Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Director, Foundations Philanthropy


PayCompetitive
LocationTroy/New York
Employment typeFull-Time

This job is now closed

  • Job Description

      Req#: 493939

      Who we are

      Why Rensselaer? Our dynamic global community of changemakers includes some of the world’s leading researchers, students, alumni, and faculty who ask the important questions and devise the scientific and technological innovations that make the world a better place for all of humanity. Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, Rensselaer is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, and one of the world’s fastest supercomputers.

      Rensselaer faculty and alumni include more than 145 National Academy members, six members of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, six National Medal of Technology winners, five National Medal of Science winners, three astronauts, and a Nobel Prize winner in Physics. With nearly 200 years of experience advancing scientific and technological knowledge, Rensselaer remains focused on addressing global challenges with a spirit of ingenuity and collaboration. To learn more, please visit www.rpi.edu.

      Are you ready to change the world? Apply now!

      Job Summary

      The Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the search for a Director, Foundations Philanthropy.
      The Director, Foundations Philanthropy will lead the strategic management of Rensselaer’s foundation philanthropic relationships and partnerships for the purpose of maximizing the significant philanthropic and research investments of these constituencies. The Director will be an important internal and external voice in promoting a culture of philanthropy and play a key role in increasing private funding sources for Rensselaer. The Director will represent Institute Advancement in the larger campus community as it relates to comprehensive corporate and foundation engagement. The Director will develop a comprehensive corporate and foundation strategy, partnering with advancement and academic leadership as well as with corporate leadership. The Director will mentor and guide staff in raising the level of sophistication in this critical area of development at Rensselaer.
      The Director, Foundation Philanthropy will
      • develop a strategic plan to engage, strengthen, and grow corporation and foundation research collaborations, research revenue, and philanthropic support that focusses on the top philanthropic and potential philanthropic partners for the Institute;
      • direct the planning, execution, and assessment of strategic initiatives affecting foundation relations as well as Rensselaer’s overall development program;
      • provide leadership to maximize relationships with institutional partners and prospects leading to transformational relationships, solicitations of gifts, and receipt of gifts while raising new commitments from prospects capable of gifts of $100,000 and greater;
      • prepare and submit proposals;
      • conduct pre-planned face-to-face prospecting and cultivation visits;
      • develop reports regarding foundationS donors and prospects, and maintain appropriate donor tracking and reporting systems;
      • represent Institute Advancement in the larger campus community with regards to corporate and foundation philanthropy;
      • meet regularly with the Vice President for Research, Center Directors, and research faculty members as well as key academic and Institute partners to develop and implement strategies for approaching and engaging key foundations to grow collaboration and revenue; and
      • recruit qualified staff and lead existing staff efforts to discover, identify, understand, and align the needs of the Institute with the objectives of various corporations and foundations.
      COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
      Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute seeks a Director, Corporate and Foundation Philanthropy with
      • a commitment to the mission of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute—to educate the leaders of tomorrow for technologically based careers, celebrating discovery and the responsible application of technology to create knowledge and global prosperity;
      • experience working with faculty members to cultivate and solicit private, corporate, and government research awards or relevant experience in business development or a similar field;
      • leadership experience including experience building strong, autonomous, and collaborative teams;
      • comprehensive knowledge of corporate and foundation philanthropy within a research university or a similarly complex enterprise with a comprehensive constituent relations program;
      • an ability to develop effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders;
      • an ability to manage fundraising goals and expectations in a metrics-driven, deadline-oriented environment;
      • an ability to set priorities while contributing to a team effort;
      • an ability to exercise good judgment, demonstrate an understanding of ethics related to development activities, and use discretion in interactions with donors, prospects, and others;
      • an ability to conduct research and assemble data, analyze information, and prepare effective, accurate, and timely reports and other documents to support development activities;
      • an ability to design, implement, and continuously improve programs and processes that achieve outcomes;
      • excellent oral and written communication skills;
      • strong organizational skills and an ability to anticipate and solve problems utilizing strong analytical skills;
      • an ability to interpret financial data;
      • an ability to work effectively under pressure and meet established goals and objectives;
      • an ability to work with diverse populations;
      • strong computer skills and knowledge; and
      • an ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion.
      Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least seven years of

      SALARY AND BENEFITS
      The hiring range for this position is $140,000 to $175,000 annually. Rensselaer provides this hiring range as a good faith estimate of what the starting pay will be offered to the successful candidate. Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Rensselaer is recognized locally and nationally for the depth and breadth of its compensation and benefits program. Its goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. Learn more here.
      LOCATION
      Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is in Troy, New York. The position may have the opportunity for a hybrid working arrangement (a combination of on- and off-site).
      APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
      All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as well as the responsibilities and qualifications stated in the prospectus. Preference will be given to applications received by July 28, 2023. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the successful candidate has been selected.

      Shift

      Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required

      Travel

      Travel is a significant component of the position (greater than 25%)

      Driving

      Driving a personal vehicle for non-passenger use

      Salary Range/Rate

      Expected hiring range: $140,000-$175,000

      Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

      Application instructions

      Please contact the Aspen Leadership Group for more information and to apply. Visit: Aspen Leadership Group at https://opportunities.aspenleadershipgroup.com/opportunities/1295

      Job Posted Date

      Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

      Culture of Safety at Rensselaer

      Rensselaer is committed to providing a safe and healthy living, learning, and working environment for its faculty, staff and students. As such, we strongly recommend that faculty, staff and students obtain a COVID-19 vaccination and remain current with available boosters to protect themselves, as well as to protect vulnerable members of the community.

      Total Compensation and Benefits Information

      Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Rensselaer is recognized locally and nationally for the depth and breadth of its compensation and benefits program. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).

      We welcome candidates who will bring diverse cultural, ethnic, national and international perspectives to Rensselaer’s work and campus communities.

      Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity, Race/Gender/Veterans/Disability Employer.

  • About the company

      Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private research university in Troy, New York, with additional campuses in Hartford and Groton, Connecticut.

Notice

Talentify is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Talentify provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities, including disabled veterans. Request assistance at accessibility@talentify.io or 407-000-0000.

Federal law requires every new hire to complete Form I-9 and present proof of identity and U.S. work eligibility.

An Automated Employment Decision Tool (AEDT) will score your job-related skills and responses. Bias-audit & data-use details: www.talentify.io/bias-audit-report. NYC applicants may request an alternative process or accommodation at aedt@talentify.io or 407-000-0000.