Location: Newport, RI
Category: Education
Job Type: Full-time
Posted On: Mon Jul 27 2026
Job Description:
JOB SUMMARY:
It is an exciting time in Salve Regina University's as we approach the successful conclusion of the largest comprehensive campaign in the University's history, Our Mission. Our Moment. The campaign has had a transformational impact by enhancing the student experience and uniquely preparing Salve students to make a positive difference in the world. The University Advancement team is seeking a Foundations Giving Officer/Foundation Giving Associate with a growth mindset and multi-faceted skillset, who can work with an array of stakeholders and foundation funders to propel our mission forward through philanthropy.
Foundation Giving Officer Job Description:
BASIC FUNCTION:
The Foundation Giving Officer (FGO) plans, organizes and manages foundation fundraising and stewardship and expands the philanthropic foundation grant pipeline, creating a sustainable revenue stream for the University. The FGO will create compelling proposals for varied programmatic and capital funding needs, creatively matching funding opportunities with both new and existing foundation funders. The FGO will be expected to be entrepreneurial in identifying new foundation funders, who have an interest in investing in the University through their philanthropy and meaningful engagement.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (FGO):
- Foster a collaborative and empowering work environment rooted in Salve Regina University's Mercy mission: demonstrate empathic leadership through the positive engagement of Advancement team members and volunteers.
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Secure an annual agreed upon amount toward the University Advancement's overall annual goal in significant foundation grants.
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Manage a pool of current foundation prospects and proactively build a new pipeline of foundation donors to ensure a sustainable investment stream in future years. Support the VP of University Advancement in the development of relationships with key foundation administrators and executives.
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Establish relationships with foundation staff through personal visits, correspondence, and attendance at cultivation events, often serving as a primary point of contact and relationship manager.
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Independently and in conjunction with campus partners, the FGO will develop and write proposals for a wide array of strategic funding needs, creatively matching funding opportunities with new and existing foundation funders, and ensuring that foundation approaches, from identification to cultivation, solicitation, closure, and stewardship, are highly strategic and coordinated across internal and external stakeholders.
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Prepare stewardship reports on foundation grants.
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Plan and execute strategic activities that increase major foundation support through gifts, grants, and contracts.
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Document all foundation interactions, including outreach to existing and new funders, for accurate current and future reporting.
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Maintain knowledge of industry dynamics, personnel changes, stock market performance, foundation funding, and all related activities and changes that may affect foundation funding.
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As part of the Advancement Team, participate in all fundraising initiatives, including giving days and events, to achieve overall divisional goals.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
As assigned by the Vice President for University Advancement and the Senior Director of Development
LICENSES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT:
Valid driver's license is required.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
The incumbent is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
Foundation Giving Associate Job Description:
BASIC FUNCTION:
The Foundation Giving Associate (FGA) will provide organizational and research support for a grant writer. The FGA will collect pertinent project information, track deadlines for submissions and reporting, arrange meetings with foundation leaders for University leadership, and will manage the logistics related to foundation representatives' site visits to campus. Applicants who aspire to become a Foundation Giving Officer are encouraged to apply.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (FGA):
- Foster a collaborative and empowering work environment rooted in Salve Regina University's Mercy mission: demonstrate empathic leadership through the positive engagement of Advancement team members and volunteers.
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In conjunction with the Vice President for University Advancement and grant writer, work to secure an annual goal of funding as part of Advancement's overall goal.
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Manage a calendar of deadlines for submission and reporting for current foundation donors.
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Proactively conduct research to identify new potential foundation donors for priority projects.
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Working with a grant writer, collect information from campus partners to assist in creating proposal content and stewardship reports.
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Manage the scheduling of all meetings with foundation and University leadership, including the site-visits to campus. Prepare briefings prior to meetings to prepare University leadership.
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As part of the Advancement Team, participate in all fundraising initiatives, including giving days and events, to achieve overall divisional goals.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
As assigned by the Vice President for University Advancement and the Senior Director of Development
LICENSES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT:
Valid driver's license is required.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
The incumbent is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
Job Requirements:
Foundation Giving Officer Qualifications:
Required:
- A Bachelor's degree and three years previous grant writing or university advancement experience.
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Strong work ethic and desire to work in an organization that emphasizes measurable objectives, including mutually agreed-upon individual goals, and team-wide goals.
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Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, and verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to be effective at engaging with all levels of the University, and all external constituents.
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Experience in multi-faceted project management.
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Ability to work with ethnically, culturally, and socially diverse students, staff, faculty, and other constituencies.
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Must have adept technology skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
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Salve Regina University alumni and/or applicants who possess transferable skills are encouraged to apply.
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Salve Regina values diversity, equity, and inclusion; applicants of diverse backgrounds and/or who similarly value an inclusive workplace in line with the Mercy mission are encouraged to apply.
Preferred:
- A Bachelor's degree and five plus years previous grant writing or university advancement experience.
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Prior experience working at Salve Regina or other Mercy institution.
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Experience with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT or comparable CRM.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Hybrid work options are available.
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Willingness to travel as a representative of the university.
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Requires working occasional nights and weekends.
Foundation Giving Associate Qualifications:
Required:
- A Bachelor's degree and one year of experience in an administrative role.
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Strong work ethic and desire to work in an organization that emphasizes measurable objectives, including mutually agreed-upon individual goals, and team-wide goals.
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Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, and verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to be effective at engaging with all levels of the University, and all external constituents.
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Willingness to participate in on-line and in-person coaching and training.
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Ability to work with ethnically, culturally, and socially diverse students, staff, faculty, and other constituencies.
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Must have adept technology skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
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Salve Regina values diversity, equity, and inclusion; applicants of diverse backgrounds and/or who similarly value an inclusive workplace in line with the Mercy mission are encouraged to apply.
Preferred:
- A Bachelor's degree and one year of experience in an administrative role at a university or in advancement.
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Salve Regina University graduate.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Hybrid work options are available.
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Willingness to travel as a representative of the university.
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Requires working occasional nights and weekends.
Additional Information:
Salve Regina University offers generous benefits to eligible employees including (waiting periods apply):
- health, dental and vision coverage available on the first of the month following date of hire
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403(b) retirement plan through TIAA with employee and employer contributions as well as access to advising services
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long-term disability coverage
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employer-paid life and AD&D insurance
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up to 100% free tuition at Salve for eligible employees and qualified dependents
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robust wellness program and free access to the on-campus Fitness Center
Other available benefits include:
- supplemental life insurance for employees and dependents
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supplemental insurance coverage through Aflac
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Tuition Exchange scholarship program. Application available for qualified dependents of eligible employees working full-time
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discounted pet insurance through ASPCA
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student loan forgiveness assistance program (SAVI)
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employee Assistance Program through Health Advocate
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flexible spending health and dependent care accounts
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health savings accounts
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529 collegebound saver program
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paid parental leave and adoption assistance
For more detailed information on Salve's benefits, visit https://salve.edu/human-resources/benefits.
Salve Regina University strives to cultivate belonging values through diversity, equity inclusion in order to foster a welcoming culture for our staff, faculty and students, as well as the wider community. Salve Regina University embraces all people with grace. No matter the path traveled to get here, the University acknowledges that many identities will intersect. Salve Regina belongs to all in its community.
