Position Summary
Bryant University is committed to developing and strengthening deep, focused relationships with corporate partners, foundations, and government entities. By delivering mutual value through strategic partnerships, we serve our partners' needs while advancing Bryant's educational mission and the Vision 2030 strategic plan.Reporting to and working closely with the Vice President for Strategy and Partnerships, the Director of Corporate and Foundation Partnerships provides leadership in developing and advancing partnership models that integrate philanthropic giving with corporate engagement initiatives including internships, research collaborations, executive education, and talent development pipelines. The director collaborates on design, implementation, and assessment of plans to enhance engagement with corporations and foundations in support of Bryant's fundraising efforts, experiential learning, and Vision 2030 initiativesThis role works closely with the Vice President for Strategy and Partnerships (VPSP) to develop and nurture - with agility- a comprehensive partnership program that advances traditional philanthropic relationships while deepening corporate engagement across the University. The Director proactively identifies opportunities for student experiential learning, internship collaboration, workforce development pathways, and applied-learning projects in partnership with campus colleagues. The role also cultivates innovative corporate and foundation partnerships designed to expand scholarship support and increase access and affordability for Bryant students.The Director manages a large portfolio of corporate and foundation prospects and donors, serving as the primary university contact for partnerships, pipeline growth, and fundraising opportunities.The Director ensures alignment with institutional priorities, university systems, data integrity, and forecasting while strengthening relationships with external partners and internal stakeholders. The director works closely with the Advancement Team - including attending weekly meetings - and collaborates with the Provost office, the Amica Career Center, Cabinet members, Deans, academic leaders, faculty, and vendors. Bryant is recognized as a top 1 percent national leader in student education outcomes and ROI and regularly receives high rankings from U.S. News and World Report, QS Stars, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, and College Factual. Bryant's strategic plan, Vision 2030, redefines higher education through a commitment to providing students with a transformational learning experience. Vision 2030 accelerates advancements in academic innovation, experiential learning, vibrant student life, Division I athletics, and a connected community that fosters belonging and success.Principal Accountabilities
Strategy, Leadership & Program Development - Work closely with the VPSP to develop and advance partnership models that integrate philanthropic giving with corporate engagement initiatives, such as internships, research collaborations, executive education, and talent development pipelines.
- Lead the strategic direction and annual operating plan for corporate and foundation fundraising, aligning revenue goals with institutional priorities and objectives.
- Develop multi-year pipeline strategies to grow revenue annually, diversify funding sources, and strengthen long-term partnerships. Identify emerging funding opportunities across corporations, private foundations, and public agencies.
- Identify and cultivate corporate and foundation partners positioned to support student scholarships, access and affordability initiatives, and academic innovation.
- Serve as a thought partner to academic leadership and program staff in translating institutional priorities into compelling funding and partnership opportunities.
- In close collaboration with the VPSP, define performance metrics, dashboards, forecasting models, and portfolio management standards in collaboration with advancement operations and analytics teams.
Execute with Agility- Plan and host high-visibility corporate and foundation events with a focus on rapid execution; ensure proactive, real-time follow-up and keep partners informed of time-sensitive opportunities for speaking engagements, table reservations, and sponsorship involvement.
Cross-Campus Partnership & Internal Engagement - Partner with the advancement Team, deans, faculty, Amica Career Center, and administrative leaders to identify funding priorities and build competitive proposals.
- Collaborate with campus units such as the Amica Center, academic departments, and campus corporate relations partners to strengthen employer connections and student-facing opportunities.
- Partner with Advancement staff (e.g., regional directors, donor experience staff, advancement communications team members) on proposal content, prospect pipeline, relationship management, and donor experiences.
- Facilitate proposal development workflows including concept development, budgets, compliance, submission timelines, and reporting.
- Ensure consistent stewardship practices and sponsor engagement.
Portfolio Management & Major Partnerships - Maintain a portfolio of high-value corporate and foundation prospects and donors.
- Lead strategy development, solicitation planning, proposal positioning, and stewardship for complex or high-impact partnerships.
- Develop gift agreements, sponsorship structures, reporting requirements, and recognition strategies in partnership with campus partners and finance teams.
Operations, Systems & Compliance - Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement, particularly with Team members.
- Ensure accurate CRM documentation, proposal tracking, forecasting, and pipeline reporting.
- Partner across campus on data and information sharing initiatives and reporting on corporate and foundation activity and funding.
- Maintain compliance with donor restrictions, grant requirements, and reporting deadlines.
- Support campaign readiness, case development, and institutional reporting needs.
Travel and non-standard hours are required. Certain requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate people with disabilities.Qualifications
Candidates should have 7-10+ years of progressive experience in corporate and foundation fundraising, corporate sponsorship development and procurement, or related advancement roles. Demonstrated success in preparing proposals and securing significant gifts, grants, and partnerships. A strong strategic planning, analytical and relationships-building background with excellent organization, written and verbal communication skills. Experience leading complex fundraising and partnership initiatives across organizations and with internal and external partners. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with internal partners to develop experiential learning or corporate engagement opportunities preferred. Proactive seeker of opportunities, demonstrated ability to identify and pursue new opportunities with experience and strong interest in leveraging AI tools and technologies to drive results in a data-driven and CRM-enabled environment. A bachelor's degree required, master's preferred. Experience in higher education and familiarity with grant compliance, reporting and support of campaign planning preferred.Working Environment
At Bryant University, we believe that our strength lies in the richness of our campus community and the unique perspectives that shape it. By connecting academic and social experiences, we create an environment where individuals feel valued, respected, and supported. Our commitment to fostering belonging and well-being ensures that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully. We encourage applications from those who appreciate the wide range of experiences and backgrounds that make our community exceptional. Discover more about how we cultivate a welcoming and collaborative campus culture that drives excellence.Posting Number: STA02762
Open Until Filled: Yes
