RWU Senior Director of Foundation Relations Overview
Introduction
Roger Williams University (RWU), a dynamic and innovative “private university with a public purpose, ” invites an accomplished leader to serve as its Senior Director of Foundation Relations. This pivotal role offers an extraordinary opportunity for a visionary relationship builder, strategic thinker, and entrepreneurial fundraiser to shape the future of RWU’s Foundation Relations program as the University embarks on its first-ever comprehensive campaign.
As a key member of the Institutional Advancement (IA) executive team and a trusted thought partner to the Vice President of IA, the Senior Director of Foundation Relations will play a critical role in advancing RWU’s mission. By crafting and executing a bold, data-driven engagement strategy, this leader will maximize foundation grant opportunities to support transformative initiatives, including expanding access to affordable education and preparing the workforce of tomorrow.
Mission
Roger Williams University is dedicated to preparing students to fulfill their potential and thrive in a culturally diverse and global society as lifelong learners, professionals, and citizens.
Vision & Values
The RWU Difference
Since its founding in 1956, Roger Williams University (RWU) has been dedicated to strengthening society through engaged teaching and learning, empowering students as lifelong learners, professionals, and global citizens As a top-ranked university, RWU offers juris doctorate, graduate, and undergraduate degrees, combining academic excellence with real-world opportunities to prepare students for successful careers in an adaptable workforce.
RWU serves 7,400 students annually, 30% of whom are first generation. Notably, 98% of students receive financial aid, a 50% increase over the past five year. With campuses in coastal Bristol, Rhode Island, and a thriving University College in Providence, students can choose from 50 majors and 70+ minors across eight schools of study, including Rhode Island’s only law school
The Bristol Campus
RWU’s main campus spans 143 scenic acres overlooking Narragansett Bay, just minutes
from downtown Bristol, 30 minutes from Providence, and an hour from Boston. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, modern classrooms, and cutting-edge technology through a partnership with Samsung USA Its waterfront location informs research and experiential learning opportunities in marine science, architecture, engineering, and other fields, contributing to RWU’s leadership in the “blue economy. ”
The Providence Campus
RWU’s University College (UC), located in downtown Providence, offers degree programs, workforce development, and professional training. Since moving to a larger, renovated facility in 2015, UC has become a hub for continuing education, including MBA and master’s programs in Public Administration and Leadership. UC also houses the Center for Workforce and Professional Development and the Policy, Research, and Practice Collaborative, which engages with community organizations, public school districts, and government entities to address regional needs and opportunities
A History of Growth
RWU traces its origins to 1919 as a regional branch of Northeastern University in Providence. After becoming an independent institution in 1956, it evolved into a fouryear residential college, moving to its current Bristol location in 1969 RWU honors its namesake, 17th-century leader Roger Williams, by promoting freedom of conscience, social justice, intellectual exchange, and inclusiveness. Its Civic Scholars Program exemplifies its commitment to community impact, engaging faculty and students in projects addressing real-world challenges through partnerships with local, regional, and global organizations. Through the Community
Partnerships Center, hundreds of communitybased projects have been completed, benefiting partners while providing students with invaluable experiential learning opportunities
The College Tour
Leadership, Institutional Growth and Cultural Transformation
While offering a scope of academic opportunities on par with larger universities, RWU remains small enough to be an innovative and nimble institution that can seize opportunities as they arise It is committed to creating and supporting an intellectual community devoted to teaching and learning and providing the opportunity for personal and intellectual growth for students, faculty, and staff. RWU credits much of its growth and success to the hard work and dedication of its employees.
Since joining the University in 2019, President Ioannis (Yannis) Miaoulis has been at the helm of institutional change, addressing the shifting landscapes of higher education, societal needs, employment readiness, and changing demographics in RWU’s core markets.
During his tenure, President Miaoulis has made a strategic investment in building a culture of philanthropy to support current and future needs In partnership with the Institutional Advancement team, he established a $20 million partnership with the Cummings Foundation, creating the Cummings School of Architecture and Cummings Institute for Real Estate, among other key initiatives.
