Associate Director of Corporate Relations - Gies College of Business

Office of Advancement

Job Summary

Duties & Responsibilities

• CORPORATE ENGAGEMENT
  • Proactively manage a portfolio of 50-60 corporations and develop strategic corporate plans in collaboration with other key stakeholders in the college and across campus.
  • Actively identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward companies to raise funds and increase revenue from corporations to support Gies College of Business priorities, while also seeking to develop holistic partnerships in education that meet the needs of the college, university, and the firm. Development of written proposals (20+ per year) is an important component of the job.
  • Meet with corporations independently and with other Gies stakeholders to effectively manage relationships and engage corporations as supporters of the college. The role involves significant travel for in-person meetings, particularly when developing new relationships or soliciting funding. Planning, facilitation, and execution of campus visits is also a major job function throughout the academic year. Knowledge of Zoom and Microsoft teams is necessary for execution of virtual meetings and engagements.
  • Serve as a member of the Gies Corporate Relations Council to develop cohesive strategies and increase collaboration and coordination of groups and processes. Build relationships with other internal college and university partners and stakeholders, including Gies department heads, program directors, Office of Corporate Relations, OVCIA and UIF to ensure good communication of goals and activities and accuracy of transactions.
  
  
• ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Management and coordination of corporate stewardship activities with Gies Advancement and Office of Corporate Relations Marketing Communications staff is important to ensure proper recognition of corporate gifts and support. Tasks and activities include development of impact reports, digital flip-books, acknowledgement letters, promotional and collateral materials, and other tasks as necessary.
  • Use of Blackbaud and Salesforce CRMs is necessary to record call reports and corporate opportunities.
  • Use knowledge of university, campus and college and knowledge of corporate relations to ensure timely, accurate responses to requests for information Stay current on design/trends/industry practices assessing and communicating their potential impact to our team.
  
  
• MISCELLANEOUS
  • Attend advancement meetings held by OVCIA and others campus.
  • Support advancement efforts as needed, i.e. board meetings, events, etc.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Communications, or related field. Three years of professional-level advancement, corporate relations, or related relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in university advancement, donor relations, or corporate relations.
Experience working with a CRM (ex. TED, Salesforce, etc.).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to appropriately manage sensitive and confidential information. Ability to research and organize information and data with accuracy and attention to detail. Demonstrated success in working independently and as part of a team.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the search close date. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The budgeted salary range for the position is $75,000 to $80,000. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

For more information about Gies Business, visit https://inside.giesbusiness.illinois.edu/work-at-gies.

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on November 7, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting, and upload your cover letter, resume (months and years of employment must be included), and names/contact information for three professional references. Please remember to include specific information on how you meet the qualifications of the position in your resume, including all relevant experience. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact rgoben@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1033180
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu