Director-University Grants & Corporate Partnerships

Director of University Grants & Corporate Partnerships

Linfield University | University Advancement

Position Details

• Department: University Advancement

• Reports To: Associate Vice President for Development

• Position Type: Full-Time Staff, 1.0 FTE

• FLSA Status: Exempt

• Effective Date: November 2026

Position Summary

Linfield University is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and relationship-driven Director of University Grants & Corporate Partnerships to lead the university's grant development efforts and cultivate meaningful corporate partnerships that advance institutional priorities and create opportunities for students, faculty, and the broader university community.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Development, the Director is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and managing grant funding opportunities from private foundations, corporations, and local, state, and federal government agencies. This position oversees the full grant lifecycle, including proposal development, pre-award coordination, compliance, post-award administration, reporting, and grant closeout.

In addition to grant development, the Director builds and strengthens corporate partnerships that support university priorities through philanthropic contributions, equipment donations, internships, experiential learning opportunities, executive education, and employer-funded continuing education programs. With a particular emphasis on supporting the School of Business, the Director works collaboratively across academic and administrative departments to develop partnerships that benefit both Linfield and its corporate partners.

The ideal candidate is an innovative and resourceful professional who brings strong communication skills, financial acumen, and a collaborative approach to building relationships and securing resources that support Linfield's mission and strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

Grant Development, Strategy & Oversight

• Lead and manage university-wide grant development efforts, aligning funding opportunities with institutional priorities and strategic initiatives.

• Collaborate with university leadership, faculty, and staff to establish grant-seeking priorities and identify potential funding sources.

• Research, identify, cultivate, and solicit prospective foundation, corporate, and government funders.

• Oversee the preparation, internal review, approval, and submission of grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and supporting documentation.

• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of funding opportunities, proposals, submissions, awards, and outcomes.

• Evaluate and strengthen the university's grant development processes, resources, and overall capacity to secure external funding.

Corporate Partnerships & Relationship Development

• Develop and implement a coordinated strategy to identify, cultivate, and sustain corporate partnerships that advance university priorities.

• Build relationships with corporate leaders and organizations to explore opportunities for grants, philanthropic gifts, equipment donations, internships, and other forms of institutional support.

• Collaborate with faculty and academic leadership to identify opportunities for student internships, capstone consulting projects, and other experiential learning experiences.

• Explore partnerships that connect corporate workforce development needs with Linfield's graduate programs, customized executive education, and continuing education offerings.

• Work closely with School of Business leadership to identify partnership opportunities that support academic programs, student success, and industry engagement.

• Coordinate corporate outreach across university departments to ensure an integrated, relationship-focused approach that maximizes opportunities for collaboration.

Faculty Support & Grant Consultation

• Serve as a primary resource and advisor to faculty and staff on grant development, proposal preparation, and award administration.

• Assist faculty in identifying funding opportunities, developing competitive proposals, and understanding grant requirements.

• Promote awareness of external funding and sponsored research opportunities throughout the university.

• Provide training, guidance, and informational resources related to grant processes, policies, and compliance requirements.

• Support faculty understanding of federally mandated policies, including research misconduct and financial conflict of interest requirements.

• Maintain and update grant-related resources and information available through the university's faculty grants website.

Post-Award Administration & Compliance

• Oversee post-award grant administration to ensure responsible financial stewardship, regulatory compliance, and fulfillment of funder requirements.

• Coordinate grant award setup, modifications, reporting, and closeout processes.

• Partner with Grants Accounting, Principal Investigators, and project personnel to monitor expenditures, procurement, cost-sharing, account balances, and grant-related financial activities.

• Coordinate effort reporting for university employees and consultants participating in grant-funded projects, as required.

• Monitor grant timelines, reporting deadlines, and potential needs for no-cost extensions.

• Develop and recommend institutional policies and procedures in response to federal agency requirements and evolving grant regulations.

• Ensure compliance with university policies, funding agreements, and applicable federal, state, and foundation guidelines.

• Serve as system administrator for electronic research administration platforms, including systems associated with the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and other funding agencies.

University Collaboration & Partnership Coordination

• Serve as a key liaison between University Advancement and Academic Affairs to align grant development and corporate partnership efforts with institutional goals.

• Collaborate with the Advancement Development Team to integrate grants and corporate partnerships into broader fundraising strategies.

• Partner with Grants Accounting to coordinate award drawdowns, monitor financial activity, and support accurate grant reporting.

• Maintain regular communication with School of Business leadership to ensure corporate partnership initiatives reflect academic and programmatic needs.

• Foster productive relationships with faculty, staff, university leadership, external funders, and corporate representatives to support collaborative and sustainable partnerships.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

• Minimum of one year of experience in a grant-seeking role, including experience or specialized training in grant proposal writing.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare compelling proposals and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.

• Ability to interpret and work effectively with financial information, budgets, and grant-related financial documentation.

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with faculty, university leadership, colleagues, and external partners.

• Creative and innovative approach to identifying funding opportunities, developing partnerships, and solving problems.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and work effectively in a collegial environment.

• Valid driver's license and driving record that meets university requirements for authorization to operate Linfield vehicles and equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree.

• Experience working with federal and foundation grant databases and funding resources.

• Experience using grant management and electronic research administration systems.

• Experience in higher education, particularly in grant development, sponsored research administration, or university advancement.

• Experience developing, cultivating, and negotiating corporate partnerships.

• Familiarity with federal grant regulations, compliance requirements, and post-award administration.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position primarily works in an office environment and requires frequent communication, prolonged sitting, computer use, and repetitive hand and wrist movements. Responsibilities also involve regular walking, standing, bending, and twisting, as well as occasional stair climbing and exposure to outdoor weather conditions while traveling between campus buildings.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Why Join Linfield University?

At Linfield University, we believe education transforms lives and strengthens communities. As a member of University Advancement, you will play an important role in connecting university priorities with external funding and partnerships that expand opportunities for students, faculty, and academic programs.

This position offers a unique opportunity to combine strategic fundraising, grant development, and corporate relationship-building in a collaborative university environment. Your work will directly support innovative teaching, experiential learning, faculty initiatives, and meaningful partnerships that contribute to Linfield's continued success.

Founded in 1858, Linfield is an independent, comprehensive university with campuses in McMinnville and Portland, Oregon. Our close-knit academic community values intellectual curiosity, collaboration, creativity, and a commitment to student success.

Join Linfield University and help build the partnerships and secure the resources that create lasting opportunities for our students and university community.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit an application through Linfield University's employment website. Application materials and additional instructions will be provided in the official position announcement.

Equal Opportunity & Inclusion

Linfield University is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment that values diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We encourage applications from individuals who will contribute to a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, and academic excellence.

Qualifications

Qualifications: 
•    Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree preferred. 
•    Five to seven years of professional experience in writing and editing. 
•    A minimum of one year working in a grant-seeking capacity with experience or specialized training in grant proposal writing. 
•    Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. 
•    Ability to work independently and prioritize work. 
•    Facility with financial information. 
•    Ability to work in a collegial manner with a variety of constituencies. 
•    Ability to develop a positive rapport with faculty members. 
•    Ability to be creative and innovative. 
•    Possess a valid driver’s license and driving record to become/remain certified to operate Linfield vehicles and equipment.  
 
Preferred 
•    Experience with federal and foundation grants databases. 
•    Experience with grant management systems. 
•    Experience in a higher education environment. 
 
Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Work is performed in an office environment. Constant talking, seeing, hearing and prolonged sitting, repetitive motion of wrists, hands, and fingers. Frequent walking, standing, bending, twisting. Occasional  climbing stairs & exposure to weather elements when walking from building to building on campus.