Assistant Vice President, Corporate & Foundation Relations

Administrator:  Vice President of Development

Preferred Experience:  7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in corporate and foundation fundraising, sponsored research, or related fields in higher education or nonprofit sectors. 

Education Required:  Baccalaureate Degree in a related field; advanced degree preferred.

Overtime Status:  Exempt; not eligible for overtime

FTE and Benefits:  1.0 FTE and eligible for full employment benefits

Preferred Start Date:  September 1, 2025 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Assistant Vice President of Corporate and Foundation Relations (“AVP-CFR”) of the Montana State University Alumni Foundation (“Alumni Foundation”) is a senior leadership role within the Alumni Foundation’s Development and fundraising team.  The AVP-CFR is responsible for shaping and executing a comprehensive strategy to maximize philanthropic support from corporations and foundations.  Reporting to the Vice President of Development, the AVP-CFR leads a high-performing team and partners closely with Montana State University (“University”) and Alumni Foundation leadership, faculty, and staff to secure significant funding in alignment with institutional priorities.  The AVP-CFR serves as the principal strategist and advocate for corporate and foundation philanthropy, fostering strategic relations that drive innovation, support research, and elevate the University’s mission.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Develop and lead the long-term strategic vision for corporate and foundation relations across Montana State University and the Alumni Foundation.


2. Serve as a key member of the development leadership team, collaborating with peers to align CFR efforts with broader fundraising and institutional goals.


3. Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of high-level corporate and foundation prospects, securing major gifts and grants in support of academic, research, and capital initiatives.


4. Build strong partnerships with University leaders, faculty, and key stakeholders to identify opportunities for funding and align proposals with institutional priorities.


5. Oversee the preparation and submission of compelling proposals, reports, and stewardship materials.


6. Guide coordination with the Office of Sponsored Programs, Research Development, and other campus partners to ensure compliance and alignment between philanthropic and sponsored research funding.


7. Represent Montana State University and the Alumni Foundation to external stakeholders, including corporate executives, foundation leaders, and peer institutions.


8. Provide regular updates to the Vice President of Development and the Alumni Foundation’s leadership team on progress, challenges, and opportunities related to corporate and foundation fundraising efforts.


9. Lead, mentor, and grow a team of corporate and foundation relations professionals.


10. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and professional development.


11. Provide strategic oversight for goal setting, performance metrics, and results tracking.


12. Support the recruitment, onboarding, and retention of high-performing staff.


13. Affect and maintain a professional, proactive, positive, highly collaborative, and performance-centric work environment.


14. Other duties, as assigned by the Vice President of Development.

Duties and responsibilities are subject to change.

SPECIAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Proven track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts or grants.


2. Strong leadership experience, including team management and cross-functional collaboration.


3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience drafting complex proposals and reports.


4. Ability to think strategically, manage multiple priorities, and work under deadline pressure.


5. Familiarity with university research environments and sponsored program procedures is highly desirable.


6. Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings/weekends as needed.


7. Valid Montana driver’s license and acceptable driving record.


8. High emotional intelligence and relationship-building skills.


9. Experience navigating complex institutions and managing stakeholder expectations.


10. Entrepreneurial mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement.


11. Passion for public higher education and the mission of Montana State University.

BENEFITS:

The MSU Alumni Foundation offers a comprehensive benefit package which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance (all of which are 90-100% employer-paid for employee-only coverage), 403(b) retirement plan with 7% employer contribution, up to 5 weeks’ paid time-off, 11 paid holidays, tuition assistance and more. 

APPLICATION AND RECRUITMENT:

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, a resume, and three professional references online. Recruitment will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The MSU Alumni Foundation is an equal employment opportunity employer who believes that diversity, equity and inclusion allow us to better serve our students and communities and are critical to supporting the mission of Montana State University as a land grant institution.