Associate Director - Foundation, Government and Corporate Relations

DEPARTMENT: Office of Institutional Advancement

SUPERVISED BY: Director for Foundation, Government and Corporate Relations

FLSA STATUS:  Exempt

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time   

POSITION DESCRIPTION: 

The Associate Director for Foundation, Government and Corporate Relations is responsible for identifying, researching, and writing grant proposals to secure funding for Seton Hill University's programs and initiatives. This role requires a strong understanding of grant writing principles, research skills, and the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas in a clear and concise manner. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in securing funding to support Seton Hill's mission and strategic priorities.

The Associate Director for Foundation, Government and Corporate Relations works as support to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement the Associate Vice Presidents, and as a direct report to the Director for Foundation, Government and Corporate Relations, to identify and cultivate a portfolio of grant proposals based on the needs of Seton Hill and to develop constituent communications with the goal of generating varied and sustainable gifts and grants to the University.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES:

• Support the Institutional Advancement team in fundraising and visibility efforts, specifically by developing and writing grant proposals, developing grant budgets and supporting fundraisers with proposals for individuals.
• Partner with the Director to cultivate and support grant seeking for capital, endowment, and annual projects across the University and collaborate frequently with the Vice President and Associate Vice Presidents for Institutional Advancement as well as the President and Provost.
• Identify potential opportunities for philanthropic support from government agencies, private foundations, and corporations and align grant guidelines, eligibility criteria and submission deadlines with University priorities.
• Develop and write compelling grant proposal narratives; prepare budgets and logic models according to grant guidelines. Ensure that proposal materials meet funder criteria, are accurate, focused, persuasive, and meet funder deadlines. 

• Submit grant proposals according to proposal guidelines; maintain accurate records of grant submissions/deadlines in Raiser's Edge/NXT.
• Communicate effectively with funders/prospective funders staff and program officers; respond to inquiries as called upon.
• Collect, review, analyze and prepare data for grant proposals and presentations.
• Track the status of grant applications and awards along with grant stewardship requirements; maintain a report for commitments in place and for those pending.
• Prepare required stewardship reports and requested documentation for funders to ensure adherence to grant terms and conditions; assist in processing grant invoices and payments; ensure principal investigators and proposal leads maintain accurate financial records.
• Monitor grant expenditures and comply with budget guidelines provided by the funder and submitted with the application, coordinate budget development with the Business Office as appropriate and coordinate with the Business Office to ensure that grant funds are designated by the University as outlined in the grant proposal.
• Assist the Director with the management of a calendar and report outlining the grant pipeline; track all grant solicitations planned along with stewardship requirements for funded proposals.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to develop grant proposals that align with institutional priorities.
• Research foundation, government and corporate funding opportunities; stay updated on federal, state, and local regulations related to grant administration; ensure compliance with grant terms.
• Inform the Vice President and Director of requests from other campus areas and divisions/departments.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum of three years' experience in fundraising
• Experience with budget preparation, logic models, and proposal development across various funder types
• Commitment to the mission of Seton Hill
• Excellent organizational, writing, communication and interpersonal skills are required along with attentiveness to detail
• comfortable working independently and taking initiative within the context of a team-based, collaborative environment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree
• Experience in fundraising in a higher education environment

Required applicant materials include: Cover Letter, Resume, and contact information for three professional references.  Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.  Applications received by June 30, 2026, will receive priority consideration.  All finalists will be required to submit a reflection statement to Seton Hill's Mission.