OPT Foundation Director Jobs
Foundation Director roles sit at the intersection of nonprofit leadership and strategic fundraising, making them a strong fit for OPT students with backgrounds in nonprofit management, public administration, or business. Most positions require a relevant graduate degree and prior development experience, which aligns well with OPT's 12-month standard authorization window.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Michigan State University Advancement is seeking a Director of Foundation Relations with a strategic focus on private foundations based in Michigan and the greater Midwest region. This position is responsible for managing a portfolio of regional foundation prospects and donors, deepening MSU’s engagement with these funders, and helping to secure philanthropic support that aligns with university priorities in research, education, outreach, and innovation.
The Director will play a key role in strengthening and expanding MSU’s relationships with foundations rooted in the Midwest, cultivating new regional partnerships, and elevating the visibility of MSU's work in areas aligned with funder interests.
Position Summary
Primary Responsibilities
Foundation Cultivation, Solicitation, and Stewardship:
- Manage cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of assigned Michigan and Midwest-based foundation donors and prospects, including those with ongoing or annual grant programs.
- Identify new foundation opportunities within the region and build relationships that connect funder interests with MSU’s mission and strengths.
- Act as a primary liaison to regional foundation program officers and leadership, maintaining consistent communication and engagement to promote MSU as a strong funding partner.
- Collaborate with development officers, faculty, and campus leaders to coordinate proposal development that aligns with foundation priorities and ensures compliance with funder guidelines.
- Support MSU faculty and administrators in pursuing competitive regional foundation awards and assist in developing compelling proposals and strategic narratives.
- Coordinate stewardship activities and grant reporting for regional foundation awards, ensuring timely submission of deliverables and strengthening long-term partnerships.
- Organize strategic visits and meetings with Midwest foundation representatives for MSU leadership, deans, faculty, and University Advancement leadership.
Strategy Development and Implementation:
- Develop and implement engagement strategies for foundations in Michigan and surrounding states to increase awareness of MSU’s research strengths, community engagement, and statewide impact.
- Monitor and track regional foundation trends, priorities, and funding cycles, sharing relevant opportunities with campus partners and leadership.
- Stay informed about MSU’s programs, strategic initiatives, and institutional priorities to identify alignment with regional foundation interests.
- Work closely with colleagues across the Foundation and Corporate Relations Teams and the broader University Advancement division to integrate foundation strategy into overall advancement efforts.
- Help position MSU as a go-to grantee and thought partner for regional foundations addressing key issues such as health equity, workforce development, education access, sustainability, and innovation.
REPORTING STRUCTURE
Reports to the Senior Director of Foundation Relations.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing and/or Business; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in public relations, volunteer administration, professional and higher education fundraising, marketing or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel within Michigan and the Midwest.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- A four-year college degree in Nonprofit Leadership, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business, or a related field.
- Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in higher education fundraising, foundation relations, or working directly at a private foundation or similar organization.
- Demonstrated success in managing external relationships and securing funding.
- Strong familiarity with Michigan and Midwest-based foundations and their philanthropic priorities.
- Experience aligning faculty research and institutional initiatives with regional funder interests.
- Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills with an ability to distill complex ideas into compelling narratives.
- Goal-driven, collaborative, and highly organized, with strong initiative and attention to detail.
- High level of comfort working with university leaders, faculty, and external partners.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS
Resume and cover letter
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
Interested in joining the team at Michigan State University? For questions, contact Patricia Karam, Director of Talent Acquisition, at karampat@msu.edu.
WORK HOURS
8 am - 5 pm with possible evenings and weekends
REMOTE WORK STATEMENT
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment, and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
LOCATION
East Lansing, Michigan, United States
SALARY
Salary Commensurate with Experience
CLOSING DATE
Bidding eligibility ends on May 5, 2026, at 11:55 PM
INTRODUCTION
Michigan State University Advancement is seeking a Director of Foundation Relations with a strategic focus on private foundations based in Michigan and the greater Midwest region. This position is responsible for managing a portfolio of regional foundation prospects and donors, deepening MSU’s engagement with these funders, and helping to secure philanthropic support that aligns with university priorities in research, education, outreach, and innovation.
The Director will play a key role in strengthening and expanding MSU’s relationships with foundations rooted in the Midwest, cultivating new regional partnerships, and elevating the visibility of MSU's work in areas aligned with funder interests.
Position Summary
Primary Responsibilities
Foundation Cultivation, Solicitation, and Stewardship:
- Manage cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of assigned Michigan and Midwest-based foundation donors and prospects, including those with ongoing or annual grant programs.
- Identify new foundation opportunities within the region and build relationships that connect funder interests with MSU’s mission and strengths.
- Act as a primary liaison to regional foundation program officers and leadership, maintaining consistent communication and engagement to promote MSU as a strong funding partner.
- Collaborate with development officers, faculty, and campus leaders to coordinate proposal development that aligns with foundation priorities and ensures compliance with funder guidelines.
- Support MSU faculty and administrators in pursuing competitive regional foundation awards and assist in developing compelling proposals and strategic narratives.
- Coordinate stewardship activities and grant reporting for regional foundation awards, ensuring timely submission of deliverables and strengthening long-term partnerships.
- Organize strategic visits and meetings with Midwest foundation representatives for MSU leadership, deans, faculty, and University Advancement leadership.
