Job description
Department: Institutional Advancement
Reports To: Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Location: Sumter, South Carolina
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Position Summary
Morris College invites applications for the position of Assistant Vice President for Institutional Advancement/Director of Corporate Relations. This is a senior role within the Office of Institutional Advancement. The Assistant Vice President will play a vital role in securing and expanding corporate philanthropic support that advances the College’s mission, programs, and strategic initiatives.
Serving as the primary liaison between Morris College and the corporate sector, the AVP is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding partnerships that are both meaningful and mutually beneficial. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong relationship management skills, strategic thinking, and a commitment to excellence in donor engagement.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Corporate Engagement and Fundraising
- Develop and execute strategies to secure major gifts, grants, and sponsorships from corporate partners.
- Manage a portfolio of corporate prospects throughout the full donor lifecycle: identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Craft and present tailored proposals and presentations that align corporate interests with institutional priorities.
- Collaborate with College leadership, academic units, and faculty to assess funding needs and identify strategic opportunities for investment.
- Represent Morris College in external meetings with corporate leaders to build visibility and long-term relationships.
Strategic Collaboration and Institutional Partnerships
- Partner with the President and Institutional Advancement team to coordinate corporate prospect development.
- Support interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance proposal quality and strategic alignment.
- Facilitate dialogue between corporate partners and senior administrators to develop innovative, mission-aligned programs.
- Participate in institutional planning groups focused on workforce development, foundation relations, and industry engagement.
Stewardship and Donor Relations
- Oversee the stewardship of corporate donors, ensuring timely acknowledgment, reporting, and recognition.
- Communicate regularly with corporate partners to share outcomes, success stories, and continued engagement opportunities.
- Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to highlight corporate partnerships through College publications and digital platforms.
- Plan and coordinate with the President on-campus visits and College-hosted events involving corporate representatives and executives.
Data Management and Reporting
- Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of corporate engagements using the College’s donor management system (e.g., Blackbaud).
- Monitor progress toward fundraising goals and prepare reports to inform strategy and planning.
- Ensure compliance with institutional policies and donor intent in the management and use of corporate funds.
- Conduct research and benchmarking on industry trends, corporate philanthropy, and partnership best practices.
Qualifications and Requirements
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or equivalent advanced training preferred.
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in corporate relations, fundraising, or development, preferably within higher education or the nonprofit sector.
- Proven success in securing major gifts, grants, or sponsorships from corporate entities.
- Experience working with senior-level executives and navigating complex organizational structures.
Skills and Attributes
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate compelling cases for support.
- Proficiency in Project Management
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Strategic thinker with strong organizational, project management, and analytical skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
- High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion in managing confidential matters.
- Proficiency with donor databases (e.g., Blackbaud) and Microsoft Office Suite.
How to apply
Qualified candidates are invited to submit the following materials:
- A current résumé
- A list of three professional references
- Unofficial transcripts (official transcripts required upon hire)
Submit application materials to: [email protected]
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Morris College is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
