Job Details

Director of Grants and Institutional Relations
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Position Number: 5855107
Location: Cleveland, OH
Position Type: Development and Fund Raising

Director of Grants and Institutional Relations

The Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) invites applications for the full-time position of Director of Grants and Institutional Relations. This role reporting to the Vice President of Institutional Advancement and external relations, plays a key role in developing and sustaining corporate, foundation, government, and other organizational support for the CIA. This individual is the lead strategist for foundation donor relations and is tasked with creating compelling proposals and ensuring timely, accurate reporting on secured gifts, ranging from $5,000 to $1,000,000. The Director collaborates with colleagues to explore new fundraising avenues, set annual objectives, and develop and execute both short- and long-term strategies that support CIA's operational and strategic initiatives. Additionally, the Director oversees robust research, tracking, and reporting systems to elevate fundraising activities, serves as the grants administrator, and acts as the primary liaison between Institutional Advancement and CIA faculty and staff, supporting the development of special funding projects.

In partnership with the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, the Director creates and implements strategies to raise funds from a diverse pool of entities, including corporations, foundations, and government bodies, aligning with CIA's goals and funding priorities. As a frontline fundraiser, the Director manages prospect relationships within the $5,000-$500,000 range, fostering long-term partnerships through strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts. The Director's responsibilities include scheduling and completing grant applications, meeting grant reporting deadlines, and managing grant compliance, supported by thorough research into new funding pipelines. They work closely with legislative advisors to foster productive relationships with elected officials, facilitating collaborative funding opportunities.

Acting as CIA's grants administrator, the Director ensures compliance with industry best practices, drafts project narratives and budgets, and liaises with the Business Office and internal stakeholders to maximize the impact of awarded grants. They also collaborate with faculty and administration to create innovative fundraising packages for sustained support, and organize regular meetings with fundraising staff to discuss new funding initiatives. Additionally, the Director assists in developing high-level presentations that support presidential outreach to key prospects, nurturing future funding opportunities.

The ideal candidate will be a skilled communicator, both in writing and orally, able to engage effectively with diverse audiences, including donors, board members, and staff. They should possess expository writing skills, exceptional attention to detail, and strong organizational abilities to balance multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency with Raiser's Edge (or similar databases), Microsoft Office, and social media platforms is essential. Familiarity with higher education, commitment to ethical fundraising standards, and a collaborative mindset are vital to succeeding in this role. The position requires some travel and occasional evening or weekend work.

The Director should bring a creative approach to grant writing, a solid grasp of budget management, and a proven track record of securing significant gifts. With a strong ability to navigate grant applications and reporting, the successful candidate will contribute meaningfully to CIA's mission and growth through effective stewardship and innovative fundraising.
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We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized or underrepresented in art and higher education and who will contribute to the breadth and diversity of our community.

Compensation

This is a full-time, exempt position.Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications.CIA offers a benefit package including; paid time off accrual, 13 paid holidays, as well as additional time off while the college is closed during winter break. CIA offers health and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, 403B retirement contribution, tuition remission, free campus parking, and inter-museum council discounts.

Review of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until position is filled.

CIA is committed to increasing diversity in our community andactively recruits individuals from all backgrounds. Additionally, CIA complies with allapplicable federal, state and local laws and provides equal opportunity in all educational programsand activities, admission of students and conditions of employment for all qualified individualsregardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status,gender identity or national origin.

ABOUT CIA

CIA is also a great place to work, and manifesting a positive culture and sense of belonging is a big part of who we are. We work hard and are proud of our employees' collective contribution to our mission -- but we also play hard and like to have fun. We challenge and support one another, integrate our institutional values in our work in a meaningful way, celebrate our successes, embrace learning and continuous improvement in all that we do, and are driven by our students' success and the creative environment that inspires us every day.
CIA is one of the nation's leading accredited independent colleges of art and design. Since 1882, the college has been an educational and cultural cornerstone in Cleveland, Ohio, producing graduates competitive as studio artists, designers, photographers, contemporary craftspeople, and educators.With approximately 600 students, CIA offers a personal educational experience with the benefits of a larger institution. CIA students can choose from 13 majors in fine and applied art, each leading to a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Students live and work in Cleveland's University Circle, one of the country's most unique cultural centers – recently named byUSA Todayas one of the Top 10 Best Arts Districts in the country.

The mission of CIA is to cultivate creative leaders who inspire people, strengthen communities, and contribute to a thriving and sustainable economy through an innovative education in art and design.For more information, visit www.cia.edu

Pay Range: $55,000 - $75,000 per year

To apply, visit: https://www.cia.edu/about-us/careers-at-cia/?gnk=job&gni=8a7885a8930d0e9b01931c3bec3e512c&gns=Company+Website