Job Description

Title: Director, Foundation Relations

Employee Classification: Director, Development Support

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Advancement

SubDivision-Department: UNT-Principal Gifts

Department: UNT-Principal Gifts -Gen-170500

Job Location: Denton

Salary: $68,000 - $84,000

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.

We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.

Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.

Department Summary

The Division of University Advancement strives to transform lives and unlock potential through the power of philanthropy and engagement by awakening and stewarding pride and loyalty for the University of North Texas.

Established in 1890, the University of North Texas is a place where students transform their lives through education and opportunity. With more than 46,000 students from across the state, nation, and world, UNT offers 240 academic programs — many nationally and internationally recognized. A Tier One research university and designated a Hispanic- and Minority-Serving Institution, UNT has a legacy of excellence in education, music, the arts, business and social sciences, with growing strengths in science and engineering. Last year, students earned nearly 13,000 degrees and joined UNT's network of 480,000 alumni, fueling progress and innovation.

Position Overview

The Director, Foundation Relations serves as a key member of the Corporate & Foundation Relations (CFR) team, supporting the University's efforts to secure philanthropic investments from private foundations and corporate partners. Reporting to the Executive Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations, this position leads operational strategies and manages both proposal development and stewardship processes from opportunity identification through submission, award management, and reporting.

The position manages proposal pipelines, conducts prospect research, prepares proposal applications, manages stewardship and reporting calendars, and supports relationship management activities with foundation and corporate funders. Working closely with advancement colleagues, faculty and staff, this position ensures timely, compliant, and competitive submissions while helping strengthen long-term institutional partnerships with philanthropic funders. This position is essential in the CFR team reaching annual fundraising goals for the university.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and four years of related professional experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• General knowledge of philanthropy and fundraising principles or ability quickly assimilate
• In depth knowledge of principles of assigned area
• Supervisory experience
• Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with internal and external contacts
• Ability to plan, organize and direct the work of others
• Ability to utilize software relevant to the position

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following additional qualifications:

• Experience in higher education advancement, foundation relations, grant development, fundraising, nonprofit development, or sponsored programs administration.
• In depth knowledge and experience preparing successful grant proposals, letters of inquiry, stewardship reports, and donor communications.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects with competing deadlines.
• Familiarity with fundraising CRMs and prospect management systems.
• Experience working with faculty, researchers, and academic leadership and directing collaborative work.
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, database management, and AI tools.

Required License/Registration/Certifications

N/A

Job Duties

Proposal Development & Grant Writing:

• Lead and coordinate proposal development projects from concept through submission, establishing timelines, facilitating stakeholder participation, and ensuring competitive, high-quality proposals are submitted on schedule.
• Coordinate and organize all standard and unique submission materials, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance with funder guidelines and institutional approval processes throughout the proposal cycle.
• Review, edit and assemble grant proposals, letters of inquiry, concept papers, and other foundation and corporate funding requests in collaboration with development officers and faculty.
• Guide and support content creation and submit proposals for new, unassigned or smaller and mid-level foundation opportunities identified by CFR, faculty, or other advancement colleagues.
• Create reusable core narrative content that can be adapted for multiple proposal submissions supporting key university priorities and initiatives.

Prospect Research & Funding Opportunity Development:

• Conduct proactive research and analysis of foundation and corporate funding opportunities; identify alignment between funder priorities and university initiatives; prepare prospect profiles, funding opportunity briefs, and recommendations for CFR strategy and outreach.
• Serve as a primary resource for faculty and staff seeking foundation and corporate funding opportunities by providing guidance on proposal requirements, funding strategies, and institutional processes.
• Research, evaluate, and identify foundation funding opportunities and prospect pools aligned with institutional, college, and unit priorities. Prepare briefing reports to faculty, deans, and advancement colleagues.

Engagement & Stewardship:

• Prepare briefing materials, meeting agendas, and strategic background information for meetings, campus visits, and engagement activities involving foundation and corporate representatives.
• Develop and maintain a centralized grants calendar to track proposal deadlines, submissions, reporting requirements, and key milestones.
• Track and manage workflows for post award reporting requirements, deadlines, and deliverables associated with active foundation gifts and grants. Collaborate with project directors to ensure appropriate and effective use of grant funds, ensuring that all technical and financial reports and deliverables are submitted on time according to grant agreements.
• Develop and maintain stewardship plans for foundation and corporate funders, ensuring timely submission of progress reports, financial reports, impact updates, and other donor communications that support retention and renewal strategies.

Operational & Grant Administration Support:

• Remain current on best practice and current regulations pertaining to this position and implement changes as appropriate for continuous improvement or compliance.
• Develop annual goals and metrics for position and office; track and distribute team-level project action items to ensure accountability and goal achievement.
• Coordinate with Gift Administration, University Foundation, and Grants and Contracts Administration to ensure CFR gift funds are recorded appropriately.
• In partnership with the Executive Director, oversee gift invoicing and tracks scholarship and fellowship awards to ensure compliance with grant requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of proposals, funder interactions, stewardship activities, and deadlines in CRM and related systems.
• Generate and provide recurring fundraising reports for leadership.
• Contribute to Advancement Division initiatives, including fundraising, stewardship, donor engagement, and participation in Advancement events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

Communicating with others to exchange information.

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.

Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

Environmental Hazards

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm; Typical 40-hour work week with possible flex-time schedule and hybrid work opportunities.

Driving University Vehicle

Yes

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted.

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.