Executive Director, Institutional Partnerships

The Executive Director is the lead professional responsible for pursuing, securing, and stewarding substantial grant and sponsorship / philanthropic support ( overall seven-figure goal annually, building toward eight-figure annual revenue in 3-5 years), from corporations and private foundations. This partnership support will help fund annual and multi-year programs and initiatives across each of the schools of The Catholic University of America and the University’s supporting functions, including Student Affairs, Athletics, Campus Ministry, and others as needed.

As an R-1 designated national research university, the Executive Director role will carry a special focus on substantially growing funding for academic research and institutional priorities in tandem with faculty and development officers across key schools, the Provost’s Office and the Office of Sponsored Projects. This expansion may include the management of external partner or consultant relationships as it progresses.

The incumbent manages a portfolio of institutional prospects toward an aggressive annual revenue goal and supervises a growing team.

The projected salary range for this position, which represents the full range of anticipated compensation is: $125,000 - $150,000 

Sets and leads the strategic vision and multi-year plan for establishing and growing University partnerships with corporations, foundations, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and the strategic and academic priorities of the University. Directs the development of new partnerships and the expansion of existing ones, building a robust pipeline of partnership prospects to drive year-over-year revenue growth across the 8-year trajectory of the next comprehensive campaign.

Establishes the annual Office of Institutional Partnerships work plan, including the overall revenue goal and proposal activity targets for the team. Defines and monitors performance metrics, including dollars submitted/booked, renewal rate, expanded funder relationships, new funders/sponsors identified, faculty training and education, and faculty engagement in research funding, and reports progress to Advancement leadership.

Leads the identification and pursuit of new corporate and foundation funding and sponsorship opportunities, initiating contact on behalf of CUA and leading on-site and off-site meetings with funders alongside faculty and deans. Substantially grows the number, size, and scope of institutional partnerships supporting the University’s goals, stewarding relationships with existing and new institutional partners for long-term success. Directs proposal strategy and development for the University’s most significant opportunities, including writing, editing, budget preparation, structuring the ask, and the internal proposal approval process.

Serves as a strategic partner and primary point of contact for senior University leaders, including the Provost, Vice Provosts, Executive Vice Presidents, Offices of Sponsored Projects and Finance, Deans of Schools and Colleges, and the UA EVP and Sr. AVP, in a University-wide effort to substantially grow funding from institutional partners. Leads engagement with an expanding group of faculty to identify avenues for research support, facilitate conversations with program officers, and guide proposal development in concert with the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and the Office of Sponsored Projects. Serves as a trusted advisor to both UA and University partners on policies and procedures for grant-seeking, submission, and compliance.

Partners with UA Senior Management, with Asst. Deans of Advancement within the Schools, and major gift officers, Deans, and faculty to coordinate a cohesive, University-wide approach to institutional funding for academic centers. Extends this coordination to leaders of divisions supporting the student experience, such as Student Affairs and Athletics, and their respective Advancement leads.

Leads and develops the Institutional Partnerships team, including professionals managing Foundation Partnerships, and Corporate Partnerships. Sets workplans and annual goals, evaluates performance, and provides continuous coaching and feedback to build a high-performing office.    

Oversees the training for academic partners in the proposal development process. Directs the team and works with OSP to create resources and training opportunities that build faculty capacity in grant-seeking.

Partners with senior leaders within the schools and University Advancement on volunteer engagement of corporate CEOs in campus-wide or school-based leadership volunteer work. Collaborates on corporate relationships that may be initially targeted toward the individual, but which also hold potential to unlock broad corporate partnership opportunities.

Determines staffing needs and hires, trains, and develops the team members required to achieve the goals of Institutional Partnerships. Serves as a supportive leader and role model, investing in staff career growth and consistently modeling the division’s core internal values. 

Other duties as assigned.

Skill in using development-related database systems. Deep knowledge of the foundation, corporate, and government funding sectors, including federal funding agencies. Expertise in proposal and budget preparation; demonstrated ability to work and collaborate with senior leaders and faculty at all levels within an institution.

Bachelors Degree

Possession of current and valid U.S. driver’s license appropriate to the type of university vehicle and an acceptable Motor Vehicle Driving Record (MVR) as stipulated in the Vehicle Guidelines and Procedures Manual administered through the office of Environmental Health and Safety.  Annual clearance of MVR check through the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.