Director of Government and Foundation Relations - Beloit

Why Work at Beloit College: · Join a nationally recognized liberal arts institution known for innovation, collaboration, and a close‑knit, mission‑driven community. · Do meaningful work in a supportive, creative environment where people genuinely value your contributions. · Grow ...

Job description

Why Work at Beloit College:

• Join a nationally recognized liberal arts institution known for innovation, collaboration, and a close‑knit, mission‑driven community.
• Do meaningful work in a supportive, creative environment where people genuinely value your contributions.
• Grow professionally with opportunities to learn, lead, and expand your skills in a dynamic campus culture.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement contributions
• Life and disability coverage
• Flexible spending plans
• Employee assistance programs and more
• Work alongside dedicated colleagues who care deeply about the mission - and about doing the work well.

Position Summary:

The Director of Government and Foundation Relations is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing a proactive development program to expand opportunities for foundation and government funding in support of the College's academic priorities. The Director actively facilitates a culture of grant-seeking by collaborating with faculty and staff, providing guidance on funding opportunities, and supporting the development of fundable projects and initiatives. This role involves assessing potential funding sources, managing a portfolio of active proposals, conducting direct meetings with government and foundation prospects, and preparing high-quality proposals, reports, and correspondence in compliance with funder guidelines and College policies. The Director ensures accurate and timely submission of grant applications, supports post-award management and financial oversight, and maintains a comprehensive database of funders and related activities to strengthen relationships and advance the College's strategic objectives. Strong project management, organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate across divisions are essential to success in this role.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Design, implement, and manage a comprehensive proactive development program to enhance and expand foundation and government grant opportunities in support of the college's academic priorities.
2. Facilitate a culture of coordinated grant-seeking through active consultation with faculty and staff, the development and dissemination of information on grant opportunities, and collaboration and support in pursuing funding.
3. Conduct a comprehensive assessment of foundation and government funding opportunities, develop and manage a caseload of active grant proposals, and collaborate with faculty and staff stakeholders to identify fundable projects, programs, and initiatives aligned with the College's strategic priorities.
4. Regularly conduct direct, face-to-face meetings with government and foundation prospects and funders to identify funding opportunities and establish plans, strategies, and timelines for proposals where alignment exists.
5. Write and edit proposals, reports, Letters of Inquiry, and other correspondence for submission of project- and initiative-based grant applications to potential government and foundation partners.
6. Prepare and conduct final reviews of funding applications and proposals to ensure accuracy, adherence to funder guidelines and federal, state, and College policies, and submission by required deadlines. Assist with management, reporting, and closeout of grant activities.
7. Meet regularly with Finance Office personnel to ensure the fiscal integrity of funded programs.
8. Work with the Advancement Operations team to maintain and enhance the departmental database with relevant grant-funder information, and to track contacts and connections with internal and external partners, ensuring effective follow-up and relationship management.
9. Exercise exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple projects and ensure tasks are completed on time; implement effective project management techniques and tools to track project progress, milestones, and deadlines.
10. Support colleagues in the Advancement & Alumni Engagement Division as appropriate.

Credentials and Experience:

1. Bachelor's degree required.
2. 5-7 years of experience in grants or sponsored program administration, institutional advancement, or related setting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Ability to prioritize and manage work independently, perform effectively with minimal supervision, and handle multiple projects under tight deadlines.
2. Proficiency using software applications, including Microsoft applications, databases, spreadsheets, and word processing.
3. Capacity to synthesize complex material, translate it into clear and engaging prose, and communicate it succinctly; demonstrated success in developing proposals.
4. Ability to interpret and comply with applicable federal and state laws and regulations to ensure successful post-award management.
5. High degree of professionalism, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit, with the ability to interact and collaborate with a wide range of individuals and entities.
6. Ability to take initiative, build rapport, and skillfully solve problems.
7. Capacity to identify, establish, and maintain strong relationships with foundations, government funders, and internal stakeholders; demonstrated experience in relationship or client management.
8. Interest in and ability to explore current and emerging issues across a variety of fields and understand broader trends within them.
9. Competency in budget preparation and review.
10. Adept at listening, anticipating, and responding to the needs of individuals and programs.
11. Appreciation for the academic mission and culture of a residential liberal arts institution.
12. Requires travel and occasional evening and weekend work.

The intent of this job description is to provide the general nature and level of work required of employees who are assigned to this classification and shall not be construed as an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities. Employees may be instructed to perform job-related duties and responsibilities other than those specifically presented in this description.