The NRF Foundation shows job seekers how the retail brands they shop can become the places they work. Through our programs, people discover that retail is so much more than the parts they engage with as a customer. From technology wizards to supply chain experts, from marketing gurus to HR professionals, retail is powered by people from every discipline.

The foundational employability skills we provide help career advisors and education professionals spark interest in the retail industry – and ensure job seekers have the skills they need to succeed on day one. And when other industries are aggressively pursuing new talent, the NRF Foundation makes sure retail is there, providing access to the education and opportunities needed to help people pursue promising careers.

We provide more than $1 million in scholarships every year, connecting more than 80,000 learners and more than 3,700 educational and workforce partners with the retail industry. More than 300 retailers and industry partners support our work and help the NRF Foundation ensure that retailers have the quality talent they need for their stores, supply chain facilities and corporate offices.

General Function

The Director of Corporate Engagement and Development supports the NRF Foundation’s corporate and industry-focused philanthropic and engagement strategy, with primary responsibility for securing and growing funding and participation from retail companies, industry partners, and aligned institutions. This role drives high-impact corporate relationships that support scholarships, talent development programs, and strategic initiatives advancing the future of the retail workforce. The Director partners closely with NRF Foundation leadership and NRF Foundation Board members, to support and execute a sophisticated, relationship-driven corporate development and engagement program.

Essential Functions 

• Support development of comprehensive corporate engagement and development strategy with annual and multi-year revenue goals.
• Serve as a strategic partner to the Executive Director and Foundation Board on corporate fundraising priorities and supports them with donor meetings, solicitations, and stewardship activities.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward senior-level corporate executives and decision-makers within retailers and industry partners.
• Build a comprehensive prospect and donor engagement tracking system.
• Secure six- and seven-figure corporate gifts, sponsorships, and multi-year commitments aligned with NRF Foundation priorities.
• Leads gala fundraising and partners with internal and external stakeholders on the planning and execution of the NRF Foundation’s annual gala, including onsite logistics and program content.
• Design tailored corporate giving opportunities, including named scholarships, program sponsorships, and workforce development initiatives.
• Manage a portfolio of high-value corporate relationships with a focus on long-term partnership and renewal.
• Ensure best-in-class stewardship, including customized impact reporting, recognition, and executive-level engagement.
• Collaborate with communications and program teams to translate impact into compelling donor-facing narratives.
• Partner with internal NRF teams to align corporate fundraising with industry events, sponsorships, and thought leadership initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to integrate development with broader NRF corporate engagement strategies. 
• Identify and pursue select foundation, institutional or government funding opportunities that align with corporate-led initiatives and oversee proposal development, reporting, and compliance with those opportunities.
• Track and report on fundraising performance, pipeline health, and key metrics.
• Ensure adherence to ethical fundraising standards and best practices.
• Oversees the work of one direct report; actively invests in performance and professional growth.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• 6+ years of progressive fundraising experience with demonstrated emphasis on corporate fundraising and partnerships
• Proven track record of securing corporate contributions and multi-year commitments
• Experience working with C-suite executives, senior corporate leaders, and nonprofit or association boards
• Exceptional relationship-building skills and executive presence
• Strong negotiation, presentation, and proposal development skills
• Ability to translate mission impact into business-aligned philanthropic value propositions
• Highly organized and results-oriented, with comfort managing complex, high-value portfolios
• Experience using CRM systems and data to drive fundraising strategy and accountability
• Proven track record of being a team player, fostering collaborative working relationships, and cultivating an inclusive culture
• Experience leading gala fundraising and major events
• Commitment to the mission and values of the NRF Foundation
• Ability to travel as required

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's, Advance Degree, or professional fundraising certification (CFRE, CFRM, or CAP)
• 8+ years of extensive experience securing six-and seven-figure corporate gifts and multi-year commitments
• Background in retail, industry associations, or cause-based corporate partnerships

Location: Washington, D.C. (In-office 3 days a week) 

About National Retail Federation

The NRF Foundation shows job seekers how the retail brands they shop can become the places they work. Through our programs, people discover that retail is so much more than the parts they engage with as a customer. From technology wizards to supply chain experts, from marketing gurus to HR professionals, retail is powered by people from every discipline. The foundational employability skills we provide help career advisors and education professionals spark interest in the retail industry – and ensure job seekers have the skills they need to succeed on day one. And when other industries are aggressively pursuing new talent, the NRF Foundation makes sure retail is there, providing access to the education and opportunities needed to help people pursue promising careers. We provide more than $1 million in scholarships every year, connecting more than 80,000 learners and more than 3,700 educational and workforce partners with the retail industry. More than 300 retailers and industry partners support our work and help the NRF Foundation ensure that retailers have the quality talent they need for their stores, supply chain facilities and corporate offices.

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