Director Corporate Business Development

The Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 157,500 - 192,500; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed educational institution in Columbus, Ohio, is seeking a Director of Corporate and Foundation Engagement. The role focuses on securing financial resources through corporate partnerships and leading a team to maximize engagement opportunities. Candidates should possess strong experience in corporate relations and a Bachelor's degree, with a Master's degree preferred. The position offers a competitive compensation package of up to $175,000, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in building corporate partnerships.
• Strong understanding of higher education environments.

Responsibilities

• Mentor and direct corporate relationship managers.
• Develop and execute strategic partnerships.
• Build and maintain internal and external networks.

Skills

Corporate relationship management

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Master’s degree

Job description

Position Overview

Secures financial resources that fuel the growth of corporate-sponsored research and philanthropy at Ohio State. Directs and mentors corporate relationship managers to develop and execute strategy that builds holistic partnerships with top companies to maximize areas of engagement. Collaborates with the Associate Vice President, Corporate and Foundation Engagement and the Senior Director to define particular areas of responsibility. Supports colleges/units within the role’s purview by identifying and pursuing corporate partners whose needs and investments align with the units’ priorities and research strengths. Represents effectively holistic engagement opportunities: the role recognizes and initiates high-level opportunities to generate master research agreements, sponsored research projects, philanthropic opportunities, and private grant opportunities. Based on companies’ interests, facilitates introductions to campus colleagues in charge of affinity/business opportunities, workforce development initiatives, and talent and experiential learning efforts. Serves as a consultant to corporate partners by collaborating to understand their investments, industry-driven needs, philanthropic and community engagement goals, and strategic direction, offering solutions that leverage Ohio State’s strengths, represent their individual needs, and add value to their business and the university. Partners with Associate Vice President, Corporate & Foundation Engagement in development of goals, strategic plan, and annual business planning efforts. Builds and maintains strong internal and external networks to drive innovation processes and interdisciplinary collaboration, ensure mutual value and cultivate long-term relationships. Represents and acts on behalf of Associate Vice President as needed.

Annual performance is measured by metrics defined by the AVP, Corporate & Foundation Engagement, which include dollars generated for diverse revenue streams (e.g., research, philanthropy) in alignment with the team’s goals. Each Consultant, Manager, and Director may have different expectations regarding these figures based upon, but not limited to, their experience level, corporate portfolio, past performance, etc. Goal setting is done with the individual’s manager prior to each fiscal year to assure transparency, consistency and alignment.

All members of CFE are part of creating a culture that inspires an exceptionally multifaceted and talented team and are expected to exhibit The Ohio State University’s Shared Values. CFE is committed to acting with kindness, respect, and integrity at all times and welcoming our colleagues’ ideas, voices, and perspectives, acknowledging that we are better together.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Directs and mentors corporate relationship managers on the Corporate & Foundation Engagement team. Leads relationship managers in developing and executing multi-year strategy to build transformational strategic partnerships with top companies that bring in financial and intellectual resources to Ohio State to fuel the growth of research, philanthropy, and innovation. Establishes effective collaboration with deans and other university leaders to understand needs and creates opportunities to support college/unit efforts; Recruits, trains, evaluates, motivates, and coaches employees of various backgrounds and identities; establishes and monitors goals, provides performance feedback and coaching, and supports professional development; completes annual performance management procedures; manages performance issues; is responsible for using independent, consistent and fair judgement in exercising authority; develops procedures, assigns and prioritizes work, and ensures that the resources needed to accomplish work are provided.
• Embodies the player-coach model by managing a focused portfolio of top corporate relationships with potential to establish transformational partnerships. Recognizes and initiates high-level opportunities to establish master research agreements, generate sponsored research projects, philanthropic opportunities, new grant opportunities, affinity/business opportunities, workforce development initiatives, and talent and experiential learning efforts. Serves as a consultant to corporate partners by collaborating to understand their investments, industry-driven needs, philanthropic and community engagement goals, and strategic direction, offering solutions that leverage Ohio State’s strengths, represent their individual needs, and add value to the business and the university. Understands the corporate partners’ goals, strategies, and processes, and proposes opportunities to add value beyond the partner’s immediate requests. Develops strong relationships with faculty and research leaders to identify areas of opportunity to build corporate support.
• Builds and maintains strong internal and external networks to drive innovation processes and interdisciplinary collaboration, ensure mutual value, and cultivate long-term relationships. Aligns direct reports’ activity with priorities of the university, Office of Academic Affairs, Wexner Medical Center, Comprehensive Cancer Center and relevant colleges.
• Partners with AVP, Corporate & Foundation Engagement in development of long and short-term goals, strategic plan, and annual business planning. Partners with Operations and Strategy colleagues to benchmark corporate activity within their area of responsibility against other leading institutions. Represents and acts on behalf of AVP as needed. Continually evaluates efforts and optimizes for success. Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 10 years of relevant experience

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree

Corporate and Foundation Engagement is committed to providing tools and resources for you to learn our business, proprietary databases, university-specific processes, and advancement practices. This organization supports a diverse and inclusive environment and values integrity, collaboration, and innovation.

Additional Information: To learn more about the Office of Advancement, please visit advancement.osu.edu. To learn more about the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge and its efforts to build corporate partnerships, please visit erik.osu.edu and research.osu.edu.

Compensation: The budget for this position is up to $175,000. The offer for this position will be based on internal equity and the candidate’s qualifications.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Business Development and Sales

Industries

• Non-profit Organizations and Higher Education