Director of Corporate Engagement and Relations - Discovery Partners Institute
About the role
The Discovery Partners Institute in The Grainger College of Engineering seeks applicants for a Director of Corporate Engagement and Relations. The position is located in Chicago, IL, and requires on-site presence for a minimum of three days per week.
Responsibilities
Develop and execute an AI and computing corporate engagement strategic plan for GCOE in Chicagoland by collaborating with external stakeholders and GCOE faculty and leadership.
Engage with industry regarding challenges and/or opportunities in AI and computing research, technology application, and workforce education to provide insight into programming strategy and prospecting strategy.
Act as the catalyst to accelerate the translation of the University of Illinois research to industry and its application requirements.
Identify follow-on research opportunities based on furthering 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 that result in building research and educational pipelines.
Engage with the national ecosystem of trade associations and nonprofit organizations to promote GCOE collaborations in AI and computing.
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 to strengthen relationship depth, quality, and engagement.
Build and track a pipeline of engagement that contributes to the growth and quality of DPI programs in Chicago including expanding the availability of student internships, student and educational engagement, research funding, and other forms of engagement.
Set, measure, and deliver against income goals for corporate relations funding.
Cook up 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.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with various entities such as industry, government/policymakers, academia, and non-profits.
Advanced degree such as an MS/terminal degree in computer science, electrical or computer engineering or related field or an MBA.
Cross functional experience in industry, academia, and/or government entities.
Pay
The budgeted salary range for this position is $170,000 - $200,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
Schedule
The position requires on-site presence for a minimum of three days per week per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy.