Director, Corporate and Foundations Relations

Lehigh University's Development and Alumni Relations division is building something meaningful, a stronger bridge between one of the nation's leading research universities and the corporate and philanthropic communities that share its ambitions. If you're an experienced fundraising professional who knows how to turn institutional relationships into lasting partnerships, this is a role worth your attention. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of College Development and University Initiatives, you will take ownership of a strategic portfolio of corporate and foundation prospects, working side-by-side with academic leaders across Lehigh's colleges to align philanthropic priorities with external funding opportunities. Your work will span the full relationship cycle, from research and qualification through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

Position Number: S84950

This position is a Grade: 11 - 40 with an approximate salary range of $83,910-$102,080 and is subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications.

Key Accountabilities

Identify potential corporate and foundation partners to build targeted, long-term strategies that align with college priorities.

Cultivate strong relationships across all funder levels—including program officers, trustees, and C-suite executives—through regular visits and strategic outreach.

Lead strategy sessions and partner with academic leaders, Development and Alumni Relations (DAR), and campus stakeholders to drive sponsored research and philanthropic support.

Articulate the college’s value proposition to secure funding and provide comprehensive stewardship, including detailed reporting and host visits for institutional partners.

Partner with academic leaders, faculty, alumni, and Trustees to identify, build, and leverage relationships with corporations and foundations for gifts, grants, research, and data agreements.

Coordinate and facilitate high-level campus visits, executive briefings, and follow-up strategies to secure and advance strategic institutional partnerships.

Partner with faculty and deans to design and package university priority initiatives for funding opportunities.

Participate in university-wide training and identify growth and leadership opportunities for the Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR) team.

Write complex, budgeted proposals in partnership with stakeholders, consulting with departments to present and secure funding for priority projects.

Work closely with DAR teams to streamline workflows, integrate prospect strategies, and maintain accurate records in the primary database.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Liberal Arts, STEM or Business field

Five to eights years in development, fundraising, or a related field, ideally in higher education or non-profit setting

Experience with major gift fundraising, writing foundation grants and capital campaigns

Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities simultaneously

Excellent written and oral communications skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages and engage donors/foundations at every level

Experience event planning and project management, with a track record of successfully executing events

Ability to work effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, staff, alumni and leadership

Proficiency in fundraising software (e.g. Blackbaud, Raiser’s Edge or similar CRM) and Microsoft Office Suite

Why Lehigh

Lehigh offers a genuinely distinctive environment for advancement professionals — a research-intensive university with the collegial culture of a smaller institution, located in the Lehigh Valley with accessible connections to New York and Philadelphia. Lehigh University offers a comprehensive and family friendly benefits package which includes but is not limited to Health Care, Retirement and Educational benefits. The university's continued investment in its development infrastructure means you'll have real resources behind your work.

Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate. We are committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and we seek qualified candidates to contribute to the university’s mission.

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh's Accommodations Specialist .

Special Considerations

This position includes driving as a routine function, therefore a valid Driver’s License and a good driving record is required.

Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position.

Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety. Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.