A visionary leader in experiential learning and a champion of STEM education, Yannis Miaoulis serves as the 11th president of Roger Williams University Under his leadership, RWU developed a transformative Strategic Action Plan that prioritizes academic excellence, student success, and sustainable futures. This framework has catalyzed initiatives in the Blue Economy, public humanities, real estate, and STEM, uniting programs across the university’s campuses. Dr. Miaoulis holds a PhD in mechanical engineering, an MA in economics and BS in mechanical engineering from Tufts University, an MS in mechanical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and an Honorary ScD from the State University of New York See BIO
Ioannis (Yannis) Miaoulis
President
The 35-member Board of Trustees serves as the highest governing body of Roger Williams University, entrusted with ultimate fiduciary responsibility and strategic oversight. Comprised of prominent leaders from business, government, and the nonprofit sector many of whom are alumni or parents of alumni the Board brings diverse expertise to advancing the university’s mission. Meeting three times annually, trustees are elected to one-, two-, or three-year terms, with a maximum service of 12 years.
RWU’s robust volunteer leadership also includes the President’s Circle, a growing Board of Advisors (currently at 40+ members), the Parent and Family Leadership Council, and the Alumni Association Board of Directors
Margaret Everett Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Margaret Everett joined RWU in July 2020 as chief academic officer In this role she leads efforts to drive institutional change, design innovative academic programs, and inspire community engagement and philanthropic support for RWU’s academic enterprise Previously, as Provost at Lesley University, Dr Everett launched a continuing education campus in New Bedford, MA, and expanded community college partnerships to support degree completion for first-generation and diverse students Her prior leadership roles at Portland State University led to international collaborations and advancing graduate education She holds a PhD and MPhil in Anthropology from Yale University and a BA in Latin American Studies from Smith College, and has published extensively on public health, bioethics, and urbanization
RWU’s Law School operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, governed by its own Board of Directors Together, these groups provide critical guidance and support, ensuring RWU’s long-term success and impact.
Fundraising: A Strategic Priority
Fundraising at RWU is described as a startup within a legacy. Over the years, the University has benefited from the generous support of grateful alumni and parents as well as Rhode Island’s business and legal communities More recently, school- and program-specific campaigns have included
a $13.8-million laboratories building for the School of Engineering, Computing, and Construction Management, a $3+ million Sailing Center, and $3+ million Campaign for Civic Scholars Additionally, $500K was raised to endow the Law School’s pro bono legal services collaborative
Ioannis (Yannis)
Miaoulis
President
Amy Sullivan Berkeley Vice President Institutional Advancement
Amy Berkeley drives the fundraising efforts at Roger Williams University and its Law School, where she oversees major gifts, corporate and foundation partnerships, annual giving, and alumni and parent engagement She also provides strategic leadership for the Center for Career and Professional Development, aligning philanthropy with career innovation With more than 30 years of expertise in advancement and program development, Amy has a proven track record of transforming educational and nonprofit organizations
Since joining RWU in December 2019, Amy has brought a bold, strategic vision to her role Prior to RWU, she served as Senior Director of Leadership and Planned Giving at the Boston Museum of Science, where she led initiatives that raised a record-breaking $71 million, launched the Women and Girls in STEM initiative, and secured funding to reimagine the iconic Blue Wing exhibit Earlier, as Chief Advancement Officer and Director of Major Gifts at Emerson College, she led campaigns that grew the College’s endowment by $80 million She also held leadership roles at Brookwood School and Boston College
Amy earned an MEd from Harvard University and a BA in Literature from Boston College Her passion for education, innovation, and impact drives her leadership and inspires those around her
The Opportunity
36,000 alumni (1 in 3 graduated in the last 10 years)
400 new parents each year
Great potential in individual giving
Great potential in corporate, foundation and grant strategies
10,000+ households with net assets of $1.5M rated
Core to its culture is a deep commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in its workforce and ery. From the Board of Direc line staff, there is a firm Aaron Buzay Associate Vice President Institutional Advancement
Aaron joined Roger Williams University in February 2020, bringing more than 16 years of expertise in higher education and financial management. As a strategic partner to Amy Berkeley, he plays a pivotal role in leading a best-practice advancement operation at RWU. Prior to RWU, Aaron and Amy collaborated as members of the advancement team at the Boston Museum of Science, where they contributed to record-breaking fundraising achievements
Today, the University’s leadership is reimagining what philanthropy can do with an eye toward a first-ever comprehensive campaign. With a strategic focus on accelerating the pace of philanthropic engagement, the Institutional Advancement Executive Team has created policies and practices, and unity around philanthropic priorities that provide the foundation for long-term development work, creating a true philanthropic lever within the University
Before his time at the Museum, Aaron served as Executive Director of Administration at Harvard School of Public Health, where he oversaw key financial and operational functions. His earlier leadership roles include Associate Dean and Director of Finance and Operations at Stanford University and Director of Finance and Operations for Bethel University’s College of Adult & Graduate School. Between his graduate studies, he also served as Dean of Faculty and Students at Rasmussen College and taught economics and government.
Aaron holds a BS in Finance from University of Northwestern-St Paul and both an MA in Education and MBA in Strategic Management from Bethel University
Readying RWU for such an undertaking has required investments in building the foundational structure to support a comprehensive campaign These investments have included hiring and training front-line fundraising staff, launching a new CRM (Raiser’s Edge), expanding volunteer/alumni engagement opportunities, and establishing performance metrics for advancement staff and volunteer and institutional leadership, including the Provost and Deans.
The Institutional Advancement team’s business planning paved the way toward a campaign, meeting or exceeding every projected metric. Additional successes include board development and engagement, and creating a governance and volunteer infrastructure to ensure the University’s future philanthropic pipeline
Strategic Advancement Priorities
Realignment of fundraising roles, training/retraining front-line staff, emphasizing disciplined moves management in individual giving.
Transition from solely unrestricted to transformational philanthropy.
Broadening of the donor base to create new, stable, growing revenue streams.
Increased alumni engagement (e g alumni reunion giving program).
Strengthening of principal/ major gift pipelines, leveraging volunteer leadership, CCPD/ alumni engagement, academic/ industry relationships/ reputation.
Ensuring the government relations program keeps abreast of funding that can fuel RWU initiatives (e.g. educational access, workforce development).
Expansion of reach and influence beyond regional to national/international stage.
Establishment of a best-practice, strategic foundation relations program.
Senior Director of Foundation Relations POSITION DESCRIPTION
Reporting to the Vice President of Institutional Advancement Development and acting as an integral member of the Institutional Advancement Executive Team, the Senior Director of Foundation Relations sets the strategic direction and annual growth goals for the foundation relations program. This individual is responsible for maximizing funding from foundations, proactively seeking new opportunities, and ensuring compliance with complex gift designation and administration requirements.
The Senior Director collaborates closely with the Vice President, President, Provost, campus deans, key faculty, and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) to identify funding opportunities, develop compelling proposals, and align foundation and government grant efforts. By fostering relationships with existing funders and cultivating new prospects, the Senior Director raises visibility for priority areas, secures significant philanthropic investments, and strengthens RWU’s capacity to achieve its ambitious funding goals.
This leader will oversee and mentor the Assistant Director of Foundation Relations and external grant writers to build a robust foundation pipeline, manage portfolios, and maximize engagement The Senior Director works with university leadership, advancement colleagues, and faculty to develop a cohesive fundraising strategy that integrates foundation engagement with RWU’s mission and key initiatives.
Contract Grant Writers Direct Reports
Assistant Director of Foundation Relations
Key Relationships
VP, Institutional Advancement
Associate VP, Institutional Advancement
- Walter Ramos Rogerson’s President & CEO
President
Provost Deans
Director, Research and Sponsored Programs
Primary Responsibilities
Develop, manage, and execute strategies and annual plans to enhance and expand foundation relationships and institutional funding for top university priorities and campaign initiatives
Establish, track, and achieve key metrics for the Foundation Relations program
Mentor and guide the Assistant Director of Foundation Relations and external grant writers, fostering a culture of high performance and teamwork
Cultivate and steward foundation funders through proactive identification, engagement, and solicitation strategies that drive program and revenue growth.
Oversee the proposal development process, including concept creation, compelling writing, budget development, submission, and stewardship/reporting.
Build and maintain a personal portfolio of foundation prospects while providing oversight and guidance to the Assistant Director to ensure active portfolio management.
Actively participate in planning and moves management meetings, developing goals, objectives, and strategies for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding foundation prospects and donors.
Collaborate with the President, Provost, Vice President, deans, faculty, and Board leaders to deepen relationships with key foundation funders and develop funding opportunities that align with University priorities.
Serve as an ambassador for RWU, articulating its mission, values, and goals including diversity, equity, and inclusion through excellent communication and representation at events
Stay current with trends and policies in foundation philanthropy, advising leadership and colleagues on best practices, and ensuring compliance with gift acceptance and processing standards
Maintain accurate documentation and tracking of grant work and interactions using relevant CRM and financial systems.
Respect and uphold confidentiality, professional protocols, and privacy.
