Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under the direction of the senior associate vice president, the senior director of corporate relations is responsible for the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of a targeted group of local and national corporations and corporate foundations for philanthropic gifts and grants. As the senior director's portfolio will consist of industry partners that have multi-faceted relationships with the university, the position will ensure coordination with the Corporate Engagement Center, which serves as the coordinating body of Case Western Reserve University's corporate engagement at all levels of the university, including research, talent development, and philanthropy. 

The senior director maintains a portfolio of corporate donors and partners, spending focused time on relationship building activities that will lead to securing gifts and partnerships in the range of $100,000+. This position serves as the campus expert for development strategies aimed at the position's assigned group of corporations and corporate foundations. These strategies focus on expanding philanthropic resources to the university, managing the university's development relationships with corporations, and developing philanthropic support for programmatic areas to meet the needs and desires of the corporate community. This position works collaboratively with staff and faculty across the university to identify programs and develop proposals for corporate support to the university.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Develop a portfolio of corporate and corporate foundation donors with giving potential in the range of $100,000+. Develop and implement strategic cultivation, solicitation and/or engagement strategies for assigned prospects to maximize raising philanthropic support to the university. (80%)
In collaboration with campus partners, including the Office of Research and Technology Transfer, the Office of the Provost, deans, faculty, and senior administrative staff, support the Corporate Engagement Center's relationship management strategies for key corporate partners to achieve outcomes in research, recruitment, and talent development. Coordinate the university's relationships with businesses, industry leaders, and other entities seeking access to Case Western Reserve University resources, including and in addition to philanthropy, in order to forge strategic partnerships. (15%)
 

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Recruit, train and manage volunteers as appropriate, who will actively participate in the soliciting of gifts of all levels. Partner with volunteers to engage and cultivate individuals who have capacity to make gifts of $100,000+ to the university. (5%)
Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)
 

CONTACTS 

Department: Daily contact with the senior associate vice president, executive directors, senior directors, directors and other department and university relations and development staff as required to perform essential functions.

University: Daily contact with the president's office, provost's office, research office, vice presidents, deans, trustees, alumni, directors of administrative departments, faculty and staff as required to perform essential functions.

External: Contact with trustees, alumni, donors, friends of the university, vendors and volunteers as required to perform essential functions.

Students: Contact with students as required to perform essential functions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

No direct supervisory responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 7 or more years of increasing responsibility in the area of development, business development, or related field with demonstrated experience in an academic research setting.

Education: Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Demonstrated ability to secure major gifts of $100K+.
Proven ability to manage employees focused on increasing institutional support.
Demonstrated credibility necessary to influence and tactfully manage relationships with internal and external constituencies.
Experience in gaining access to and establishing connections with national business, foundation, and industry leaders; philanthropists; and other high-level individuals.
Proven ability to plan, initiate, manage, and evaluate challenging logistical situations.
Must demonstrate proven ability to troubleshoot and to identify problems and appropriate responses to complex issues.
Demonstrated excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Capacity to develop and execute complex strategy impacting philanthropic effectiveness.
Must possess superior managerial and organizational skills.
Strong writing skills required.
Must be able to travel and work outside of regular office hours.
Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
Computer proficiency (including Microsoft Office) and ability to learn new programs.
Ability to meet consistent attendance.
Ability to demonstrate history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
 

WORKING CONDITIONS

General office environment, occasional nights, and weekend hours. Periodic travel requi