Department:
Advancement Office
Closes:
Open Until Filled
Located in the heart of Central New York, Utica University is a comprehensive, independent, private institution founded in 1946 as Utica College. We offer many of the advantages of a large university, such as undergraduate and graduate degree options, excellent academic programs, and outstanding faculty, but with an intimacy and a high degree of personal attention more closely associated with smaller private institutions.
We empower learners to achieve their career and life goals through personally enriching experiences and outstanding educational pathways.
At Utica University, we are committed to creating a working and learning environment where all people feel supported.
Following our institutional values, we work to support diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences in an equitable, respectful, and inclusive environment, while promoting freedom of expression and encouraging civil discourse.
Position Summary:
The Director of Government, Corporate, and Foundation Relations will plan and direct a comprehensive suite of activities that advance the educational mission of Utica University through the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, and post award management of external support from government entities at the federal, state, and municipal levels, along with sources from local, regional, and national corporations and foundations. Working closely with key internal stakeholders, grant submissions are planned and prepared in support of research, scholarship, education and training, service/outreach activities, capital and technology infrastructure, and other initiatives as are consistent with the University's mission and priorities.
The incumbent will:
- Demonstrate a high level of initiative and be fully accountable for a distinct body of government, corporate, and foundation related work as well as other duties as assigned;
- Possess and apply outstanding writing, editing, planning, and organizational skills;
- Possess and apply excellent communication and interpersonal skills and prudent independent judgment in all activities;
- Demonstrate the ability to fully understand and articulate Utica University's academic programs, institutional strengths, and priorities for external support through grants including short- and long-term fundraising goals;
- Work collaboratively with the President, the Joint Cabinets, faculty/staff stakeholders, and other key administrative staff members to enhance grant making and other funding efforts;
- Cultivate relationships with highest-level donors and prospects, including alumni, Utica University Trustees, corporate and foundation program officers, and local, state, and federal elected officials and their representatives. The incumbent will have access to privileged donor and grant information and is expected to guard the confidentiality of all biographical data and grant scenarios;
- Demonstrate willingness to work flexible hours if necessary.
Responsibilities:
- Identify, prioritize, and develop opportunities and appropriate sponsors from federal, state, and local funding sources to support the University's academic and co-curricular programs, service initiatives, and capital infrastructure needs.
- Lead process to cultivate faculty and staff program originators in proposal planning, development, writing, and other preparation for proposals to grant makers.
- Collaborate in the drafting of proposal budgets and budget narratives.
- Manage proposal review, including editing for clarity, completeness, presentation and compliance with University policies and pre-award approval and submission processes.
- Function as authorized organizational representative for submission of electronic grant applications.
- Establish and cultivate working relationships with grant program and agency personnel, and facilitate these relationships among faculty/staff project directors.
- Track the status of proposals in progress and prepare and distribute written reports as requested.
- Coordinate the collaborative partnerships with state and federal lobbyists, the President and Joint Cabinets, and principal faculty investigators to develop and advance funding requests to governmental agencies and elected officials, including the State legislature and the New York Congressional delegation, to support institutional goals and to strengthen lines of communication with government representatives.
- Establish and implement short- and long-range goals, objectives, policies and operating procedures for the grants and government relations functions; monitor and evaluate program effectiveness; effect changes as needed.
- Review and negotiate terms and conditions of contracts/agreements with federal and state agencies as may be required, and upon consultation with the Offices of Financial Affairs and the General Counsel.
- Work with the Vice President for Advancement and other team members to achieve successful results on all established individual and departmental goals and key performance indicators.
- Play an active role in the development of the department's strategic and operational plan as required by department leadership. Works closely with department supervisor to develop and implement operational goals that support departmental success.
- Facilitate post-award activities in accordance with federal/state regulations and University guidelines/policies including monitoring budgets, monthly grant activity, monitoring expenditures, and seeing through the awards through the lifecycle.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree and minimum of seven years related development experience.
- Requires knowledge of funding processes of federal, state, and local governments.
- Experience in higher education is required.
Skills/Abilities:
- Must have excellent verbal and organizational skills.
- Outstanding persuasive writing skills.
- Demonstrated work experience in writing, editing, and proofreading.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to relate well with faculty, staff, students, program officers, and volunteers.
- A strong commitment to diversity and will work continually to enhance diversity of our students, faculty, and staff.
- Ability to articulate persuasively the mission and strengths of the University.
- Sound judgment, initiative, and ability to handle confidential information and inquiries with discretion.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Ability to manage multiple projects effectively.
- Functional literacy with PCs and software, and the Internet.
- Knowledge of Utica University and higher education highly desirable.
- Travel required.
- Must be able to work flexible hours if necessary.
Supervisory Responsibility:
- The incumbent supervises the Associate Grants Administrator.
- The position requires regular project leadership.
Starting salary at $75,000. Salary will depend on experience and years of service for the selected candidate.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
EEO/AA Statement
Utica University is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and creating a welcoming work environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to veteran status, disability, citizenship status, domestic violence victim status, or protected status under applicable local, state, or federal law.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Utica University is a comprehensive, independent, private institution founded in 1946 to offer options for higher education study to veterans returning from the Second World War. More than seventy years since veterans returned from WWII, this tradition of serving veterans is still held in high regard here at Utica University, and we are proud to welcome veterans as students and as valued members of our faculty and professional staff.
To be considered for this position, you must upload the following documents:
- Resume / Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter
