What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director of Corporate Relations position at University Advancement?
The University of Southern California, founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the “Trojan Family.”
USC values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment. USC University Advancement is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture in which all advancement staff and our stakeholders have the opportunity to connect, belong, and grow while supporting USC’s mission, values, and goals.
USC seeks an Executive Director of Corporate Relations to join its University Advancement team. The position reports to the Assistant Vice President, Research Initiatives in University Advancement. The Executive Director will lead a team of corporate relations officers responsible for coordinating activity, developing strategies, building relationships, and raising funds from corporations. The Executive Director is the principal liaison between University Advancement and the corporate relations officers based in USC’s schools and units. In this highly visible role, the Executive Director advises and supports central- and school-based fundraisers with corporate relations activities and participates with academic leaders, faculty, and development staff in solicitations when necessary.
The Executive Director will identify and solicit grant opportunities in support of the president’s strategic priorities, including but not limited to scholarship support and student access, Frontiers of Computing, USC’s Campaign for Health, sustainability, and arts & culture. The successful candidate will be able to engage with faculty in all disciplines, particularly health, medical, and life sciences research, and identify strategic opportunities aligned with relevant corporate funders. The position requires excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across disciplinary and interdisciplinary lines and to interact successfully with a diverse constituency of varying abilities, backgrounds, interests, and beliefs.
Responsibilities:
Working closely with the Assistant Vice President, Research Initiatives, the Executive Director of Foundation Relations, USC’s advancement leadership, academic leadership, and colleagues across the university, the Executive Director of Corporate Relations.
Personally manages a portfolio of top corporate prospects.
Participates in prospect management and prospect strategy meetings.
Builds internal relationships with faculty and staff across the university to acquire a broad and deep understanding of the academic and research portfolio to identify strong matches with potential funders.
Participates in stewardship and ensures that required reporting on funded projects is completed on a timely basis.
Drafts high-quality and timely proposals, grant requests, correspondence, impact/stewardship reports, and other documents to support best corporate relations practices.
Builds strategic relationships with key internal partners, including the USC Stevens Center for Innovation, Office of Research and Innovation, Department of Contracts and Grants, and others.
Leads a team of corporate relations professionals and a university-wide effort to increase support from corporations. Plays a key role in developing strategies to strengthen relationships with current prospects and identify and build relationships with new prospects.
Develops an annual corporate relations plan that includes measurable goals and specific strategies for expanding both levels and sources of support.
Coordinates, on an as-needed basis, with USC’s schools and units, the corporate cultivation and solicitation activity.
Keys to success in this role include:
Strong leadership, management, and interpersonal skills
Strengths in analysis, strategy, and problem-solving
Results-driven motivation
Individual initiative and strong teamwork
Excellent written and oral communication of complex topics for a general audience
Professionalism in collaborating with diverse groups of internal and external stakeholders
Fundraising or business development experience and expertise
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree strongly preferred.
7 years of experience in fundraising or business development.
Leadership and management experience – demonstrated ability to lead and manage a team of fundraising or business development professionals.
Results-oriented: comfortable with production goals, accountability, independence, initiative, and teamwork.
Strong communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation).
Ability to work effectively with colleagues, faculty, and foundation staff.
Capacity to understand and communicate research or programmatic information to a variety of stakeholders; adaptable communication style.
Preferred Qualifications:
Doctoral degree in Life Sciences or Engineering
Familiarity with and experience in an R1 research university setting is preferred.
Ideal candidates will have 10 years of experience in Corporate Relations, and Business Development, and proven success managing fundraising projects and programs.
Required Documents and Additional Information:
To apply, submit a resume and cover letter (which may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.
The annual base salary range for this position is $168,491.09 - $214,000.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff & their family with access to the renowned university medical network; retirement plans with employer contributions once you meet Program’s eligibility; tuition benefits for staff & their family; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses & free tram pick up services.
The University of Southern California values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment.
Minimum Education: -Bachelor's degree Additional Education Requirements: -Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: -7 years Minimum Skills: -Major campaign, fundraising, and/or senior volunteer group management experience. Preferred Education: -Master's degree Preferred Experience: -10 years
Salary : $168,491 - $0