Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

Company: Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE)
Location: Milwaukee
Posted on: June 1, 2025

Job Description:

Who We Are

Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) is an academic institution intrinsically tied to the real world-a confluence of industry knowledge, work ethic and an enduring desire to know more. The university offers Bachelor's and Master's degrees in engineering, computer science, machine learning, user experience, construction management, actuarial science, business and nursing. With about 3,000 students, faculty and staff, MSOE is large enough for big opportunities and small enough for personal attention.



A Small University Dedicated to Achieving Big Things

MSOE is a supportive environment where everyone is valued. Our method of learning by doing is our distinction: it is how we teach, how we learn and how we serve. MSOE's top priority is serving our students. By joining our community, you are building the leaders of tomorrow.



Our Mission

MSOE is the university of choice for those seeking an inclusive community of experiential learners driven to solve the complex challenges of today and tomorrow. We are united by our six values-collaboration, excellence, inclusion, innovation, integrity and stewardship-which represent the core of our campus culture. Under the leadership of Dr. John Walz, MSOE has embarked on an ambitious strategic plan, , that propels the institution forward. At MSOE, we are dedicated to promoting an academic environment marked by an unwavering respect for every individual.



Job Summary

MSOE invites applications for a full-time Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations to join our University Advancement team. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations will be responsible for developing and managing a coordinated approach that fosters strategic alignment between MSOE and corporate and foundation partners. They will build awareness of the university's strengths and assets, create and qualify engagement leads and identify strategic opportunities for mutually beneficial engagements with corporations and foundations.



Essential Job Functions

Major Gift Productivity

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• In consultation with the Vice President of University Advancement and the Senior Director of Development, the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations is responsible for managing a portfolio of the Top 10-20 strategic corporate and foundation partnerships. This includes working with faculty and staff to design and coordinate engagement across multiple units, engaging university leadership when appropriate and increasing revenue through research and/or philanthropic partnerships.
  
• The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations will be the point of contact for incoming requests for information from companies and foundations on how to engage with MSOE. They will serve as the facilitator to connect companies and foundations to the appropriate department(s) and/or programs at MSOE. The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations in collaboration with Senior Director of Development will determine whether this is a single point engagement or should be added to the corporate and foundation portfolio for a managed relationship.
  
• The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations will identify and develop new partnerships that support strategic initiatives of MSOE with a focus on philanthropy. They will be responsible for developing a strategic relationship plan to cultivate broad-based strategic partnerships that may include, but not limited to, student recruitment and internships, contracts, sponsored research, support and involvement with student organizations, senior design projects and philanthropy.
  
• Annually, the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations and Senior Director of Development will develop metrics for the management of existing corporate partners, identification and qualification of new corporate partners and direct/indirect goals for revenue generation.
  
• Complete a minimum of 200 personal visits that meet the standard for a qualified action.
  
• Required to travel independently, and with other development staff, faculty and administrators.
  
  Portfolio Management
  
  
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  • The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations will be responsible for developing a multi-year strategic plan for the university's Top 10-20 corporate partners as well as key foundations. They will also develop management plans for companies and foundations added to his/her portfolio.
    
  • The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations will submit timely reports for all interactions with businesses and corporate partners with next steps to advance the relationships.
    
  • Will work with the appropriate development staff member to complete gift agreements, letters-of-intent and in-kind gift forms to document donor commitments.
    
    Internal and External Development
    
    
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    • The Senior Director of Development and the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations will serve as the staff liaisons to the University Corporate Relations Committee. They will recruit members from appropriate academic and administrative programs across campus to gain input and ensure collaboration and transparency in the planning and execution of corporate partnership plans.
      
    • The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations will develop the meeting agenda with the input of committee members and provide appropriate reports and documents for each meeting. They will record the minutes of each meeting and update strategies for engagement with corporate partners.
      
      Other Duties and Responsibilities
      
      
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      • Attended all department meetings as required.
        
      • Provide staff support for events and activities related to the Office of University Advancement.
        
        This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time.
        
        
        
        Qualifications
        
        
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        • Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree is highly preferred.
          
        • Minimum of 5 years of related experience
          
        • Experience in higher education preferred
          
        • Ability to travel as needed
          
          Skills and Abilities
          
          
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          • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals.
            
          • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
            
          • Ability to speak effectively before others.
            
          • Ability to effectively communicate in both written and oral form.
            
          • Ability to use numbers to solve problems involving concrete variables in standardized situations.
            
          • Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out written or oral instructions.
            
            Physical Demands
            
            
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            • While performing the duties of this job the employee is largely sedentary, the ability to move is required. The employee is occasionally required to traverse within their work area as well as other areas on campus.
              
            • Ascending and descending of stairs (building that does not contain an elevator).
              
              Work Environment
              
              This job operates in a professional office environment. This role uses standard office equipment, including but not limited to computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.
              
              
              
              Why Join MSOE?
              
              At MSOE, we invest in our employees' professional and personal growth. MSOE offers competitive, fully comprehensive benefit plans to all full-time employees including medical, dental, life, disability and vision insurance, 13 paid holidays, Paid Time Off, and paid parental leave, as well as a 403(b) retirement plan with company matching of up to 6% of employee earnings and immediate vesting. Educational benefits are available for employees and family members. Plus, employees have access to our state-of-the-art fitness center at no charge. Located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, MSOE is just blocks away from the beautiful lakefront, the theater district, museums, sports and music venues, parks and shopping. To view more detailed information about MSOE, please visit our .
              
              
              
              The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principle functions of the occupation described and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the occupation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
              
              
              
              It is the policy of MSOE to provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic characteristics, marital status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law. This policy applies to all jobs at the University and to all the terms, benefits, and conditions of employment/enrollment.
              
              
              
              Job Code: 222
              
              

Keywords: Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), Downers Grove , Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, Executive , Milwaukee, Illinois