Description
At a glance
Another Source is excited to partner with Occidental College to recruit an Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations. This is a unique moment to join Oxy’s Advancement team as the College enters a new era under new leadership. The Executive Director will lead and develop a team of four, build out the corporate and foundation relations vertical, and shape high-impact partnerships that advance institutional priorities. If you're energized by growing a team, expanding a function, and driving meaningful philanthropic relationships, this could be an exceptional next step.
Description: What you'll be doing
Another Source is proud to partner with Occidental College in recruiting an Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations to join their Institutional Advancement team in Los Angeles, CA.
Internally, this role is titled: Executive Director, Corporate, Foundation, and Strategic Relations
About Occidental College
Founded in 1887, Occidental College (“Oxy”) is a nationally recognized, private liberal arts college located in the vibrant Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles. With approximately 2,000 students from across the globe, Oxy offers a distinctive combination of rigorous academic programs, small class sizes, close faculty-student collaboration, and a strong commitment to justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity. The College’s location in one of the world’s most dynamic cities provides students, faculty, and staff with unique opportunities for academic engagement, professional development, community partnerships, and cultural enrichment. Guided by its mission to provide a transformative liberal arts education, Occidental prepares students to think critically, act ethically, and make a difference in the world.
About Occidental College & This Moment in Institutional Advancement
Occidental College (Oxy) is entering an exciting period of renewal and forward momentum. With a new College President and a new Vice President for Institutional Advancement, the College is investing in a fresh vision for philanthropy, engagement, and strategic partnerships. This is a uniquely dynamic moment to join Oxy’s Advancement team as it strengthens its foundation, refines its structure, and builds the next chapter of a high-performing development organization.
The Vice President is focused on fostering a collaborative, mission-driven culture grounded in trust, clear communication, and shared purpose. Incoming team members will have the opportunity to help shape new processes, contribute to a refreshed organizational strategy, and play a meaningful role in elevating philanthropy across one of the nation’s leading liberal arts colleges. It is an ideal environment for professionals who are energized by possibility, innovation, and the chance to help build something enduring.
About the Role:
The Executive Director of Corporate, Foundation & Strategic Relations (CFSR) plays a central role in building and advancing philanthropic partnerships with foundations, corporations, and industry in support of Occidental’s academic mission and institutional priorities. Reporting to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement (or an AVP designee), the Executive Director provides strategic leadership for all CFR fundraising efforts and also supports key institutional initiatives that require cross-campus collaboration and compelling case development.
This leader oversees a high-performing team and personally manages a portfolio of institutional funders, expanding Oxy’s reach by leveraging alumni networks, analyzing the philanthropic landscape, and cultivating strong relationships with program officers, corporate partners, and foundation leaders. In addition, the Executive Director partners closely with faculty and administrative thought leaders to develop visionary philanthropic proposals that drive major and principal gift opportunities.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a relationship-driven, strategic thinker who is energized by partnership development, proposal strategy, institution-wide collaborations, and building compelling cases for support.
Requirements
How you will be spending your time:
60% Corporate and Foundation Relations Management
- Set direction for and oversee all aspects of college-wide corporate and foundation (CFR) fundraising and engagement efforts to achieve fundraising goals.
- Proactively identifying and researching prospects; cultivating prospects and providing meaningful stewardship to CFR funders.
- Build and maintain a portfolio of CFR partnerships and prospects to support the mission of the College.
- Direct and collaborate on the development and writing of proposals; proposal solicitation, submission, and tracking.
- Develop systems for leading annual foundation plans, identifying each foundation that will be solicited, for what project, projected request, coordinate the PI(s) and project team, oversee submission deadline, expected decision date, and reporting timeline for awarded funds.
- Develops strategic approaches to corporations and industry grant and gift opportunities.
- Review and edit grant proposals, LOIs, and reports produced by the CFR team before submission to ensure quality, consistency, and compliance with grantor guidelines.
- Oversee the development of strategies and briefings in preparation for meetings with CFR representatives.
- Compose grant-related correspondence for the President and VP of Institutional Advancement.
- Responsible for partnering with PIs, the Sponsored Research Office, and Finance Office on collaborative grant opportunities.
- Remain current with national and regional trends and priorities in grant making.
20% Strategic Initiatives
- Supervising the Director of Strategic Initiatives to lead the development of complex, cross-institutional philanthropic proposals and projects.
- Convene and facilitate faculty and administrative teams across the College to shape project concepts and strengthen proposal design for CFR grants and principal gifts.
- Oversee strategy and writing for high-priority philanthropic proposals collaborating with campus partners to craft compelling cases and budgets.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of College programs and initiatives to align institutional needs with prospective and existing funders.
20% Management & Operations
- Understand and drive the mission and priorities of the Office of Institutional Advancement and serve as an advocate for the department.
- Oversee the work and related activities of a Director, Associate Director, Development Writer, and Development Coordinator of CFR and strategic initiatives.
- Builds and develops the knowledge and abilities of assigned direct reports, evaluating performance and articulating work goals and objectives.
- Thoroughly document donor activities and solicitation in a timely manner in line with policies and procedures.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree.
- At least five years of progressively responsible experience in a performance-based fundraising environment, including proposal strategy and development.
- Direct frontline fundraising experience managing a portfolio of donors or institutional partners.
- Ability to synthesize complex ideas and institutional priorities into compelling philanthropic cases.
- Strong writing, storytelling, and communication skills across formats (narrative, data, visuals).
- Demonstrated ability to analyze, organize, and present data effectively to varied audiences.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Adobe Acrobat, and related tools.
- Exceptional attention to detail, planning, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment with shifting priorities.
- Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
- Commitment to justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity.
- Ability to lead, train, and motivate others effectively.
- Experience with Salesforce or other CRM systems.
Employee Benefits at Occidental College
Occidental College is proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and professional growth of our employees. To learn more about employee benefits at Occidental College, please visit: https://www.oxy.edu/offices-services/human-resources/benefits-information?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Health & Wellness
- Health, dental, and vision insurance options
- Life insurance coverage
- Free access to campus fitness and wellness facilities, including the swimming pool, tennis courts, gym, and weight room
- On-campus wellness programs and classes, including discounted Weight Watchers
Financial & Retirement
- Participation in a 403(b) retirement savings plan
- Access to Glendale Area Schools Credit Union membership, including financial services such as share accounts, checking, and credit options
Learning & Resources
- Library borrowing privileges and access to the Academic Commons
Perks & Discounts
- 10% discount at the Oxy Bookstore on most items
Discounts through the Working Advantage program for entertainment, travel, shows, and more
Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis.As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.
