Director, Founder’s Forum and Advancement Partnerships

Director, Founder's Forum and Advanced Partnerships

The Director, Founder’s Forum and Advancement Partnerships serves as the primary liaison for select constituents, delivering exceptional, personalized engagement that strengthens their connection to the institution and drives advancement outcomes. This position manages all aspects of the Founders’ Forum, a premier network of past and current company founders who engage with Arizona State University and one another through distinctive experiences and learning opportunities. The Director supports the university’s philanthropic objectives by cultivating high-impact relationships, identifying opportunities for collaboration and investment, and integrating Founders’ Forum activities into broader fundraising strategies. This role requires exceptional relationship-building skills, a commitment to excellent service, and the ability to design and execute experiences that reflect the prestige and purpose of the initiatives it supports. The Director collaborates across the organization to ensure seamless operations, strategic alignment, and measurable impact.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and implement strategies that align founder engagement with ASU’s advancement goals, identifying opportunities for partnership, collaboration, and investment.
• Serve as the primary lead for Founders’ Forum members, ensuring timely and personalized responses to inquiries and requests.
• Facilitate meaningful connections between members and relevant ASU leaders, programs, and initiatives.
• Design and oversee Founders’ Forum event programming that promotes member networking, engagement with ASU’s research and entrepreneurial activities, and opportunities for members to mentor or advise students and faculty.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of constituent interactions, event participation, and engagement outcomes to inform strategy.
• Coordinate with internal partners to deliver high-quality, branded experiences for distinguished stakeholders.
• Prepare materials, briefings, and updates for internal and external stakeholders related to the Founders’ Forum.
• Represent the organization with the highest level of professionalism, discretion, and service orientation.
• Liaise with SkySong Innovations, Entrepreneurship Innovation, and other units throughout the ASU ecosystem to fully elevate Founder’s Forum.
  
  

What You'll Need

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with high-level stakeholders.
• Strong relationship-building capabilities with both external and internal partners.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• High degree of discretion and professionalism in handling confidential information.
• Proven ability to anticipate needs and take proactive action.
  
  

Relevant Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in relationship management, donor engagement, hospitality, or a related area.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex projects and high-profile engagement opportunities.
• Experience working across multiple departments or organizations to deliver coordinated outcomes.
  
  

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with matching employer contribution
• 22 days of vacation time
• 11 holidays, including your birthday
• Parental leave
• Significant tuition reductions
• Professional development is highly valued at ASU Foundation, where employees are encouraged to look across the organization and nurture new areas of interest
• $30 bi-weekly cell phone reimbursement
  
  

About ASU Foundation

The ASU Foundation fosters partnerships between ASU and like-minded individuals, corporations and foundations who believe in ASU’s mission and provide resources for ASU to manifest its charter into meaningful impact. These partnerships empower ASU to advance student access, serve our community, protect the planet, create equity in higher education and conduct research for the public good.

At the ASU Foundation we value

Character

We prioritize character and integrity in every decision and action, establishing trust as the foundation of all that we do.

Service

We are dedicated to serving our students, donors, communities, and colleagues by fostering support and collaboration to ensure that our efforts are impactful.

Innovation

Innovation drives us to create meaningful opportunities and solutions, helping every member of our global community achieve meaningful outcomes.

The ASU Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer