Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

About this role

PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom. We therefore encourage applications from culturally diverse candidates.

Benefits: We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, competitive retirement matching, vacation and sick time, and 15 paid holidays per year. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including staff chapel and a robust wellness program.

Job Summary: PLNU is seeking a strategic and relationship-driven Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations to expand philanthropic partnerships that advance the university’s mission and priorities. This role will lead efforts to cultivate and secure corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and strategic partnerships while collaborating across campus to support transformational opportunities for students, programs, and institutional initiatives.

Salary: Pay range $90,000 - $110,000 Actual salary offered is determined by the candidate’s experience, education, skills, and other factors, including internal equity and university funding resources.

Job Status: Full time ***

Job Description: What We’re Looking For • Proven ability to build and sustain meaningful relationships with corporate, foundation, and community partners

• Experience developing and executing strategic fundraising or partnership initiatives

• Strong ability to identify funding opportunities and align them with institutional priorities and impact areas

• Exceptional storytelling and communication skills with the ability to articulate mission, vision, and impact to external audiences

• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholder relationships simultaneously

• Collaborative mindset with the ability to partner effectively with faculty, leadership, advancement teams, and external constituents

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate complex partnership opportunities

• Experience researching philanthropic trends, corporate engagement strategies, and funding opportunities

• Strong organizational and project management skills with high attention to detail

• Knowledge and experience working with a diverse population is preferred

What You’ll Be Doing • Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to strengthen PLNU’s corporate and foundation partnerships and increase philanthropic support

• Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with corporations, foundations, and strategic community partners aligned with university priorities

• Lead the preparation and submission of compelling grant proposals, sponsorship requests, and funding applications

• Manage the full grant lifecycle including prospect research, proposal development, reporting, stewardship, and compliance tracking

• Collaborate with university leadership, deans, faculty, and staff to identify funding priorities and partnership opportunities

• Work closely with the academic grant office to coordinate a university-wide grants strategy and support funding initiatives across academic units

• Develop donor impact reports and stewardship communications that demonstrate meaningful outcomes and institutional impact

• Organize meetings, events, and engagement opportunities for corporate and foundation partners to deepen relationships with the university

• Provide guidance and support to faculty and staff related to grant writing, foundation engagement, and corporate partnership opportunities

• Conduct ongoing research into philanthropic trends, corporate giving priorities, and emerging partnership opportunities

• Collaborate with Pathways and Partnerships initiatives to strengthen employer and community engagement opportunities

• Assist in the development of marketing and promotional materials supporting advancement and partnership efforts

Qualifications • Bachelor's degree required

• Minimum of 5-7 years of professional experience in corporate and foundation relations, fundraising, or a related field, preferably in a higher education setting

• Proven track record of securing significant corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and other large-scale philanthropic gifts

• Strong knowledge of the corporate and foundation landscape, including grant-making processes and philanthropic priorities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write compelling grant proposals and deliver effective presentations

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with faculty, staff, donors, and external stakeholders

• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines

• Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement. In addition, staff agree to live in agreement with PLNU’s Community Life Covenant .

• The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. PLNU will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local "Fair Chance" laws

Preferred Qualifications • Experience with fundraising databases or constituent relationship management (CRM) software

• Familiarity with the San Diego corporate and foundation community

• Understanding of the unique aspects of Christian higher education and its appeal to potential donors

Physical Requirements • Work is primarily sedentary and may require sitting for extended periods of time

• Use of computer equipment including keyboard, mouse, and monitor

• Ability to rea

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