Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement (WSUFAE) is looking to hire a talented, dynamic, dedicated, and self-motivated individual as the Director of Corporate Development on our fundraising team. As the Director of Corporate Development, you will play a pivotal role in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding prospective corporate donors. Your efforts will directly support the mission and vision of Wichita State University, helping to shape the future of education and innovation. The job duties for this position include:

1. Corporate Partnership Development:

• Collaborate with the Decision Sciences team to identify, qualify, and prioritize potential corporate partners.
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of prospective corporate partners through research and networking.
• Collaborate with the AVP of Principal Giving, Sr. AVP of Corporate Partnerships, and the Director of Grant Development to create and execute strategies for donor engagement including networking and outreach.

2. Cultivation and Solicitation:

• Manage and grow a portfolio of corporations to achieve giving goals.
• Develop and implement personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for corporate prospects.
• Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to create high-quality communications with corporate partners through customized proposals, presentations, and engagement activities.
• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with corporate prospects through personalized outreach, meetings, and events.
• Develop tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies for each corporate prospect based on their interests and capacity to give.
• Lead or assist in the coordination of corporate partner solicitation efforts, ensuring that appropriate steps are taken in the donor journey.

3. Gift Solicitation and Closing:

• Actively work towards meeting established annual targets and objectives, collaborating with team members to ensure cohesive efforts.
• Develop and execute strategies to secure financial support in alignment with both individual, team, and WSUFAE’s fundraising goals.
• Lead the solicitation of corporate partners in your portfolio and close contributions that support WSU’s priorities.

4. Stewardship and Engagement:

• Increase donor engagement and commitment with corporate partners.
• Ensure timely and effective stewardship of corporate partners through personalized communication, updates, and recognition.
• Coordinate with donor engagement team on special donor recognition events.
• Attend donor meetings, events, and internal and external functions to represent the organization and strengthen donor and corporate relationships.

5. Administrative Duties:

• Develop and manage an annual budget for fundraising activities and professional development.
• Develop annual fundraising goals and objectives in conjunction with WSUFAE’s goals.
• Maintain accurate computer and paper files as necessary.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution
• Three years or more major gift ($50,000+) fundraising or business development experience
• Strong understanding of corporate needs in areas such as workforce development, innovation, and research
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities, meet challenging and changing deadlines, and develop and execute sophisticated strategies for securing transformational gifts.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to use data to inform decision-making.
• Willingness to travel with occasional weekend and evening work
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and insurance
• Project professional image at all times
• Commitment to the WSUFAE core values of Integrity, Service, Excellence and Collaboration

Required Skills

• Highly motivated and ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a focus on collaboration and professional development.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• High degree of professionalism, ethical sensitivity, and discretion; ability to maintain a commitment to confidentiality; good judgment and proven responsible decision-making skills.
• Ability to lead groups and projects as well as function as part of a collaborative team.
• Enthusiasm for WSUFAE’s mission and values, with a deep commitment to advancing its priorities through philanthropy.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent and sudden movements from sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and walking
• Frequent standing or sitting for prolonged periods
• Frequent use of a telephone for prolonged periods
• Frequent exposure to large crowds, loud noises, and/or bright and/or flashing lights
• Occasional travel for conferences and donor or alumni engagement opportunities
• Frequent lifting up to 20 pounds
• Occasional lifting up to 50 pounds when traveling
• Occasional exposure to outdoors and hot and inclement weather

Whether you are just starting your career or are an experienced professional, we invite you to submit your resume for future opportunities with us. Position Overview: This job posting serves as a general application for individuals interested in future roles across various departments and teams within WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement. While we may not have a specific position that fits what you are looking for at this moment, we are continuously growing and always looking for new team members who bring unique skills and perspectives. If you are interested in being considered for any future opportunities, please submit your resume and indicate your areas of interest and expertise. We will keep your information on file and contact you when a relevant position becomes available. Who Should Apply: We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and with a variety of skill sets. Ideal applicants should possess:

• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• A passion for education and giving back
• A desire to contribute to a positive work culture

How to Apply: Please submit your resume along with a brief cover letter outlining your skills, areas of interest, and why you would be a great fit for our team. Be sure to include any relevant experience, certifications, or projects that demonstrate your qualifications. WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement is an equal opportunity employer and strives to provide a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. We look forward to reviewing your application and exploring how you can contribute to our future success!