Director of Corporate Partnerships

Rice University • Houston, TX

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Corporate Partnerships leads university-wide strategy to
research, identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward corporate partners in
support of Rice University’s institutional priorities. This role develops
high-level partnerships that generate philanthropic and strategic support,
positioning Rice as a premier research, innovation, and talent partner, while
providing strategic guidance, cross-campus coordination , and oversight of
corporate partnership and engagement efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Four or more (4+) years of experience in fundraising, corporate relations, business development, or strategic external engagement
• Ability to develop and execute strategic engagement plans
• Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including proposal development
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and fundraising/prospect management systems
• Strong data analysis and reporting skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across diverse stakeholder groups
• Demonstrated experience with fundraising or external partnership development in higher education or a comparable environment
• Strong client service orientation and attention to detail, with the ability to quickly understand and remember details about alumni, donors, and assigned projects

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or advanced degree in business, public administration, communications, or a related discipline
• Demonstrated success in securing substantive philanthropic support from corporations
• Experience cultivating relationships with senior corporate executives

Responsibilities

• Develops and manages comprehensive strategies for corporate engagement aligned with institutional priorities
• Provides strategic leadership to a team of Corporate Relations Officers, providing mentorship, guidance, and oversight
• Cultivates, solicits, and stewards a portfolio of high-level prospects, including research, strategy development, meetings, and proposal preparation
• Builds and maintains productive relationships with faculty, deans, and school-based development officers to align funding opportunities with academic priorities
• Organizes events, meetings, and campus visits for corporate representatives, faculty, and staff
• Oversees the creation of written communication for internal and external audiences, including proposals, letters of inquiry, and reports
• Assists with university-wide coordination and communication regarding corporate engagement
• Performs all other duties as assigned
• Contributes to development of internal processes and tools that support corporate engagement across campus
• Supports stewardship efforts including reports, impact communications, and ongoing relationship management
• Represents Rice University at external meetings, conferences, and industry events to advance corporate partnerships
• May supervise staff or student workers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director