Senior Director of Corporate Relations

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range available for this position at the time of its posting. The salary range is between $76,725 and $97,057, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

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.

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.

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 required. This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.