Director of Corporate Engagement and Relations - Discovery Partners Institute

Director of Corporate Engagement and Relations

Discovery Partners Institute The Grainger College of Engineering University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

This position is located in Chicago, IL, and requires on-site presence for a minimum of three days per week.

The Discovery Partners Institute in The Grainger College of Engineering seeks applicants for a Director of Corporate Engagement and Relations. The Director of Corporate Engagement and Relations builds connections and partnerships with companies and organizations that are key to developing research, education and outreach programs in Chicago for the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI). The individual in this role will develop and lead corporate relations strategy for DPI including helping to set program direction based on industry feedback, connect faculty research with industry needs, and goal setting for financial impact. They will also lead a team that identifies prospective corporate partnerships and partnerships with foundations, business and community-centered organizations, and external colleges and universities beneficial to the mission of Discovery Partners Institute and The Grainger College of Engineering (GCOE).

Specific duties and responsibilities include

Strategic Planning for Corporate Engagement: Develop and execute an AI and computing corporate engagement strategic plan for GCOE in Chicagoland by collaborating with external stakeholders and GCOE faculty and leadership. Engage with industry regarding challenges and/or opportunities in AI and computing research, technology application, and work force education to provide insight into programming strategy and prospecting strategy. Act as the catalyst to accelerate the translation of the University of Illinois research to industry and its application requirements. Identify follow-on research opportunities based on furthering industry’s capabilities. Maintain close coordination with campus activities to ensure strategic alignment.

Prospecting and Business Development: Develop critical partnerships across the private and public sectors, academia, and national labs that result in building research and educational pipelines. Engage with the national ecosystem of trade associations and nonprofit organizations to promote GCOE collaborations in AI and computing. Evaluate potential leads and identify the most appropriate opportunities to pursue with prospective partners. Serve as the DPI contact for engineering faculty and administrators interested in exploring/initiating relationships with corporations and organizations.

Account Management and Retention: Supervise the corporate relations team, including developing staffing plans, establishing workflows, and overseeing team operations and performance. Cultivate and manage strategic partnerships with Chicagoland corporate, community, and educational organizations to strengthen relationship depth, quality, and engagement. Build and track a pipeline of engagement that contributes to the growth and quality of DPI programs in Chicago including expanding the availability of student internships, student and educational engagement, research funding, and other forms of engagement. Set, measure, and deliver against income goals for corporate relations funding. Coordinate with the Campus and GCOE corporate relations staff on complex business accounts.

Database management and marketing: Maintain a customer relationship management database (Salesforce) and develop internal workflows and best practices around contact management. Delegate, train and manage staff on Salesforce workflows and best practices. Work with marketing and communications team to develop sophisticated ongoing campaigns for awareness and sales for existing and new programs.

Other duties as assigned; may require some travel, including to the Urbana Campus; work outside of the standard workday may be required, including evenings and occasional weekends.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical or computer engineering, or related field. Seven (7) or more years of experience developing and maintaining strategies for corporate engagement. Experience developing and executing successful campaigns which resulted in increased revenue streams. Experience collaborating with private/public sector entities throughout Chicago, its surrounding area, and the state of Illinois. Experience leading staff and managing operations.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience working with various entities such as industry, government/policymakers, academia, and non-profits. Advanced degree such as an MS/terminal degree in computer science, electrical or computer engineering or related field or an MBA. Cross functional experience in industry, academia, and/or government entities. Ability to travel, including to Urbana campus. Ability to work outside the typical hours of the standard workday, including evenings and occasional weekends. Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills. Proven organization skills and ability to multi-task. Ability to independently, manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work across varied entities such as industry, government/policymakers, academia, and non-profits. Ability to effectively communicate complex concepts to all levels of understanding from AI/computing novice to experienced IT professional. Experience with customer relationship management systems, ideally Salesforce, LinkedIn and similar tools. Ability to communicate effectively and respond appropriately to customer needs, including supporting faculty and staff. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and take initiative as needed. Ability to take initiative and complete tasks with speed and accuracy. Ability to lead groups of varied stakeholders as well as work well with others across departments and across campus. Exceptional attention to detail; ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality. Marketing communications skills.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION This is an Academic Professional position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The budgeted salary range for this position is $170,000 - $200,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. This position will support the Discovery Partners Institute located in Chicago, IL, and is required to be on-site for a minimum of three days per week per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND DEADLINE INFORMATION Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on August 5. Applications may be reviewed as they are received, interviews may also take place, but no hiring decision will be made until after the closing date. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three references. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Kelsey Marr at krok2@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu

Requisition ID : 1036720

Job Category : Professional and Administrative

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu