Corporate and Foundation Relations Officer

Reporting to Senior Director of Philanthropy, the Corporate and Foundation Relations Officer supports the development and management of institutional fundraising efforts from corporations, private foundations, and government-related funding sources. This position assists with prospect research, proposal development, grant administration, stewardship reporting, and relationship management activities that advance the University’s strategic priorities.

As a member of the Philanthropy team, the Corporate and Foundation Relations Officer works collaboratively across campus to connect institutional needs with external resources, prepare compelling proposals, manage sponsorship deliverables, and ensure that partners receive meaningful recognition and stewardship.

Position Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $75,000-$85,000. This is the expected salary range for this position. The actual salary offered will depend on a candidate's experience and education, and departmental budget.

Responsibilities

• Conduct corporate and foundation prospect research and analyze philanthropic trends, funding priorities, and institutional opportunities to identify, research, and qualify corporate and foundation prospects aligned with institutional priorities.
• Develop, write, edit, and coordinate the submission of grant proposals, letters of inquiry, sponsorship requests, and related materials in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage proposal development processes, including timelines, deliverables, application requirements, and reporting deadlines to ensure timely and accurate submission of grant materials.
• Collaborate with faculty, academic leadership, athletics, finance, and other partners to gather program information, budgets, outcomes data, and supporting documentation for proposals, reports, and donor communications.
• Maintain grant calendars, funding records, reporting schedules, and proposal documentation to ensure compliance with donor, grantor, and institutional requirements.
• Monitor grant activity and support tracking of restricted funds, reporting obligations, stewardship activities, and institutional follow-up related to awarded grants.
• Prepare stewardship reports, impact summaries, donor communications, briefing materials, presentations, and meeting agendas that demonstrate program outcomes and institutional impact.
• Maintain accurate documentation and records within the University’s CRM (Raiser’s Edge NXT) and project management system.
• Support cultivation and stewardship activities for corporate and foundation partners, including meetings, events, campus visits, and ongoing communications.
• Coordinate with advancement colleagues and campus partners to advance funding opportunities, strengthen relationships, and support strategic fundraising initiatives.
• Prepare reports, pipeline updates, and analytical summaries related to fundraising activity, grant outcomes, prospect development, and institutional partnerships.
• Support departmental initiatives, strategic priorities, and other advancement and philanthropic activities as assigned.
• Represent the University at meetings, events, and activities outside standard business hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supports mission, vision and values of Elmhurst University.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous improvement.
• Performs other duties and completes special projects as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, public administration, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of professional experience, including 1-3 years in corporate and foundation relations, institutional advancement, grant writing, nonprofit development, or a related field.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, fundraising CRMs (such as Raiser’s Edge), and project management tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare persuasive proposals and correspondence.
• Demonstrated project management skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• High attention to detail and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively and independently, and to represent Elmhurst University with professionalism and enthusiasm.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with proposal development and corporate giving.
• Experience supporting grant compliance, stewardship reporting, or restricted fund administration.
• Experience working in a higher education environment.
• Experience coordinating program or event sponsorships.
• Familiarity with corporate philanthropy, community relations, and sponsorship marketing.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements
The essential functions of this position are primarily performed in an indoor setting with limited exposure to outdoor weather conditions. Work is often sedentary in nature and requires remaining in a stationary position for extended periods. Required abilities include speaking and hearing for in-person and virtual communication, using close and distance vision when reading documents or viewing screens, and performing tasks with repetitive fine motor skills. Work may require occasional lifting, bending, carrying, or otherwise moving objects weighing up to 15 pounds. Qualified applicants who can perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodations will be considered.

Benefits

An overview of Elmhurst University benefits is available here .

Please submit cover letter, resume, and three references with contact information with online application. The references should include name, phone number and email.