Corporate Partnerships & Business Development Intern - College of Engineering - Integrated Innovation Institute

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. The College of Engineering at Carnegie Mellon is a world-class engineering college recognized for excellence, innovation, and the societal relevance and impact of its pursuits. We produce creative and technically strong engineers and research pioneering solutions to global challenges through an unprecedented commitment to integrating across engineering, sciences, arts, business, and other disciplines.

About the role

The Integrated Innovation Institute (iii) unites engineering, design, and business to prepare graduate students to solve complex problems through interdisciplinary collaboration. Corporate partnerships play a central role in this mission, connecting organizations with student talent, professional education, and industry-sponsored innovation projects.

Working closely with the Associate Director of Corporate Outreach and New Engagement, this role will help build and strengthen the iii's corporate partnership pipeline through market research, prospect identification, outreach campaigns, and relationship development. The role supports partnership growth across professional development through online certificates, industry-sponsored capstone projects, and employer engagement for hiring talent.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to corporate partnership initiatives at the intersection of business development, higher education, and industry engagement while working with organizations ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. The successful candidate would be a self-starter with excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong attention to detail, and exceptional organizational skills. This role is ideal for a graduate student or early-career professional who enjoys relationship building, networking, research, and strategic outreach.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify prospective corporate partners aligned with iii programs and initiatives.
• Build and maintain prospect lists and outreach pipelines using CRM tools.
• Support outreach campaigns promoting iii online certificates, capstone sponsorship opportunities, and employer engagement initiatives.
• Draft personalized outreach emails, LinkedIn messages, and other communications.
• Conduct market research on companies, industries, workforce development initiatives, and corporate learning programs.
• Prepare briefing materials and background research for partnership meetings.
• Track outreach activity, maintain partnership records, and support pipeline management.
• Attend corporate meetings and strategy discussions, as appropriate.
• Represent the Integrated Innovation Institute at networking events, community engagement opportunities, and employer-facing events, including occasional evening programming.
• Assist with additional projects that support corporate outreach and partnership development.

Qualifications

• Curious and proactive
• Excellent written and verbal communicator
• Organized with exceptional attention to detail
• Comfortable conducting research, synthesizing information, and communicating findings effectively
• Interested in relationship building and business development
• Professional and confident interacting with external organizations
• Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Schedule

• Part-time (approximately 30 hours per week)
• Six-month internship
• Hybrid position in Pittsburgh
• Occasional evening hours to attend networking, community engagement, or employer events

Preferred Experience

• LinkedIn
• CRM systems (or willingness to learn)
• Market research or outreach experience

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous retirement savings program with employer contributions
• Tuition benefits
• Ample paid time off and observed holidays
• Life and accidental death and disability insurance
• Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass
• Access to Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs
• Fitness center access

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring.