Associate Director Corporate Engagement

Department: Alumni Relations & Development
Salary/Grade: EXS/9

About Alumni Relations and Development

Alumni Relations and Development appreciates that the collective sum of our individual differences, experiences, knowledge, and self-expression is crucial for our success. We strongly invite candidates of all backgrounds to apply and to participate fully and authentically in our workplace.

We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet 100% of the preferred qualifications.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Alumni Relations and Development is committed to genuine inclusion. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Elizabeth Frisch at efrisch@northwestern.edu. Consistent with its obligations under the law, Northwestern will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential job responsibilities.

Job Summary

• Foster and expand relationships between Northwestern University and the corporate sector, identifying funding opportunities for faculty and administrative collaborators. Use strategic thinking, relationship management, and compelling communication skills to drive mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Identify, cultivate, and engage potential corporate partners and foundations, aligning their interests with university initiatives.
• Craft persuasive, tailored proposals and comprehensive stewardship reports to secure and maintain corporate support.
• Serve as the primary relationship manager for a diverse portfolio of corporate prospects, nurturing relationships and driving engagement.
  

This role requires a proactive approach to relationship building, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex organizational structures. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment and be passionate about connecting corporate resources with academic innovation.

This position reports to the Director of Outreach and Operations for Corporate Engagement. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. Is eligible for hybrid work up to 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.

Strategic Planning

• Develop and execute strategic plans for 10 - 15 priority companies, growing and managing relationships to increase funding for university initiatives.
• Facilitate and develop proposals; and ensure effective follow-up and stewardship.
• Maintain consistent and appropriate contact with internal and corporate partners; connect regularly with internal partners for feedback and information gathering; share findings with team and use gathered information to refine outreach strategy.
• Administer & maintain existing strategic plans including presenting a persuasive verbal and written case to prospects for supporting key programs and projects, effectively matching the interests of prospects to specific needs.

Collaboration

• Involves a high level of collaboration with key internal department partners to identify and solicit prospects for priority funding areas; involves moderate level of collaboration across the university to coach and support corporate outreach efforts.
• Collaborates with internal department partners on their overall corporate engagement information needs; has expertise in portfolio to advise partners in a timely manner to accomplish strategic goals.
• Reaches out to faculty members to identify areas of mutual interest between the university and corporate partners; support outreach for individual research areas as well as collaborative proposals.
• Contributes to collaborative team environment by supporting cross-portfolio outreach to advance shared funding goals, high degree of team collaboration via monthly moves management meeting, and shared portfolio interactions.

Prospects & Gifts

• Drive organizational engagement outreach that supports priority needs of the University securing funding of $2-5M.
• As part of the engagement process, facilitate good communication between organizations and university collaborators by connecting Northwestern faculty and administrators to relevant partners.
• Implement strategies, goals & approaches to submit excellent and appropriate proposals to organizational funders.
• Support senior front-line officers managing and stewarding priority prospects and projects, while maintaining and growing own portfolio of corporate prospects.
• Model best practices and evaluates prospects, recommend changes to processes and to ensure successful completion of objectives & goals.
  

Events

• Invite corporate representatives to visit Northwestern to advance prospect strategy, coordinate site visit logistics involving lead administrators and faculty; staff these visits.
• Follow-up on visits to drive engagement forward, including securing funding for proposed projects.
• Represents university at relevant networking, conference and community events to build awareness and connections. Minimal overnight travel required.

Administration

• Tracks & documents company interactions in CRM database in a timely manner; reviews and acts on reports to ensure all organizational funding and other data is reported correctly.
• Leads the development of compelling proposals for portfolio prospects and collaborates with team members as appropriate.
• Reviews the prospect pool and develops relationships by working with faculty and administrative leaders to identify key prospects and submit proposals to prospective funders.
  

Supervisory

• Provides work direction to 1-2 staff
• Provides guidance and training to staff within or outside of the immediate dept on appropriate guidelines

Minimum Qualifications

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 4 years' experience working in academic unit or industry or private foundation setting or other relevant experience is required.

Minimum Competencies

• Ability to think strategically, analytically, and creatively is required: ability to inquire about and listen to an organization's interests and needs, and then to understand and determine how to persuade or market to that organization with compelling benefits, in the case of companies.
• Self-motivated with excellent persuasive writing skills, attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and good independent judgment.
• Excellent problem solving and project management skills
• Strong interpersonal skills; customer relations skills are essential in working with Alumni Relations and Development staff as well as various offices throughout the University and corporate partners.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and other Office tools. Marketing skills are helpful.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively, comfort with risk-taking and trying new things (including technologies, or new approaches to outreach) and pivoting approach when appropriate.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $78,482-$83,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.