Director of Corporate Relations

Welcome to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) … a world unlike any other. We combine learning, research, creativity, service and discovery with a commitment to inclusive excellence. Ranked by U.S. News as one of the 30 “most innovative” public universities in the country, VCU is a premier, urban, public research university home to multiple nationally ranked programs. Here, your success is supported, and your career can thrive. VCU offers a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay and mission-driven work. We advance a conscientious drive to support a climate where excellence and success for all people are valued and differences are celebrated. Together, we can be unstoppable.

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, generous tuition benefit, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more. Learn more about VCU’s benefits by visiting www.hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/a-z-list-of-benefits/.

The Office of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) seeks to hire a Director of Corporate Relations who will lead the effort to increase and enhance philanthropic engagement and corporate industry partnerships across the university, and work within the overall VCU Corporate and Foundation Relations team. The successful candidate will build and coordinate industry philanthropy programs at VCU, in partnership with colleges, schools, units, and foundation partners. In addition to managing a corporate portfolio, the Director of Corporate Relations will work with colleagues across the University and the academic medical center (known as VCU Health) to implement strategies to increase engagement, research, and marketing partnerships that support VCU’s mission of education, research, clinical care, and community engagement. The Director of Corporate Relations will coordinate activities that strengthen relationships between the President, Vice President of Health Sciences and other campus leaders with the corporate community.

In this role, you will:
- Identify emerging business leadership and industry trends with a special emphasis on developing high-value alliances and identify, evaluate, cultivate, and solicit six- and seven-figure commitments
- Create and implement mutually beneficial strategies consistent with university and health system goals, in accordance with best practices as identified by the Network for Academic Corporate Relations Officers (NACRO)
- Work with multiple administrative areas to coordinate and strengthen corporate relationships, including the offices of Research and Innovation, Continuing Education, VCU Health System, University Career Services, university foundation partners, schools, and units
- Work with the office or Research and Innovation to expand and build industry partnerships
- Work with campus partners to increase philanthropic corporate support, which includes cultivating, soliciting, and submitting proposals
- Coordinate with the Office of the President and across campus to solicit and steward institutional corporate relationships
participate in goal setting, as part of the University’s next fundraising campaign
- Assist faculty and deans from VCU units, including the VCU Medical Center, in preparing and submitting proposals to corporate and industry partners
- Serve as the primary liaison between the corporate community and the University, acting as a concierge and facilitating access to the University’s academic, clinical, and research resources
- Coordinate stewardship activities for corporate donors, including strong coordination of donor reports and communication pieces, as well as special events and corporate visits research and compile data on VCU’s top corporate prospects
- Maintain accurate corporate records concerning prospect information, tracking, and moves management in the database of record
- Coordinate acknowledgement system for corporate gifts
- Maintain policies and procedures for appropriate corporate fundraising, including prospect management, corporate sponsorships and recognition, adhere to all IRS and university policies, and consult with legal counsel when appropriate.
- Supervise the Associate Director of Corporate Relations

As a team member, you will:
- Maintain and encourage open and honest professional relationships within the team and throughout DAR and VCU
- Collaborate with peers and stakeholders to add to DAR’s collective innovative thinking
- Align your values with DAR’s core purpose and values

Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field or relevant equivalent experience
- Seven or more years' experience in corporate and foundation relations and/or developing industry partnerships in nonprofit or private sectors
- Familiarity with philanthropy within a higher education setting
- Exemplary oral and written communications skills
- Expertise in outcomes measurement, business analysis, and strategic planning
- Proven organizational and time management skills. Self-motivated and independent
- Ability to represent VCU and the VCU Health System with all levels of corporate leadership
- Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff and student environment or commitment to do so as a university professional at VCU

Preferred qualifications:
- Graduate degree in business, higher education administration, or a related field preferred, or commensurate experience
- Seven to ten years of progressive experience in higher education with experience in corporate and foundation relations and/or developing industry partnerships

Position Details:
Department: Office of Development and Alumni Relations
VCU Job Title: Senior Administrator, DV 1-3 (15914), Development
Salary Range: Commensurate with experience
Employment Type: University and Academic Professional
ORP Eligible: Yes
Hybrid/Remote Work Available: Yes
Restricted Status: N/A
FTE: 1.0
Exemption Status: Exempt

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Carolyn Lee
Contact Email: clee23@vcu.edu