Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations

West Point Association of Graduates•West Point, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG), the alumni association and foundation for the United States Military Academy (USMA), is seeking a Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations to join its Development Team and lead efforts to grow corporate and foundation support for USMA and WPAOG priorities. The fundraising program is experiencing significant momentum, on track to generate $5 million in cash and $5 million in pledges this year, more than doubling its historical annual results. The Director will build on this success by expanding corporate partnerships, cultivating new funding relationships, and increasing support from existing donors. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Development, the Director will serve as a lead frontline fundraiser and WPAOG’s internal lead for corporate outreach. The role identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards corporate and foundation prospects and donors; develops strategic partnerships; and builds relationships with corporate executives, business leaders, foundations, alumni, and other influential contacts. The Director collaborates with Development revenue-generation teams to identify relevant corporate and institutional connections and develop strategies to leverage them. The position also coordinates monthly meetings with Alumni Programs, Sponsorship, and other colleagues to align outreach and identify partnership opportunities. The Director leads strategic fundraising initiatives, including targeted campaigns and matching-gift opportunities, and works with Academy leadership, faculty, staff, and WPAOG colleagues to translate institutional priorities into compelling funding opportunities. The position supervises the Grants Manager, who is responsible for primary grant coordination and administration, and oversees donor stewardship and partnership development. This is a collaborative, hands-on leadership role with a four-day in-office and one-day remote schedule at West Point. Candidates must live within commuting distance. WPAOG offers excellent benefits and a collegial working environment. The approximate salary range is $120,000–$135,000, depending on skills and experience. Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and up to three letters of reference.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
At least ten years of relevant professional experience in fundraising, development, corporate relations, foundation relations, business development, or a related field.
Demonstrated success in frontline fundraising, corporate relationship development, and securing significant philanthropic commitments.
Exceptional interpersonal, networking, written, and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational, strategic thinking, and collaboration skills.
Comfort engaging senior corporate leaders, building new relationships, managing a prospect pipeline, and pursuing ambitious fundraising opportunities.
Proficiency with CRM software required.
Must live within commuting distance of West Point.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred.
Experience with Blackbaud CRM and Tableau preferred.
Familiarity with higher education, nonprofit fundraising, USMA, and the U.S. Army is advantageous.

Responsibilities

Lead efforts to grow corporate and foundation support for USMA and WPAOG priorities.
Expand the number of corporate partners, cultivate new funding relationships, and grow support from existing donors.
Serve as a lead frontline fundraiser and WPAOG’s internal lead for corporate outreach.
Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward corporate and foundation prospects and donors.
Develop strategic partnerships and relationships with corporate executives, business leaders, foundations, alumni, and other influential contacts.
Collaborate with Development revenue-generation teams to identify relevant corporate and institutional connections and develop strategies to leverage those relationships.
Coordinate monthly meetings with Alumni Programs, Sponsorship, and other relevant colleagues to align outreach and identify partnership opportunities.
Lead strategic fundraising initiatives, including targeted campaigns and matching-gift opportunities.
Work with Academy leadership, faculty, staff, and WPAOG colleagues to translate institutional priorities into compelling funding opportunities.
Supervise the Grants Manager responsible for primary grant coordination and administration.
Oversee donor stewardship and partnership development.
Manage a prospect pipeline and pursue ambitious fundraising opportunities.