Senior Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

Senior Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations 

 
 
Position Overview 
Join a purpose-driven team working to end hunger and tackle its root causes through community partnerships, advocacy, and direct food distribution. Every role contributes to a powerful mission that helps provide millions of meals annually to individuals and families in need. Be part of a movement creating lasting change by increasing access to nutritious food and building a healthier, more equitable future for all.  

As the Senior Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations, you will lead the organization’s institutional fundraising strategy, driving significant growth in higher-level and multi-year corporate and foundation revenue in alignment with the strategic plan. You will oversee a dynamic portfolio of corporate and foundation partners, guiding strategy across cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, while advancing holistic corporate engagement and co-designed foundation partnerships. In close partnership with the CPO, CEO, and cross-functional leaders, you will leverage data-informed portfolio management and enterprise collaboration to strengthen relationships, expand sustainable revenue streams, and accelerate long-term impact.  

 
 
Responsibilities 

• Co-lead multi-year institutional revenue strategy and annual plans with CPO; set targets focused on upgraded and multi-year gifts 
• Translate organizational priorities into compelling institutional funding opportunities aligned with overall growth goals 
• Manage a select portfolio of high-value corporate and foundation partners; secure six- and seven-figure gifts 
• Identify emerging funding trends and partnership models to diversify and expand revenue streams 
• Prioritize top donors and prospects; strategically engage CPO and CEO to deepen relationships 
• Lead complex, multi-year proposals, sponsorships, and grants aligned with impact, enterprise priorities, and budget needs 
• Lead and coach Directors of Corporate Relations and Foundation Relations & Grants; provide skip-level oversight to an eight-member team 
• Foster a high-performing, data-driven, relationship-centered culture with shared accountability across Development 
• Partner with Prospect Development to optimize portfolios, strengthen pipeline health, and leverage analytics for forecasting 
• Ensure effective use of StratusLIVE for tracking, reporting, dashboards, and strong portfolio hygiene 
• Monitor KPIs, revenue projections, and portfolio performance; advise CPO, senior leadership, and Finance on forecasting and budgeting 
• Partner with Donor Engagement to build integrated 360° corporate strategies  
• Develop multi-year account plans for top corporate partners; host briefings and convenings 
• Elevate foundation engagement through co-design sessions, site visits, advocacy briefings, and cross-sector convenings 
• Ensure institutional materials are modular, on-brand, and impact-driven; maintain a shared, customizable library to streamline frontline efforts 

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership in institutional fundraising and grants management 
• Proven success securing and growing six- and seven-figure gifts 
• Experience leading high-performing teams and managing complex, multi-year corporate and foundation partnerships 
• Strong expertise in fundraising analytics, CRM systems (e.g., StratusLIVE), pipeline management, and data-driven forecasting 
• Knowledge of Chicago’s corporate and foundation landscape; familiarity with food security or human services preferred 
• Proven cross-functional collaborator with executive presence and strong influence skills 
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills; able to communicate complex qualitative and quantitative information clearly 
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 
• Strategic, enterprise-minded leader with strong planning, prioritization, and performance management capabilities 
• Relationship-centered fundraiser and coach with compelling proposal development and storytelling skills 
• Data-driven, results-oriented manager who drives KPIs, accountability, and continuous improvement 
• Deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-centered philanthropy 

Compensation 

• Salary: $170,000 - $180,000 
• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage 
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution 
• Generous paid time off 
• Parental leave 
• On-site gym 
• $3,000 annual employer-paid ThrivePass lifestyle and wellness benefit program 
• $250 employee referral bonus 

 
Career Blazers Nonprofit Search maintains a broad focus so that your search can be thorough, and inclusive of all relevant options. We carefully consider your desired outcome, skills, and experience. The professionals at Career Blazers Nonprofit Search maintain your confidentiality and will not send your resume to a client without your approval. 
 
Career Blazers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.