Director of Corporate Partnerships

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, and oversight of corporate partnership and engagement efforts.

Ideal Candidate Statement

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


• Four or more (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 managementRepresents Rice University at external meetings, conferences, and industry events to advance corporate partnerships


• May supervise staff or student workers

Benefits

Rice University HR | Benefits:

Equal Employment Opportunity

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at for support.

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