Clarenda Stanley is director of corporate and foundation relations for Saint Augustine's College, a private, historically black college located in Raleigh, N.C. The college offers 28 degree programs in five academic divisions and has 1,500 students from 32 states and 19 countries. Her previous positions include serving as enrollment management and marketing manager for Savannah Technical College and as a teacher in Augusta, Ga. Stanley is active in CASE District III and was a participant in the CASE Minority Advancement Institute. She has a master's degree in education from Troy State University and a bachelor's degree in marketing from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Describe your day-to-day work as director of corporate and foundation relations at Saint Augustine's.

Well, I work in a small shop so that means I wear several hats. My day-to-day work consists of making contacts with potential funders, following up with current funders, writing proposals, meeting with faculty and senior administration, designing development communications, assisting with annual fund activities and special events, attending campus activities, mentoring students, and drinking copious amounts of coffee.

What do you like best about your job?

Every day is different. There is never a dull moment in what I do. I love meeting new people, learning about new technology or research, making linkages. I also love knowing that I go to work every day making a positive difference in the lives of others. I am a change agent.

What special skills does this work require?

Corporate and foundation relations professionals have to be able to prepare proposals for funding, so you need excellent writing, research and analytical skills. Because you deal with such a wide range of people, from corporate and foundation representatives to colleagues, including faculty and senior administration, you need strong interpersonal and communication skills. Creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit are a plus because we often have to think outside of the box. And you must have a sense of humor—that's key.

What changes do you foresee for professionals who work in your field during the next five years?

There will definitely be increased diversity in fundraising during the next five years. Because of the changing tapestry of our society, these professionals will have to stay on top of the changing demographics and dynamics of giving. Because of the increased global community, CFR professionals will have to become globally conscious.

Has the economic downturn impacted your work?

The economy has greatly impacted my work at Saint Augustine's College. Though relationship-building and stewardship efforts have always been priorities, they have become even more important in today's economic climate. In addition, I have widened my pool of potential donors because I have been forced to examine the institution's needs from a novel perspective.

We all have corporate and foundation prospects that have not been properly solicited or even solicited at all. Because of the economy, I am pursuing atypical prospects and being much more sensitive to what is going on in the stock market and in the business world. Many industries have been significantly impacted, such as residential real estate, while others have had only a minimal effect or even a boost, such as many oil companies. This information is vital to know and understand when approaching prospects.

Lastly, I keep in mind that eventually things will get better and so long-term gifts have never been more important. Though a prospect may not be able to give much today, a multi-year pledge commitment is often more palatable for even the most economically impacted companies and foundations.

How has CASE membership influenced your career?

CASE has influenced my career in myriad, positive ways. My commitment to the profession is reaffirmed regularly by the mentors I have met through CASE. They continue to share a wealth of knowledge with me and set professional standards I aspire to reach on a daily basis.

I have been able to participate in a number of CASE activities, including this year's District III Ingenuity Conference where I will present and am serving as a judging coordinator. In 2008, I participated in the Minority Advancement Institute where I had the privilege of meeting a diverse group of colleagues and forging relationships that still exist today. And the resources available through CASE are unparalleled—we have built quite an impressive library in our department.

This article is from the November 2009 issue of BriefCASE.
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