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Job Description

Assistant Director, Corporate Engagement

Job ID: 39679 
Location: Evanston, Illinois 

Department: Alumni Relations & Development
Salary/Grade: EXS/6

Job Summary:
The Assistant Director will support senior corporate engagement staff in identifying and soliciting companies to partner with Northwestern, while building their own portfolio of prospects. Specifically, this role will help expand industry support for Northwestern research by identifying corporate partners for large federal grant proposals and will also be the office’s liaison to key student groups to maximize industry partnerships and ensure adherence to Northwestern’s guidelines for such engagement. Other aspects of this role include: helping inform faculty about grant opportunities via workshops, faculty meetings, and individual consultations; assisting junior faculty with the process of drafting and revising proposals to corporate partners; managing the annual stewardship program; and drafting comprehensive reports for our top organizational partners. This position requires extensive collaboration with office colleagues as well as a variety of internal and external partners. It is an ideal opportunity for an individual who is looking to grow their experience and skills developing industry partnerships in the higher education environment. The Assistant Director reports to a Senior Associate Director of Corporate Engagement.

Specific Responsibilities: 

Strategic Planning

• Administers & maintains existing strategic plans including presenting a persuasive verbal and written case to prospects for supporting key programs and projects, effectively matching the interests of prospects to specific needs.

Collaboration

• Involves high level of collaboration with internal department partners and high level of collaboration with University partners in implementing and expanding existing relationships to accomplish strategic goals.
• Crafts reports to support office staff and university leadership in effectively engaging and soliciting prospects, including supporting the acquisition of industry partners for large federally-funded consortia.
• Engages with student groups to ensure they follow organizational guidelines for fundraising and that other office staff are aware of their interests and needs to help effectively match them with corporate prospects.

Prospects & Gifts

• Implements strategies, goals & approaches to submit excellent and appropriate proposals to organizational funders.  
• Partners with other areas of development. 
• Models best practices and recommends improvements to ensure successful completion of objectives & goals.   

Events

• Arranges campus visits for corporate representatives to Northwestern, coordinating with lead administrators, faculty, and students; staffs these visits. All visits are currently virtual; in-person meetings will resume when it is safe to do so.
• Follows-up on visits to steward relationships with the goal of securing funding for proposed projects.

Administration

• Reviews the prospect pool and develops relationships by working with faculty and administrative leaders to connect with and submit proposals to prospective partners.  
• Tracks & documents progress and associated notes. 
• Prepares contact reports on meetings and interactions with faculty and organizational funders.
• In conjunction with other office staff, manages annual stewardship program.

Miscellaneous 

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 2 years higher education teaching or administration, development, fundraising, marketing, sales, or the equivalent experience is required.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Self-motivated with excellent persuasive writing skills, attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and good independent judgment. 
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and other Office tools. Marketing skills are helpful. 
• Excellent problem solving and project management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.  
• Customer relations skills are essential in working with Alumni Relations and Development staff as well as various offices throughout the University.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree or experience working in a STEM field.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Knowledge of CRM software, databases and document management.

Please apply online at https://careers.northwestern.edu/psp/hr857prd_er/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=39679&PostingSeq=1

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.