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Director of Government, Foundation and Corporate Relations
Govt Foundation Corporate Relations

To head a comprehensive effort to obtain, manage and steward external grant support for institutional priorities; to oversee the department which undertakes prospect research, establishes and maintains relationships with funders, prepares proposals and manages awards from foundations, corporations, and government agencies; and to work extensively with the President, the Provost’s Office, and College senior staff in identifying institutional needs or priorities and in securing external funds to meet them.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

  1. Draft messages that further institutional goals with external funders, collaborating closely with the President, Provost and Dean of the College, Vice President for College Advancement, and other senior leaders - 35% of time
  • Arrange preliminary conversations/introductions between college leaders and the leaders of foundations, corporations and government agencies; draft correspondence to strengthen or expand these relationships.
  • Draft proposals that accurately and persuasively advocate for college programs, faculty and students. Oversee and facilitate the review and revision of draft proposals, determining how best to align the priorities of the college with those of the funder(s). Seek and follow the guidance of senior college leaders in making these determinations.
  • Write persuasive stewardship reports for institutional grants, ensuring that grant activity is reported accurately and that reports are submitted on time.
  1. Develop and implement short and long-term strategies for initiating and developing beneficial relationships with foundation, corporate and government funders - 25% of time
  • Assist senior members of the College's academic and administrative staff (President, Provost, Advancement Team) to identify key priorities for funding and match these priorities to the imperatives of government, foundation and corporate funders.
  • Maintain close ties with faculty and administrators in order to understand College needs and effectively advocate for support of the College.
  • Maintain positive relations with funders by monitoring funding trends and priorities, staying current with research and public discourse on higher education, and conveying the College’s achievements or distinctions relevant to trends and research.
  • Arrange and conduct visits with foundation, corporate and government funders to develop the case for support of the College. Accompany President, Provost, and others on visits as appropriate.
  1. Supervise staff members in the Office of Government, Foundation and Corporate Relations - 15% of time
  • Hire, train, and supervise staff members.
  • Advise and assist members to support grant seeking by College faculty and staff
  • Recognize and deepen the strengths of colleagues and guide their development as professionals and as advocates for the College.
  • Collaborate with members of the Provost’s staff, with staff in the Business Office to ensure that externally funded projects are assessed carefully and managed effectively.
  1. Assist faculty and staff to secure external support for scholarship, research and programming that enhances the College’s standing with institutional funders - 15% of time
  • Work with the Associate Provost and the Faculty Life Committee to identify faculty members who are good candidates for outside funding.
  • Identify possible sources of support, assist to develop proposals, review and revise budgets.
  • Assist with post-award grants management and reporting.

 

  1. Ensure that the College remains in full and efficient compliance with legal policy and professional practice governing external awards - 10% of time
  • Monitor current government policies, requirements and practices regarding external awards.
  • Anticipate or plan for changes in relevant policies.
  • Collaborate with the Provost and Business Office staff to ensure compliance.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:   

  • Ability to work on teams that include faculty, staff and students who do not resemble each other
  • Skill in editing proposals and reports
  • Ability to build cohesion and enhance productivity as project deadlines approach
  • Ability to analyze, organize, and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines
  • Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form
  • Ability and willingness to provide constructive criticism
  • Ability to display professionalism in all aspects of the position
  • Ability to establish and maintain a good rapport with college faculty and staff, students, and the general public
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including knowledge of the meaning and spelling of vocabulary, and  the rules of composition and grammar
  • Ability and willingness to be interested in people and in the academic, scholarly and student life of the college
  • Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion
  • Skill in using computer applications including spreadsheet and word processing software
  • Ability to manage a budget and work within the constraints of a budget
  • Ability to train and supervise others
  • Ability and willingness to support, respect and commit to embracing diverse backgrounds, values and points of view to build a strong and inclusive community including faculty, staff, students and constituents

 

We strongly encourage applications from members of underrepresented minority groups.

 

 

One of the nation's leading liberal arts colleges, St. Olaf serves 3,000 students, ranks #1 among U.S. colleges for the number of students studying abroad, and celebrates carbon-free electrical power.  Its mission is to challenge students to excel in the liberal arts, examine faith and values, and explore meaningful vocation in an inclusive, globally engaged community nourished by Lutheran tradition.  The college is located on a picturesque 300-acre campus in Northfield, Minnesota, a vibrant, restored, historic river town of 20,000 located 45 minutes south of the Twin Cities.

 

 

St. Olaf College offers a strong benefits package which includes:  medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus college contribution to Health Savings Account (HSA); 9% 403(b) retirement plan contribution; retirement health account contribution; paid time off and holidays; short-term and long-term disability insurance; tuition allowance for dependent children, employees, and spouses; free parking, access to athletic center, and tickets to campus events; adjusted summer hours; and additional other on-campus perks while working in a supportive, collegial environment.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:  Bachelor’s degree; maintain a valid driver’s license and meet St. Olaf College driver authorization criteria with a satisfactory driving record

 

Experience:  7+ years of experience in relationship-based fund-raising, along with experience in prospect research, developing foundation and sponsored research proposals, and in post-award grant management

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:  Master’s degree

 

Experience:  Previous appointment in a grants office in a higher education institution or with a funder of higher education

Criminal Background Check,Meet St. Olaf College driver authorization criteria
Staff - Full-time Regular
1.0
Year round
Open Until Filled
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; occasional evening and weekend hours may be required; travel up to 10% of work schedule, which includes local (Twin Cities metro area) and national travel; overnight trips average 4-5 trips per year
Salaried
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St. Olaf College is an equal employment opportunity and voluntary affirmative action employer.  The College is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community.  With regard to its hiring and employment practices, the College prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment based upon an individual’s legally protected status including race, color, creed, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, marital status, veteran status, or status with regard to public assistance.