The primary role of the Director of Foundation Relations is to work closely with the Director of The Justice Center, the Director of the Government Law Center, the faculty, and other campus colleagues and partners to develop and implement strategies for external foundation support, consistent with the priorities and the strategic plan of Albany Law School.

Essential Job Functions

• Serves as lead development officer for a portfolio of foundation prospects, managing all phases of the development process, including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Proactively identifies faculty and center projects and law school programs and priorities that align well with foundation interests.
• Supports and guides short- and long-term strategic planning for The Justice Center and its clinics and programs, the Government Law Center, and other law school initiatives and programs, in coordination with the Vice President for Institutional Advancement & Chief of Staff, President and Dean and relevant faculty directors.
• Incorporates funding strategies into the planning process for all centers, programs, and initiatives.
• Coordinates planning and fundraising activities with Institutional Advancement, the Business Office, and the Deans.
• Makes personal visits with program officers and other foundation staff. Arranges visits of foundation representatives to the law school, coordinates site visits involving lead administrators, faculty and students. Staffs these visits.
• Performs other related duties and participates in special projects as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written and persuasive oral communications skills, with an ability to interact effectively with faculty, staff, donors and grantors.
• Analytic capability to translate general concepts into clear, articulate and compelling presentations.
• Ability to be highly organized with attention to detail, but always cognizant of larger goals and priorities.
• Working knowledge of government grants, programs, and procedures for securing funding. Comfort with preparation of grant budget requests and fiscal reports to funding sources.
• An understanding of the relationship between the varied programs that are managed within a comprehensive advancement office and the ability to work collaboratively with a team to ensure optimal program performance and capital campaign success.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision.
• Ability to travel, and work nights and weekends when needed.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Ability to work well under pressure in meeting deadlines and other requirements.
• Demonstrated ability using Microsoft Office Suite products and performing internet-based research.

Qualification Standards

• Bachelor’s degree required; A graduate degree is preferred.
• Five or more years of direct experience with foundations relations.
• Considerable experience as a member of a high performing nonprofit organization preferred.
• Specific experience within an institution of higher education is preferred.