Career Opportunities with Sanford Burnham Prebys

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Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations

Department: Philanthropy
Location: San Diego , CA

Sanford Burnham Prebys is a preeminent, independent biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding human biology and disease and advancing scientific discoveries to profoundly impact human health.

The duties and responsibilities contained in the job description are intended to be examples of the accountabilities for which the person in the position will demonstrate competency through performance. The job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Duties and responsibilities are subject to change and other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Position Summary:

The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations will play a leadership role as a member of the Philanthropy Team and will report directly to the Vice President for Philanthropy. The Director is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive corporate and foundation relationship program to increase philanthropic support for Sanford Burnham Prebys. This role involves collaborating with faculty, administrators, and philanthropy colleagues to plan and execute solicitation and proposal strategies that align corporate and foundation interests with SBP's priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Development/Engagement Initiatives: Initiate, promote, execute, and evaluate initiatives to proactively engage corporations and foundations, ensuring a proactive approach to expanding and enhancing philanthropic relationships.
  • Portfolio Management: Manage portfolio of prospective and ongoing corporate and foundation relationships, collaborating with leadership to guide fundraising strategies.
  • Grant Strategy: In collaboration with SRO (Sponsored Research Office), develop and execute a comprehensive grants strategy, leveraging expertise in grant writing and relationship building with foundations, corporations, and other funding entities, with grant requests with a focus of $100,000+.
  • Stewardship: Provide input on stewardship and reporting to donors, coordinating with Philanthropy colleagues, faculty and SRO on what information donors might need or have requested to understand the impact of their support.
  • Program Management: Create, implement, and manage a comprehensive corporate and foundation relations program to secure funding that aligns with SBP's strategic plan, priorities and initiatives.
  • Internal Collaboration: Work closely with SRO and Finance, and internal partners to ensure coordinated efforts in grant proposals and submissions.
  • Faculty Resource: Serve as a resource to faculty, administrators, and philanthropy colleagues, assisting with preparations for presentations, proposals, and creating opportunities for engagement with prospects.
  • Prospect Management: Utilize prospect management tools to coordinate engagement activities with colleagues, supporting key objectives and strategies; utilzing Raisers Edge/Blackbaud.
  • Reporting/Milestones: Provide relevant updates and communication to funders during grant periods to demonstrate program impact and ensure compliance with all requirements and milestones.
  • Procedures and Systems: Implement and maintain streamlined procedures, systems, and strategies to maximize support for researchers and administration colleagues.
  • Perform other related tasks, duties and responsibilities as required, assigned or directed.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience in a related field.

Experience: Minimum 5 to 7 years of successful fundraising experience, preferably in an academic, scientific, or healthcare setting.

Certifications, Licenses, etc.: None

Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities:

  • Knowledge of current theory and practice in corporate and foundation relations and engagement, as well as grant writing and management.
  • Expertise in producing complex proposals, strong attention to detail, and flexibility in managing confidential information with careful judgment, ethics and discretion.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with internal partners including philanthropy colleagues, faculty, research development, executives, and community leaders.
  • Outstanding organizational skills with the ability to plan, prioritize, and coordinate multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
  • Ability to analyze and interpret marketing data, conduct research, gather data, and prepare accurate and timely stewardship/impact reports.
  • Technological proficiency and ability to enter data and generate reports; strong database management skills. Familiarity with Raisers Edge/Blackbaud

Supervisory Responsibilities:

  • Direct: None
  • Indirect: None

Work Environment:

When working on-site, the work environment is in a standard office setting. Frequently exposed to low to moderate noise, various odors, temperature changes, and equipment with moving parts, including but not limited to computers, phones, printers, and other standard office equipment.

If working from home, you are responsible for ensuring a quiet, organized, and comfortable setting, free from significant noise or distractions. The role requires the use of standard home office equipment, including but not limited to computers and phones. As you may be exposed to minimal noise and temperature variations depending on your home setup, it's important to maintain a workspace that supports productivity and well-being. Reliable internet connectivity and a suitable workstation are essential to fulfill job responsibilities effectively.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to execute those physical activities required to perform the essential functions including, but not limited to, regular sitting and being mobile; continual communicating both in person and on the telephone; regular keyboarding; regular reading of both print and digital material; and all other activities required to perform essential functions.

Compensation: The expected hiring range for this position is between $145,000 - $165,000/year commensurate with skills and experience.

Sanford Burnham Prebys celebrates the rich diversity of our scientists, students and staff, who hail from more than 30 countries. Our diverse and inclusive environment catalyzes innovation and fuels discovery, enhancing the value and impact of our research.

We welcome talented individuals of all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

For additional information about your rights as an applicant, click HERE.

As part of this commitment, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our HR Partners at 858 646 3100 Ext 5127 or via e-mail at accomodations@sbpdiscovery.org.

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