Director, Foundation Initiatives

The ASU Foundation (ASUF) fosters partnerships between ASU and like-minded individuals, corporations and foundations who believe in ASU’s mission and provide resources for ASU to manifest its charter into meaningful impact.   

The Director, Foundation Initiatives leads a team of project managers while managing a personal portfolio of high-priority initiatives that support the strategic advancement of Arizona State University (ASU). This position plays a critical role in accelerating revenue generation by coordinating cross-functional projects, engaging with internal and external stakeholders, and fostering collaboration across the enterprise. The ideal candidate brings progressive leadership experience in higher education or the nonprofit sector and is skilled in managing people, projects, and complexity.

What you'll do

• Supervise and develop a team of professional staff and student employees focused on advancing strategic fundraising initiatives and projects that drive new revenue for ASU

• Build and develop relationships across the enterprise for increased efficiency and effective responsiveness into existing operations and help to define new operational strategies

• Key liaison between foundation central services and college, institute, and unit development management

• Manage a portfolio of complex, high-impact projects by developing plans, organizing workflows, setting milestones, and ensuring timely execution

• Proactively anticipate project needs, identify potential roadblocks, and develop timelines to ensure successful project execution

• Participates in meetings and drives action items with leadership, stakeholders and various constituents from colleges, institutes, and units

• Track, coordinate, and drive follow-through on action items, deliverables, and communications

• Other duties as assigned

What you'll need

• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams with a focus on talent development

• Team-oriented strategist able to effectively manage complex situations involving numerous and sometimes competing constituencies

• Strong and collegial interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively in person, in writing, and by phone at the highest levels

• Skilled project manager with excellent organization and prioritization skills, able to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, with a high attention to detail and thoroughness in completing assigned tasks

• Collaborative, strategic thinker with a team-oriented mindset and comfort operating in ambiguity

• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to Foundation and University business and confidential prospect information

• Proficiency in working independently and collaboratively, managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously

Relevant qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree

• Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience, preferably in higher education or the non-profit setting

• Minimum of seven (7) years of project management experience, preferably in higher education or the non-profit setting

   

   

Preferred qualifications

• Master’s degree

Benefits

• Hybrid work schedule. We work from home two days a week!

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) plan with matching employer contribution

• 22 days of vacation time

• 11 holidays, including your birthday

• Parental leave

• Significant tuition reductions

• Professional development is highly valued at ASU Enterprise Partners, where employees are encouraged to look across the organization and nurture new areas of interest

• $30 bi-weekly cell phone reimbursement 

About ASU Foundation

The ASU Foundation fosters partnerships between ASU and like-minded individuals, corporations and foundations who believe in ASU’s mission and provide resources for ASU to manifest its charter into meaningful impact. These partnerships empower ASU to advance student access, serve our community, protect the planet, create equity in higher education and conduct research for the public good.

At the ASU Foundation We Value:

Character

We prioritize character and integrity in every decision and action, establishing trust as the foundation of all that we do.

Service

We are dedicated to serving our students, donors, communities, and colleagues by fostering support and collaboration to ensure that our efforts are impactful.

Innovation

Innovation drives us to create meaningful opportunities and solutions, helping every member of our global community achieve meaningful outcomes.

Please apply directly to the careers page.