies across the organization with a focus on DFW.
Personally manage a portfolio of the organization’s highest value and most complex corporate and foundation relationships at the major and principal level, primarily in DFW.
Lead cross functional collaboration with program, finance, marketing, and operations teams to align funding strategies with organizational priorities and measurable outcomes.
Ensure the development of compelling, high impact proposals, agreements, and reports that reflect Buckner’s mission, outcomes, and strategic priorities.
Serve as a senior leader in campaign planning and execution, including feasibility analysis and solicitation strategy for lead corporate and foundation gifts.
Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, ethical standards, and organizational policies related to corporate and foundation fundraising.
Oversee budgets and resource allocation for corporate and foundation fundraising initiatives to ensure cost effectiveness and strong financial stewardship.
Leverage and engage Board members, executive leadership, and senior volunteers in high level cultivation and solicitation efforts when appropriate.
Represent Buckner externally with senior executives at corporations, foundations, and philanthropic partners to advance long term strategic relationships.
Drive innovation in corporate and foundation partnerships, including multiyear commitments, strategic alliances, and complex funding structures.
Ensure accurate, timely, and strategic use of CRM systems (Virtuous) and reporting tools to support executive decision making and organizational transparency.