Director of Corporate Engagement and Relations

Job Summary

The Discovery Partners Institute in The Grainger College of Engineering seeks a Director of Corporate Engagement and Relations. The role involves building connections and partnerships with companies and organizations to develop research, education, and outreach programs in Chicago.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an AI and computing corporate engagement strategic plan for GCOE in Chicagoland.
• Engage with industry regarding challenges and opportunities in AI and computing research, technology application, and workforce education.
• Identify follow-on research opportunities based on industry's capabilities.
• Maintain close coordination with campus activities to ensure strategic alignment.
• Develop critical partnerships across the private and public sectors, academia, and national labs.
• 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.
• 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.
• Set, measure, and deliver against income goals for corporate relations funding.
• Coordinate with the Campus and GCOE corporate relations staff on complex business accounts.

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.