Foundation and Corporate Relations Officer

Whitehead Institute is seeking a Foundation and Corporate Relations Officer to play a key role in building and sustaining strategic partnerships that support its world-leading biomedical research. This role will implement and advance strategies defined by the VP, External Relations to secure significant institutional support from private foundations, family offices, philanthropic LLCs, and corporate partners. The Officer will manage a portfolio, identify and cultivate new prospects, and execute multi-year engagement strategies aligned with institutional priorities.

Working in close collaboration with faculty and institutional leadership, this role will lead the development of proposals by translating emerging research initiatives into compelling, fundable concepts for philanthropic audiences. This role will coordinate the preparation and submission of proposals, reports, and stewardship materials in concert with the Office of Sponsored Programs and Finance. The Officer will serve as a resource to faculty on foundation and corporate opportunities, coordinate donor meetings and site visits, and prepare strategic briefing materials to support high-level engagement. The position requires strong scientific fluency, excellent writing skills, disciplined portfolio management, and the ability to work effectively with faculty and institutional leadership.

We welcome candidates with a range of experience levels; the role may be filled at a more senior level depending on qualifications.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

• Develop and manage a portfolio of foundation and corporate partners aligned with Whitehead Institute’s research priorities.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospective funders including foundations, family offices, philanthropic LLCs, and corporate partners.
• Lead the development of letters of inquiry, grant proposals, and stewardship reports in collaboration with faculty and institutional partners.
• Translate emerging scientific initiatives into compelling funding opportunities for philanthropic audiences.
• Partner with faculty to identify funding opportunities and position research programs for foundation and corporate support.
• Coordinate proposal development, submission, and reporting in collaboration with the Office of Sponsored Programs and Finance.
• Support donor engagement by coordinating meetings, site visits, and briefings involving faculty and institutional leadership.
• Track portfolio activity, proposal pipelines, and engagement strategies using institutional CRM and project management tools.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of Whitehead’s scientific priorities to effectively represent research programs to external partners.
• Contribute to strategy development for foundation and corporate fundraising initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent experience required; PhD preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in foundation/corporate relations or related fundraising within a nonprofit, academic, or research environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present scientific concepts clearly to nontechnical audiences.

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for employees, spouses, and domestic partnerships, and dependents
• On-demand health care
• Annual flu clinic on site
• Employer-paid basic life insurance and accident insurance
• Voluntary group life insurance
• Whitehead Institute offers a variety of programs to assist you with savings and retirement goals, including two Retirement Plans and a Retiree Medical Plan.
• Priority access and discounted tuition at eligible Bright Horizons Centers in MA
• Subsidized Back Up Child Care
• Child Care Assistance Program to assist in the cost of child care
• Access to College Coach to guide you and your student through the college admission process
• Subsidized transportation benefits
• Generous holiday and PTO time

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