Senior Director of Institutional Giving (Private and Corporate Foundations

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Senior Director Institutional Giving is a mission-driven, strategic leader responsible for overseeing all aspects of institutional giving at URI—including corporate partnerships, private foundations, and government grant strategy in collaboration with the Senior Vice President and the Vice President of Development. Reporting to the Senior Vice President this role leads a growing team of professionals,  including the Director of Institutional Giving, Development Manager, and contract Grant Writers. 

The Senior Director will drive and scale a comprehensive institutional fundraising program that fuels URI’s growth and impact. They will oversee relationship strategies, proposal pipelines, stewardship practices, and cross-department collaboration to secure sustainable revenue from a diverse and expanding base of funders. This is a highly collaborative leadership role that requires excellent team management, superior writing and strategy skills, and a deep commitment to URI’s mission, vision and values. 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership & Team Supervision:

• Supervise and support the Institutional Giving team, the Grant Writers, and contracted Grant Writers.


• Collaborate in setting annual fundraising goals and KPIs for institutional giving team members and support their growth through coaching and professional development.


• Ensure efficient coordination across institutional team members, maintaining consistent systems for prospect research, proposal tracking, reporting, and funder stewardship. 
  
  
  

Strategy & Revenue Generation:

• Lead the development and execution of URI’s institutional giving strategy, securing funding for general operating support and key programs including (URI’s Justice Initiatives and Residential programs). 


• Manage a high-priority portfolio of foundation and corporate funders and prospects, serving as the relationship lead or supporting Executive/Board engagement. 


• Oversee strategy for corporate employee engagement, sponsorship, matching gifts, and marketing campaigns.  


• Partner with the SVP of Development and VP to develop a multi-year growth strategy for institutional fundraising and a more diversified funding base. 
   

Grant Writing & Proposal Management:

• Oversee systems for timely, high-quality proposals and reports, including narrative development, budget alignment, and cross-departmental collaboration. 


• Provide quality control and editorial support to proposals prepared by staff and consultants. 


• Guide the process of identifying funding opportunities aligned with URI’s mission and strategic priorities. 


• Maintain a calendar of deadlines and ensure timely submissions and acknowledgements. 


• Write LOIs and proposals as needed if gaps in contracted or team capabilities arise.  

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner closely with Programs and Finance to align funding proposals with program design, outcomes, and strategic communications. 


• Partner with Executive Leadership and Programs to ensure coordination and prep for donor meetings. 


• Coordinate with Programs to develop internal communications and orientation relevant to institutional partnerships and grants compliance. 

Funder Stewardship & Visibility:

• Ensure meaningful and tailored stewardship plans for institutional partners, including site visits, recognition, and communications aligned with grant requirements. 


• Work with MarComm to develop web, print, and digital content that highlights URI’s partnerships with corporate and foundation funders. 

Contracted Writer Oversight:

• Manage contracts and scope of work for contracted grant writers and consultants. 


• Provide strategic guidance, quality assurance, and alignment to organizational priorities (oversight is not day-to-day project management). 

SPECIFICATIONS FOR EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES:

• Bachelor’s degree required. 

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Professional Experience & Expertise:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit institutional fundraising, including foundations and corporate giving. 


• At least 2 years in a supervisory or senior-level development role, with demonstrated success leading high-performing teams. 


• Deep understanding of New York’s philanthropic landscape and national funder networks supporting anti-poverty, domestic violence, homelessness, and/or social justice causes. 


• Connections to NYC institutional donors that align for URI’s areas of work. 

Leadership & Strategy:

• Proven ability to develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies across a complex organization. 


• Demonstrated success cultivating and closing six- and seven-figure grants and gifts. 


• Experience managing competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. 

Collaboration & Communication:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write and edit compelling grant proposals, reports, and donor correspondence. 


• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with programs, finance, and senior leadership. 


• Ability to influence, inspire, and build trust across internal and external stakeholder groups. 

Mission Alignment & Values:

• Deep commitment to URI’s mission and values, including racial equity, gender justice, and survivor-centered work. 


• Cultural fluency and humility with sensitivity to the lived experiences of the communities URI serves. 

Technical Proficiency:

• Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., EveryAction, Salesforce), grant tracking systems, and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). 


• Experience using project management platforms like Monday.com a plus.  

SPECIFICATIONS FOR PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Will be required to travel occasionally for funder meetings, site visits, and events.  


• Will be required to work at a computer for extended periods. 


• May be required to lift up to 10 pounds occasionally. 

SALARY: $81,000/yr - 107,100/yr

At URI we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment.  We actively seek a diverse candidate pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds and abilities to apply. At URI we offer equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.