Associate Director - Office of Corporate Relations - University of Illinois

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

Office of Corporate Relations (OCR)

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has a unique breadth of research expertise, with world-renowned strengths in the arts, agriculture, business, the humanities, and the social sciences, as well as top-ranked programs in the natural sciences and engineering. Many of the technologies that enabled the modern electronic era were developed at the U of I, and year in and year out, we are among the top universities in NSF-funded research and development expenditures. Today, we’re building on that tradition, working to address society’s most pressing problems by doing what we do best—interdisciplinary research that drives positive change in our communities, our state, our nation, and the world.

The Office of Corporate Relations connects clients with the resources you need to be successful in a rapidly changing business environment. Illinois is consistently ranked among the top public research universities in the country. We are home to over 30,000 undergraduate students, 12,000 graduate students, and 6,500 faculty and staff, making the possibilities for engagement at Illinois endless.

Whether clients are looking to recruit employees from one of the most talented pools of graduates in the nation or want to collaborate with innovative scientists and researchers who constantly push the boundaries of knowledge, the Office of Corporate Relations is positioned to match those needs with the expertise of Illinois.

Primary Position Function/Summary: Research companies and provide support for corporate relationships managed by other Office of Corporate Relations Staff on an as needed basis. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities: 

-Manage a full portfolio of corporate prospects and corporate partners, determining frequency of contact needed. 

-Independently research companies and corporate engagement opportunities and assist other Office of Corporate Relations Staff with the same on an as needed basis by working with a Director or another team member to research companies, evaluate potential leads, or identify the most appropriate opportunity to pursue with a prospective or existing corporate partner. 

- Work closely with Office of Corporate Relations staff (on an as needed basis), departments and colleges, senior administration and select corporate partners to develop and pilot programs to both expand relationships with existing partners and attract new companies to campus. 

-Coordinate with Office of Corporate Relations staff (on an as needed basis) and the development , academic, and research and technology management communities to determine needs and priorities, identify and target new corporations , conduct research and develop engagement strategies . 

-Work with staff in the Office of Corporate Relations (on an as needed basis) and throughout campus to implement these programs and strategies. 

-Develop novel programs for engaging corporations with the campus and assist other Office of Corporate Relations Staff with the same on an as needed basis, which may include discussing corporate needs, matching corporate needs to relevant departments or units, brainstorming potential ways to meet corporate and University needs, and other similar activities.

-Serve as staff for corporate relations efforts managed by other Office of Corporate Relations staff on an as needed basis, assisting with greeting attendees, talking with attendees, and introducing attendees to each other in order to cultivate relationships. 

-Serve as a contact or mentor for units regarding their corporate engagement efforts, including development of annual corporate plans. 

-Maintain a travel schedule as needed which will likely be 10-30% time including some evenings and weekends. 

-Prepare proposals for corporate partners and prospects. 

-Use knowledge of university, campus and college and knowledge of corporate relations policies to ensure timely, accurate responses to request for information. 

-Facilitate effective stewardship of corporate relationships through reporting, ongoing contact and public recognition of engagement. 

Position Requirements and Qualifications: 

Education: Required: Bachelor’s degree. Preferred: Master’s degree 

Experience: Required: At least three years of successful business development or relationship management experience with particular emphasis on development of academic external partnerships or five or more years of experience in a related field. Excellent communication and strategic planning skills. Comfort level in interacting with various constituents of the campus and corporate community.

Salary: Commensurate with experience and skills. 

Benefits: Generous vacation and sick leave. State Universities Retirement System. Group health, dental, vision and life insurance. 

This is an academic professional, full-time, 12-month position renewed annually pending continued funding and progress within the position. The estimated starting date is on or after March 16, 2018, but is negotiable. 

For full consideration, applications must be received by February 20, 2018 by the close of the posting period. 

All requested information must be submitted by the closing date for your application to be considered. Incomplete information will not be reviewed. 

The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.  Upon acceptance of a contingent offer, educational transcripts or copy of diploma will be required. 

The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.