Description

Position Summary:

The Director of Corporate Partnerships leads university-wide strategy to research, identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward corporate partners in support of Rice University’s institutional priorities. This role develops high-level partnerships that generate philanthropic and strategic support, positioning Rice as a premier research, innovation, and talent partner, while providing strategic guidance, cross-campus coordination[LA1] , and oversight of corporate engagement efforts.

The ideal candidate is a strategic relationship builder who can translate academic excellence into compelling partnership opportunities for corporations. They are comfortable engaging senior leaders, faculty, and external executives, and can manage complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives. The candidate also provides leadership and mentorship to Corporate Relations Officers, guiding the execution of strategic engagement plans and ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.

Workplace Requirements: 

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Minimum Requirements: 

•         Bachelor’s degree
•         4+ years of experience in fundraising, corporate relations, business development, or strategic external engagement

 Skills: 

•         Ability to develop and execute strategic engagement plans
•         Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills
•         Strong verbal and written communication skills, including proposal development
•         Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects and deadlines simultaneously
•         Strong organizational and time management skills
•         Proficiency with Microsoft Office and fundraising/prospect management systems
•         Strong data analysis and reporting skills
•         Ability to work independently and collaboratively across diverse stakeholder groups
•         Demonstrated experience with fundraising or external partnership development in higher education or a comparable environment
•         Strong client service orientation and attention to detail, with the ability to quickly understand and remember details about alumni, donors, and assigned projects

Preferences:

•         Master’s degree or advanced degree in business, public administration, communications, or a related discipline
•         Demonstrated success in securing substantive philanthropic support from corporations 
•         Experience cultivating relationships with senior corporate executives 

 Essential Functions:

•         Develops and manages comprehensive strategies for corporate engagement aligned with institutional priorities
•         Provides strategic leadership to a team of Corporate Relations Officers, providing mentorship, guidance, and oversight
•         Cultivates, solicits, and stewards a portfolio of high-level prospects, including research, strategy development, meetings, and proposal preparation
•         Builds and maintains productive relationships with faculty, deans, and school-based development officers to align funding opportunities with academic priorities
•         Organizes events, meetings, and campus visits for corporate representatives, faculty, and staff
•         Oversees the creation of written communication for internal and external audiences, including proposals, letters of inquiry, and reports
•         Assists with university-wide coordination and communication regarding corporate engagement
•         Performs all other duties as assigned

 Additional Functions:

•         Contributes to development of internal processes and tools that support corporate engagement across campus
•         Supports stewardship efforts including reports, impact communications, and ongoing relationship management
•         Represents Rice University at external meetings, conferences, and industry events to advance corporate partnerships
•         May supervise staff or student workers