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Corporate and Foundation Relations Officer

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Corporate and Foundation Relations Officer.

Position Details

Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States

Division Development Office

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Pay Grade

E13

Posting Close Date Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

When applying for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for three (3) references.

Job Summary

The Corporate and Foundation Relations Officer is a specialized role responsible for developing charitable support for the University through the USM Foundation by focusing on corporate and foundation donors and prospects and managing the fundraising efforts for those entities which may have multiple interests across the University. This position identifies prospects, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors to raise major gifts of $25,000 or more in support of University objectives while meeting defined visit and solicitation goals and working closely with the Chief Development Officer, deans, faculty, staff, volunteers, and other key stakeholders to achieve those goals by working autonomously towards goals set in consultation with supervisors.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

+ Identifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards corporate and foundation donors to include development and implementation of prospect strategy, preparation of written materials, direct solicitation, and, if appropriate, solicitation in tandem with others. Develops and executes effective cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies. Engages deans, University faculty and staff and others in advancement efforts, as required. Stewards relationships with existing donors.

+ Independently and successfully manages a portfolio of prospective donors with a focus on corporate and foundation prospects. Maintains records of visits, solicitations, and cultivation statuses in accordance with system requirements and Foundation protocols. Works independently and with Research team to identify new prospects for corporate and foundation gifts to build and maintain a robust pipeline of prospects. Records detailed interaction of all visits and prospect management including proposals to prospects and gifts donated to the Foundation. Ensures all assigned prospects are managed effectively and adjusts strategy as needed.

+ Oversees the development and submission of corporate and foundation grant proposals, including drafting, writing, compiling, preparation of supporting documentation and collection of required attachments according to specification as applicable to each granting organization. Tracks grant and sponsorship activity, including application and reporting deadlines. In collaboration with faculty, staff and other advancement staff, develops, writes and submits letters of inquiry, concept summaries and reports for corporate and foundation engagement and stewardship.

+ Meets defined visit, solicitation, and gift closure goals. Exercises and promotes good judgment, discretion in interactions and application of ethics related to development activities.

+ Conducts corporate and foundation relations training as needed for campus partners and development staff. Works with the Office of Research Administration to ensure philanthropic grants and sponsored research are clearly delineated and that the appropriate area is administering proposals and grants. Serves as a resource for others working with corporate and foundation donors. Assists the Chief Development Officer in the training and guidance of new Development Officers.

+ Manages an expense budget to optimize utilization of resources to achieve stated goals. Plans and implements personal travel, as necessary. Completes expense submittals on a timely basis.

+ Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Sales and/or Marketing, Business or other relevant degree program from an accredited college or university and at least three years of development or similar experience at a university or other comparable organization, or equivalent professional experience in communications, strategy, relationship building, project management and/or outside sales. A valid MS driver’s license is required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Employees of this position are prohibited from disclosing confidential and proprietary information of donors and prospects, the Foundation, the University and its employees or students. This confidentiality obligation is effective while employed in this position and continues after termination of employment.

+ Self-motivated, enthusiastic and accountable for results

+ Reliable and punctual

+ Honest and cooperative

+ Professional and respectful

+ Organized and able to multitask; skill in managing one’s own time

+ Results-driven to accomplish individual and team goals and meet deadlines

+ Ability to work collaboratively across multiple university units

+ Ability to analyze and prepare documents, reports and correspondence to specifications

+ Ability to understand, contextualize and organize complex information

+ Excellent attention to detail

+ Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate and interact effectively with all groups of people in both oral and written forms

+ Ability to clearly and persuasively communicate concepts, respond to questions, build support and inspire confidence of all audiences and stakeholders

+ Ability to articulate alignment between university initiatives and organizational strategy

+ Ability to remain agile in a dynamic workflow

+ Ability to respond to inquiries or complaints from constituents

+ Ability to work before and after normal business hours, including weekends

+ Ability to travel or complete overnight stays

+ Seeks opportunities for professional development

+ Effectively engages and interacts with others to collaborate and provide value-added support that enhances results and team effectiveness

+ Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion

+ Proficient in securing major gift donations and meeting individual metrics

+ Possesses general knowledge of corporate and foundation relationships and how to leverage mutually-beneficial opportunities

+ Proven ability to train and develop others

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in grant proposal and report writing and/or corporate and foundation philanthropy. Advanced degree from an accredited college or university or holder of current Certified Fundraising Executive Certificate.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.