Foundation - Director of Development and Partner Engagement

About Clark College Foundation Clark College Foundation exists to advance access, equity, and opportunity for students and the Southwest Washington community through philanthropic investment in Clark College. As one of the leading community college foundations in the country, the Foundation is known for innovation in fundraising, community engagement, and donor stewardship. Our work supports student success, workforce development, the arts, and transformative initiatives that strengthen the region. We offer competitive compensation, a hybrid work environment, generous paid time off including scheduled office closures, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, and retirement benefits. Our culture values collaboration, accountability, creativity, and impact. Position Summary The Director of Development and Partner Engagement is a senior-level fundraising professional reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. This role is responsible for securing major philanthropic investments and cultivating long-term relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, and select community stakeholders. The Director manages a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects and plays a critical role in advancing Clark College Foundation's overall fundraising strategy. With a preferred range of 7-10+ years of progressive experience in major gift fundraising, the Director brings strategic discipline, relationship-building expertise, and a results-oriented approach to donor engagement. Compensation is commensurate with experience and performance. The position works closely with the CEO and Advancement leadership to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward high-capacity donors and partners whose investments align with Clark College's priorities and the Foundation's mission. This role is both externally facing and internally collaborative, requiring strong partnership with college leadership, advancement colleagues, and advancement operations to ensure a seamless, donor-centered experience.

Key Responsibilities Major and Principal Gift Fundraising
* Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, with responsibility for qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
* Develop and execute individualized engagement strategies and solicitation plans aligned with donor interests and institutional priorities.
* Secure significant outright and multi-year commitments in support of scholarships, academic programs, capital initiatives, and strategic priorities.
* Partner closely with the CEO on select high-level donor and partner relationships, including joint solicitations when appropriate.
* Partner and Community Engagement.
* Build and sustain strategic relationships with corporate partners, community leaders, and philanthropic stakeholders.
* Identify opportunities to align partner interests with college and foundation initiatives, creating mutually beneficial engagements.
* Represent the Foundation at community, donor, and college events as a senior ambassador for the organization. Strategy and Collaboration
* Collaborate with Advancement leadership to support an integrated fundraising model across major gifts, annual giving, stewardship, and external relations.
* Work closely with college leadership, faculty, and administrators to understand funding priorities and translate them into compelling donor opportunities.
* Partner with Advancement Operations to ensure accurate documentation, reporting, and tracking of donor activity in Raiser's Edge NXT. Stewardship and Donor Experience
* Support a culture of gratitude and accountability by reinforcing best practices in donor relations. Reporting and Accountability
* Maintain accurate records of donor interactions, strategies, and outcomes in the Foundation's CRM.
* Monitor portfolio performance and progress toward individual and team fundraising goals.
* Provide regular updates and insights to the CEO and Advancement leadership.

Note: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The Foundation reserves the right to assign additional responsibilities as needed to support organizational goals.

Education and Experience
* Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred or equivalent professional experience.
* Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in major gift fundraising or related advancement roles.
* Demonstrated success securing major gifts from individuals and/or corporate partners.
* Experience working in higher education, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
* Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills with diverse stakeholders.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex funding priorities clearly and persuasively.
* Strategic thinker with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
* High level of competence, discretion, and judgment.
* Experience using Raiser's Edge or comparable CRM systems.
* Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort using project management tools such as Asana.
* Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
* Commitment to equity, inclusion, and the mission of Clark College and its Foundation.

Application Process Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Clark College Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply, even if their experience does not align perfectly with every qualification listed above.