Associate Director of Corporate Relations - Gies College of Business

Office of Advancement

Gies College of Business Advancement Office seeks to develop a holistic corporate engagement program aimed at developing mutually beneficial corporate relationships. Working as part of a team that includes Gies Advancement staff and the college and campus corporate relations community, the associate director seeks to develop long‑term strategic relationships with companies that will lead to increased corporate revenue from gifts, grants and contracts;

increased student internships and full‑time employment; increased student projects and other target solutions; increased engagement with faculty that lead to funded research opportunities; new opportunities for upskilling and increased enrollment in our online master’s degree and certificate programs; and enhanced involvement and interaction with alumni who work at target firms. This role will also help to coordinate and manage stewardship activities that will sustain success as well as internal/external communications.

The associate director will also support processes and tools that allow for better internal integration across the college and campus, while increasing responsiveness with corporate clients and making Gies the preferred university to do business with.

• Proactively manage a portfolio of 50‑60 corporations and develop strategic corporate plans in collaboration with key stakeholders within the college and across campus.
• Actively identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward companies to raise funds and increase revenues from corporations to support Gies College of Business priorities. Development of written proposals (20+ per year) is an essential component of the role.
• Meet with corporations independently and with other Gies stakeholders to effectively manage relationships and engage corporations as supporters of the college. Significant travel for in‑person meetings, campus visits, and virtual engagements using Zoom and Microsoft Teams is required.
• Serve as a member of the Gies Corporate Relations Council to develop cohesive strategies and increase collaboration of related groups and processes, building relationships with internal partners including Gies department heads, program directors, Office of Corporate Relations, OVCIA, and UIF.
• Manage and coordinate corporate stewardship activities with Gies Advancement and Office of Corporate Relations Marketing Communications staff to ensure proper recognition of corporate gifts. Tasks include development of impact reports, digital flip‑books, acknowledgement letters, promotional and collateral materials, and other related activities.
• Use Blackbaud and Salesforce CRMs to record call reports and corporate opportunities.
• Provide timely, accurate responses to information requests and stay current on design, industry trends, and practices to assess and communicate their potential impact to the team.
• Attend advancement meetings held by OVCIA and other campus groups.
• Support advancement efforts as needed (e.g., board meetings, events).

Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Communications, or related field. Three years of professional‑level advancement, corporate relations, or related relevant experience.

• Experience in university advancement, donor relations, or corporate relations.
• Experience working with a CRM (e.g., TED, Salesforce, etc.).

Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to appropriately manage sensitive and confidential information. Ability to research and organize information and data with accuracy and attention to detail. Demonstrated success in working independently and as part of a team.

This is a 100% full‑time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12‑month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the search close date. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The budgeted salary range for the position is $75,000 to $80,000. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

The position is intended to…