Qualifications and Attributes
Bachelor’s Degree in a related discipline.
7-10 years of foundation relations experience or equivalent training and work experience, preferably in academic or nonprofit settings.
Proven expertise in foundation relations strategies, grant writing, and solicitation approaches. Exceptional writing, editing, and presentation skills with proficiency in various technologies. Strong organizational skills with keen attention to detail and the ability to prioritize assignments in a fast-paced environment
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders
Flexibility, adaptability, and willingness to work evenings and weekends as necessary
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Professional, and familiarity with CRM databases
Sound judgment, ethical behavior, and the ability to handle confidential material with discretion
First-Year Expectations
Identify and secure new foundation opportunities to generate $1M+ in new and renewable revenue while building a robust pipeline to support the comprehensive campaign.
Cultivate strong working relationships with the VP, AVP, peers, direct reports, faculty, administrative leaders, volunteer leaders, external partners, and colleagues across the University.
Forge strategic alliances with internal stakeholders to design and implement a unified strategy that fosters relationships with strategic partners and advances RWU’s initiatives.
Collaborate closely with the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs to optimize grant opportunities for research and key institutional priorities
Second-Year and Longer-Term Expectations
Serve as a key member of the IA executive team, ensuring that foundation relations efforts align with RWU’s strategic priorities and capital needs within the broader context of institutional goals.
Collaborate with the VP/AVP to set ambitious yet achievable goals for foundation giving, fostering a balance between realistic benchmarks and aspirational targets
Continuously evaluate and enhance strategies, goals, and deliverables to improve effectiveness and outcomes
Strengthen and sustain a robust relationship pipeline to ensure the long-term success and stability of the foundation relations program
Partner with the VP, AVP, Deans, and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs to maximize opportunities for external support.
Contribute to campaign strategy and execution, integrating foundation funding objectives with overall campaign goals and deliverables.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is an accomplished relationship manager with a track record of success in foundation relations, business strategy, and development. This individual is an engaging and entrepreneurial leader with exceptional communication, negotiation, and organizational skills. They possess high integrity, professional judgment, and enthusiasm for RWU’s mission.
To succeed in this role, the Senior Director must be:
A critical thinker who can set priorities, identify barriers to performance, and keep projects on track.
A dedicated professional with maturity, integrity, and a personable, down-to-earth demeanor.
A creative and enthusiastic storyteller with strong listening skills and a sense of humor
An independent thinker with solid influencing skills, able to build consensus while earning trust and credibility
A collaborative team player who embraces being part of the RWU community
A metrics-driven, results-oriented leader committed to operational efficiency and best practices
An inspiring motivator who engages effectively with diverse audiences in various situations.
Roger Williams University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable state and federal laws
For inquiry or application, contact info@eesrecruit.com. www.exceptionalexecutivesearch.com
- Walter Ramos Rogerson’s President & CEO
Search Addendum: The Location
Rhode Island, the smallest state in the nation, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and charm. With 39 cities and towns and more than 400 villages and neighborhoods, each has its own unique character, amenities, and style
This historic state boasts an impressive list of firsts: the nation’s first polo match, lawn tennis championship, open golf tournament, and discount department store all took place here. Rhode Island is renowned for its silverware and fine jewelry industries and is home to the oldest schoolhouse in the U.S., built in 1716.
The birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, Rhode Island saw the development of a water-powered cotton mill in 1790. Additionally, the state played a pivotal role in the fight for independence, with the first African-American regiment standing against the British in the Battle of Rhode Island
At its heart, Providence, the state's capital and most populous city, is one of the oldest cities in the U.S. Known as the “Renaissance City,” Providence is celebrated for its vibrant arts scene and is home to several esteemed educational institutions
Bristol, Rhode Island
Beyond the bustling capital, Rhode Island offers breathtaking beaches, the elegant charm of Newport, and quaint coastal communities. Among these gems is the town of Bristol, a historic deep-water seaport and one of the state’s original ports of call. As the proud home of Roger Williams University, Bristol thrives on industries like boat building, marine technology, manufacturing, education, and tourism. Its vibrant downtown, scenic roadways, historical landmarks, and world-class recreational amenities make it a destination for residents and visitors alike Bristol also enjoys easy access to major cities like Providence and Boston
Bristolians are known for their civic pride and national spirit, showcased annually through America’s Oldest 4th of July Celebration, a tradition deeply woven into the town’s identity.
For more information about Bristol, RI, visit bristolri.gov.
