Director, Corporate & Foundations Relations

Weekly Work Hours

Compensation Range

Salary Minimum

FLSA

Position Type

Position / Job Summary

The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations is a highly visible leadership role that serves as a key ambassador for Dallas College Foundation. This position drives strategic engagement with the Dallas corporate community and select foundations to secure transformational philanthropic investments, sponsorships, and grants. Internally, the Director works cross-functionally with senior leadership, campus presidents, and workforce program teams to align corporate partnerships with institutional priorities. Externally, the Director represents Dallas College with confidence and credibility in executive-level settings, cultivating relationships that advance workforce development and strengthen the College's impact across industry sectors. The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations will report to the Senior Director of Development. Like all Dallas College Foundation (DCF) employees, this individual is a keeper of the Dallas College Foundation culture of philanthropy.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Act as a visible ambassador for Dallas College Foundation within the Dallas corporate community, actively networking and representing the organization at high-level meetings, industry events, and executive engagements.

• Serve as a key member of the development team, contributing to the team's strategic plan and collaborating to achieve overall fundraising goals and organizational success.

• Lead the corporate and foundation fundraising strategy, focusing on building transformational, long-term partnerships that align with Dallas College's workforce development priorities.

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of high-value corporate and foundation prospects to secure major gifts, sponsorships, and grants.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with campus presidents, workforce program leaders, and senior leadership to create meaningful engagement opportunities for corporate partners.

• Partner with the Dallas College Sponsorship and Grants teams to convert relationships into philanthropic investments, develop compelling proposals, and meaningful impact reports.

• Drive prospect pipeline growth through strategic research, networking, and engagement with volunteer leaders, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.

• Ensure accurate documentation of donor interactions and strategies in Raiser's Edge, maintaining data integrity and compliance with AFP and APRA ethical standards.

• All employees are required to complete a minimum of 19 hours of leadership development.

• Perform other duties not listed as assigned.

Minimum and Preferred - Education, Experience, and/or Certifications

Required Qualifications for Role (necessary or mandatory)

• Bachelor's degree plus five (5) years of experience in fundraising, corporate relations, business development, or project management.

• Proven success in corporate fundraising, business development, or institutional advancement, preferably in higher education or nonprofit sectors.

• Exceptional ability to navigate complex organizations and build buy-in across diverse stakeholders.

• Strong executive presence and communications skills, particularly when engaging senior corporate leaders and Boards.

• Experience leading, implementing, and integrating a full range of development programs, including organizational (corporate and foundation) major gifts, fundraising, and project-based initiatives.

• Demonstrated experience in project management and strategic planning, including ability to creatively conceptualize and implement new projects and high-level strategy.

• Knowledge of corporate philanthropy, sponsorships, and workforce development trends.

• Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making skills with the ability to work independently with little supervision.

• Must have a valid driver's license required to travel to various off-site locations.

• Potential for work outside of a typical workweek on an exceptional, as needed basis.

• Advanced general computer knowledge of Windows and network-based environments, exceptional skills, and experience with Blackbaud products, Raiser's Edge and Prospect Research platform is a plus.

Other Preferred Qualifications for Role (not mandatory, but advantageous)

• Bilingual or multilingual preferred.

*** Will be subject to a criminal background check. Some positions may be subject to a fingerprint check. ***

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Required Qualifications for Role (necessary or mandatory)

• Ability to speak, listen, and write in a clear, thorough, and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.

• Ability to communicate and interact with high-profile constituents and volunteers.

• Ability to communicate clearly and succinctly with consideration to various audiences.

• Ability to meet or exceed metrics and goals set for the individual and the team.

• Demonstrated experience in prospect cultivation and solicitation, with proficiency in fundraising principles and best practices.

• Strong working knowledge of strategic development and moves management systems of the donor cycle.

• Demonstrated experience securing major, high-value gifts from potential donors.

• Exhibits expertise in developing and maintaining positive relationships with individuals, including executives, donors and internal stakeholders and leadership.

• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills that demonstrate professional and personal integrity with a commitment to the mission, value, and goals of Dallas College and the Dallas College Foundation.

• Adhere to ethical and confidentiality guidelines of both Dallas College and the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA); and adhere to local, state, and federal laws governing fundraising and taxation.

• Knowledge and experience in the nature and dimensions of philanthropy, motivations for giving, research and cultivation practices, face-to-face solicitation, gifts processing and fundraising reporting.

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with demonstrated ability to create, implement and monitor policies and procedures.

• Excellent verbal, written communication, and presentation skills with the ability to serve as an advocate/spokesperson for Dallas College and Dallas College Foundation and successfully tailor communications dependent on audience.

• Strong and knowledgeable customer service skills.

Other Preferred Qualifications for Role (not mandatory, but advantageous)

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Preferred

Competencies

Dallas College seeks to identify core and professional competencies for each role and level which helps define the level of expertise needed and desired to demonstrate success in the role.

Work Condition Environment / Physical Requirements

Normal physical job functions performed within a standard office environment. Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to individuals with physical challenges to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performedbyincumbentsofthisjobandshallnotbeconstruedasadeclarationofthetotalofthespecificdutiesand responsibilities of any particular position.Incumbents may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. Position requires regular and predictable attendance.

Since 1965, Dallas College, formerly Dallas County Community College District, has served more than three (3) million students. Comprising seven campuses located around the Dallas/Fort Worth area, we are one of the largest community college systems in the state of Texas. We strive to be a leader in the community college space, placing students at the center of everything we do.

Dallas College is committed to cultivating an environment of opportunity and belonging for all students and employees. We recognize that the Dallas College workforce, and the diverse talent that stems from it, is directly linked to our success. We are part of an equal opportunity system that provides education and employment opportunities without discrimination on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, veteran status, pregnancy or any other basis protected under applicable law.In accordance with applicable law, Dallas College will make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.