Strategy Development and Implementation:
- Develop and implement engagement strategies for foundations in Michigan and surrounding states to increase awareness of MSU’s research strengths, community engagement, and statewide impact.
- Monitor and track regional foundation trends, priorities, and funding cycles, sharing relevant opportunities with campus partners and leadership.
- Stay informed about MSU’s programs, strategic initiatives, and institutional priorities to identify alignment with regional foundation interests.
- Work closely with colleagues across the Foundation and Corporate Relations Teams and the broader University Advancement division to integrate foundation strategy into overall advancement efforts.
- Help position MSU as a go-to grantee and thought partner for regional foundations addressing key issues such as health equity, workforce development, education access, sustainability, and innovation.
REPORTING STRUCTURE
Reports to the Senior Director of Foundation Relations.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing and/or Business; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in public relations, volunteer administration, professional and higher education fundraising, marketing or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel within Michigan and the Midwest.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- A four-year college degree in Nonprofit Leadership, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business, or a related field.
- Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in higher education fundraising, foundation relations, or working directly at a private foundation or similar organization.
- Demonstrated success in managing external relationships and securing funding.
- Strong familiarity with Michigan and Midwest-based foundations and their philanthropic priorities.
- Experience aligning faculty research and institutional initiatives with regional funder interests.
- Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills with an ability to distill complex ideas into compelling narratives.
- Goal-driven, collaborative, and highly organized, with strong initiative and attention to detail.
- High level of comfort working with university leaders, faculty, and external partners.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS
Resume and cover letter
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
Interested in joining the team at Michigan State University? For questions, contact Patricia Karam, Director of Talent Acquisition, at karampat@msu.edu.
WORK HOURS
8 am - 5 pm with possible evenings and weekends
REMOTE WORK STATEMENT
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment, and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
LOCATION
East Lansing, Michigan, United States
SALARY
Salary Commensurate with Experience
CLOSING DATE
Bidding eligibility ends on May 5, 2026, at 11:55 PM
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Foundation Director
Target nonprofits with established HR infrastructure
Large foundations and university-affiliated nonprofits are more likely to have immigration counsel on staff and experience sponsoring work visas after OPT. Smaller family foundations rarely have the infrastructure to navigate H-1B visa sponsorship, so prioritize organizations with 50 or more employees.
Apply early in your OPT window
Foundation Director roles often have multi-round hiring processes lasting two to three months. Starting your search at least four months before your OPT expires gives you enough runway to complete interviews, negotiate an offer, and begin any H-1B sponsorship paperwork without a gap in authorization.
Frame your international background as a fundraising asset
Many foundations prioritize global giving, international programs, or cross-cultural community engagement. Your international perspective and language skills are genuine differentiators in these contexts. Emphasize them explicitly in cover letters and interviews rather than treating them as incidental background.
Pursue STEM OPT extension if your degree qualifies
If your degree in data analytics, information systems, or a related STEM field supports this role, a 24-month STEM OPT extension gives you significantly more time to secure H-1B sponsorship. Confirm eligibility with your DSO early, as the extension must be filed before your standard OPT expires.
Highlight measurable fundraising outcomes in your resume
Foundation Director candidates are evaluated heavily on revenue generation and donor retention results. Quantify your past impact clearly, such as grant portfolios managed or donor campaigns led. Concrete numbers signal readiness for the role and reduce employer hesitation about sponsorship investment.
Ask about sponsorship intent before final interview rounds
Raise the sponsorship question after an initial offer of interest but before final rounds. Framing it as practical planning, not a demand, avoids awkwardness. If the organization cannot commit to H-1B sponsorship, knowing early protects your time and lets you refocus on employers who can.
Foundation Director OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Foundation Director role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B sponsorship?
Foundation Director positions generally qualify as specialty occupations when they require at least a bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, public administration, business, or a related field. The role must require that specific degree, not just any degree. Positions where the employer accepts any educational background are harder to sponsor, so targeting roles with explicit degree requirements in your field strengthens the H-1B case significantly.
Can I work as a Foundation Director on OPT without employer sponsorship right away?
Yes. OPT authorizes full-time employment in your field of study without requiring the employer to file anything on your behalf, unlike H-1B. You can start working as a Foundation Director as soon as your OPT EAD card is valid and the role is related to your degree. Sponsorship only becomes relevant when you need to extend your authorization beyond the OPT period.
How do I find Foundation Director jobs open to OPT candidates?
Most general job boards don't filter for visa-friendly employers, which wastes time during a period when your authorization window is limited. Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and surfaces Foundation Director roles from employers with a demonstrated history of sponsoring international employees. Searching there gives you a much faster path to relevant opportunities than filtering through listings on platforms not designed for your situation.
What happens to my OPT status if a Foundation Director contract role ends unexpectedly?
You're allowed up to 90 days of unemployment during standard OPT, and up to 150 days if you have a STEM extension. If a contract ends early, that unemployment period begins immediately, so it's important to restart your search quickly. Notify your DSO and document your job search activity. Consistent records of applications and outreach can matter if your status is ever reviewed.
Is a master's degree required to qualify for Foundation Director roles on OPT?
Not universally, but most competitive Foundation Director positions expect a master's degree in nonprofit management, public policy, social work, or a related discipline, plus several years of development experience. A bachelor's degree alone may qualify you for associate or junior director titles. Pursuing this role directly after an undergraduate OPT period is possible but uncommon, and employers will scrutinize your experience level more closely.