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. The Assistant/Associate Director, Corporate and Foundation Partnerships, supports and manages a portfolio of corporate, foundation, and other strategic partners integrating philanthropic giving with corporate engagement initiatives including internships, research collaborations, executive education, and talent development pipelines aligned with University priorities. This role focuses on prospect cultivation, proposal development, solicitation, stewardship, and pipeline growth while partnering closely with advancement, academic and administrative stakeholders. In addition to traditional corporate and foundation engagement, this position helps advance campuswide initiatives that connect partners with experiential learning, internship, and applied-learning opportunities for students. The role also assists in cultivating corporate and foundation partnerships that expand scholarship support and increase access and affordability for Bryant students. This position collaborates closely with the Director of Corporate and Foundation Partnerships and plays a critical role in achieving the University's significant annual corporate and foundation fundraising goals, including revenue generation and building long-term partner relationships. The assistant 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
Portfolio Management & Fundraising - Manage a portfolio of corporate and foundation prospects and donors with defined revenue and activity goals including securing corporate sponsorships for major University programs and events (approx. 20) including, but not limited to, Bryant Athletics, IDEA, Healthcare Summit, Women's Summit, the Chafee Center and Global Trade Summit, Northeast Intercollegiate Sales Competition, vendor solicitation, and Destination Newport and related signature events.
- Advance campuswide initiatives that connect partners with experiential learning, internship, and applied-learning opportunities for students. The role also assists in cultivating corporate and foundation partnerships that expand scholarship support and increase access and affordability for Bryant students.
- Develop individualized engagement strategies including cultivation plans, solicitation strategies, and stewardship plans.
- Secure new and renewed funding through sponsorships, grants, and philanthropic partnerships.
- Build and steward relationships with corporate executives, foundation program officers, and institutional partners.
- Advance prospects through the pipeline from identification to close and renewal.
Execute with Agility- In coordination with the VPSP and director, plan and host high-visibility corporate and foundation events with a focus on rapid execution and timely engagement with partners; ensure proactive, real-time follow-up and keep partners informed of time-sensitive opportunities for speaking engagements, table reservations, and sponsorship involvement.
Proposal Development & Stewardship - Work with the director on proposal and grant development including capturing insights by engaging with subject-matter experts (faculty, leadership, etc.), narrative writing, budgets, outcomes, and impact reporting.
- Coordinate proposal submissions, internal approvals, and compliance requirements.
- Ensure timely stewardship, reporting, and recognition commitments are fulfilled to internal constituencies and donors.
Cross-Campus Collaboration - Partner with the Provost office, the Amica Career Center, Cabinet members, Deans, academic leaders, faculty, finance, and advancement colleagues to develop competitive funding proposals as well as to identify engagement opportunities such as student projects, internships and applied learning collaboration.
- Help develop and steward partnerships that contribute to student scholarship support, experiential learning funding and student success initiatives.
- Translate institutional priorities into compelling funding opportunities.
- Support campus partners in understanding donor expectations and grant requirements.
Data, Reporting & Operations - Maintain accurate records in the CRM including contacts, proposals, moves management, and forecasts.
- Track portfolio performance and pipeline metrics.
- Support continuous improvement in proposal quality, turnaround time, and stewardship outcomes.
Travel and non-standard hours are required. Certain requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate people with disabilities.Qualifications
Candidates should have 3-7+ years of experience in corporate and foundation fundraising, grant writing, sponsorship development, or related development roles. Demonstrated success in identifying new opportunities, developing, and securing significant gifts, sponsorships or grants and stewarding existing grants with reporting and stewardship annually. Strong writing, organization, project management and relationship-building skills and the ability to manage multiple proposals and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated ability to identify and pursue new opportunities with experience and strong interest in leveraging AI tools and technologies to drive results. Proficient in utilizing data to drive decisions, CRM databases and related online tools for prospecting, reporting, and tracking. Experience in higher education, managing sponsorships and/or corporate partnerships, grant compliance and reporting 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: STA02792
Open Until Filled: Yes
