April 7th, 2026

University of Michigan

States A - M

States N - W

Remote-or-Hybrid

Senior Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations

( Michigan | Hybrid )


About the Organization

The Senior Director of Corporate is the primary interface between a set of assigned business entities and the University. Your core responsibility is to generate U-M philanthropic support from the business community.

You will provide strategic management of corporate and corporate foundation relationships, including identification, cultivation, and outreach support, and serve as the key point of contact for inquiries from these donors and prospects.

You will facilitate connections to faculty expertise for philanthropic grants, track corporate foundation competitions and requests for proposals, and pursue funding opportunities that support the university's initiatives and priorities.

You will also act as the primary point of contact for corporate procurement implementation across campus.

Job Description

Position Details

  • Salary Range: $135,000.00 – $145,000.00

How to Apply

  • A cover letter is required and must be submitted on the same document as your resume

  • Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without requiring university sponsorship

Job Summary

The Senior Director of Corporate is the primary interface between assigned business entities and the University, responsible for generating philanthropic support from the business community.

This role manages corporate and corporate foundation relationships, including identification, cultivation, and outreach, while serving as the key point of contact for donor and prospect inquiries.

Responsibilities include connecting corporate partners with faculty expertise for philanthropic grants, tracking corporate foundation opportunities, and pursuing funding aligned with university priorities.

The position also serves as the primary point of contact for corporate procurement implementation across campus.

You will focus on securing major philanthropic gifts from companies and corporate foundations, directly impacting funding for key university priorities.

Success in this role requires a coordinated, collaborative approach to corporate engagement across departments including Advancement, Procurement, Career Services, Research, and Academic Units.

Reporting Structure

  • Reports to: Senior Executive Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations

Location

  • Michigan House

  • 2301 Commonwealth Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

  • Hybrid schedule (2 days onsite required)

Responsibilities

Corporate Relations Outreach (90%)

  • Serve as a University point of contact for corporate inquiries (external and internal)

  • Manage a portfolio of corporate relationships, including foundations and related entities

  • Act as a senior business development professional to establish strategic partnerships

  • Generate philanthropic support from corporate partners

  • Schedule and host campus visits; conduct corporate site visits as needed

  • Prepare grant applications, proposals, and status reports

  • Assist in gift and grant agreement review and processing

  • Develop marketing initiatives and stewardship programs aligned with U-M priorities

  • Collaborate with OUD foundations team and major gift officers to identify key alumni for philanthropic opportunities

  • Stay informed on trends in corporate philanthropy and research

  • Maintain knowledge of university faculty and research interests

Administrative and Other Duties (10%)

  • Prepare presentations as needed

  • Provide monthly activity reports

  • Track interactions and log data in donor database (DART)

  • Submit travel and expense reports

  • Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required

  • 5+ years of experience in business development, corporate relations, and/or fundraising

  • Experience working both independently and collaboratively

  • Experience developing corporate engagement strategies

  • Strong organizational, verbal, and written communication skills

  • Ability to work with stakeholders across varying levels of seniority

  • Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and maximize philanthropic revenue

  • Strong technical skills, including experience with cloud-based tools, spreadsheets, databases, and data visualization tools