The United States Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation in Annapolis, Maryland is seeking a full-time Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations. The Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR) is responsible for soliciting major gifts from corporations, corporate foundations, and public foundations in support of the United States Naval Academy and the Brigade of Midshipmen.
This an exempt position that reports directly to the Vice President of Development at the U. S. Naval Academy Foundation.
This position pays a competitive salary commensurate with experience and is also eligible for an annual performance-based bonus of up to 6%, when applicable. You would also be eligible for a generous benefits plan which includes medical, dental, vision, an FSA, an HSA, a fully vested 403(b) retirement plans with employer matching, 22 days of accrued paid time off (PTO) per fiscal year, 14 paid holidays per calendar year, group life insurance, short-term & long-term disability, identity theft protection, and annual opportunities for professional development. Although not guaranteed, certain additional benefits may be offered through the Naval Academy, such as use of certain recreational facilities (including the Brigade Sports Complex gym, marina and indoor/outdoor pools).
This position is based in historic Annapolis at our current offices located overlooking the Severn River on the beautiful grounds of the U.S. Naval Academy. In 2023, the staff of the Alumni Association and Foundation will move into new modern offices in the Alumni Center, which are currently under construction on the banks of College Creek overlooking the Naval Academy and downtown Annapolis.
ABOUT THE UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY (USNA) ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AND FOUNDATION
The United States Naval Academy Alumni Association and the United States Naval Academy Foundation are two independent, not-for-profit corporations sharing a single president and CEO and operating as a fully integrated organization in support of the Naval Academy and its mission. The organization’s focus and core competencies are engagement and philanthropy in pursuit of complementary and closely aligned missions.
Our Mission: The course set by Alumni Association founders in 1886 rings true today as our mission is to serve and support the United States, the Naval Service, the Naval Academy, and academy alumni by:
- Furthering the highest standards at the Naval Academy,
- Seeking out; informing, encouraging and assisting outstanding, qualified young men and women to pursue careers as officers through the Naval Academy, and
- Initiating and sponsoring activities that will perpetuate the history, traditions, memories, and growth of the Naval Academy and bind alumni together in support of the highest ideals of command, citizenship, and the government.
Responsibilities
1. Develop and manage a portfolio of prospective and demonstrated corporate and foundation donors throughout the United States.
- Portfolio management will include, but is not limited to:
i. Proactive, regular contact (phone calls, letters, personal visits, visits from volunteers, events) with prospective donor organizations to determine their philanthropic priorities and inclination to support the U.S. Naval Academy.
ii. Matching prospective donor objectives with gift and grant opportunities at the Naval Academy.
iii. Preparation of solicitation proposals and gift agreements that make a compelling case for donors to meet Naval Academy needs.
iv. Appropriate stewardship of donors, acknowledging their contributions and encouraging future support.
v. Development and management of volunteer advocates to assist in discovery, cultivation and solicitation of gift opportunities.
- Develop and implement strategies for gift cultivation and solicitation of those organizations determined to be significant gift prospects.
- Travel as appropriate to provide adequate contact with the prospect portfolio and to maintain a sustained level of corporate and foundation support for the Naval Academy.
- Ensure that prospect data discovered in the cultivation process is entered accurately and in a timely manner into the Foundation’s central database.
2. Supervise the Assistant Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations whose primary responsibilities are to assist the Director in executing the CFR program, and the preparation, submission, and stewardship of corporate and foundation grants.
3. Work closely with Foundation research analysts and the Assistant Director, CFR to collect background information on the giving guidelines and priorities for prospective corporate and foundation donors.
4. Coordinate with Naval Academy faculty and staff, as appropriate, to develop gift and grant opportunities and appropriately steward gifts and grants, including providing periodic status reports to donors.
Minimum Qualifications
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college.
- Two to four (2-4) years of development experience.
- Mature, poised, and articulate, as will engage in frequent contact with major donors and prospects, corporate leaders, senior Naval Academy staff, and members of the Naval Academy Foundation's Board of Directors.
- Superior interpersonal and communications skills, especially the ability to listen effectively, write clearly, and to speak to groups.
- Computer literacy, to include proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications, is required.
- Effectively manage multiple, competing projects in a complex organizational setting.
- Staff and volunteer management experience.
- Willingness to travel.
- A sincere and enthusiastic belief in the mission of the U.S. Naval Academy.
Preferred Qualifications
- Corporate and foundation fundraising experience in the college/university environment.
- Proficiency with CRM fundraising database/software.
- Prior military experience
- Naval Academy graduate or other military school attendance
- Comprehensive campaign experience.
