Associate Director of Corporate Relations - Gies College of Business

Associate Director of Corporate Relations - Gies College of Business

Office of Advancement

Job Summary
The Gies College of Business Advancement Office seeks to develop a holistic corporate engagement program aimed at developing mutually beneficial corporate relationships. Working as part of a team that includes Gies Advancement staff and the college and campus corporate relations community, the associate director seeks to develop long-term strategic relationships with companies that will lead to increased corporate revenue from gifts, grants and contracts; increased student internships and full-time employment; increased student projects and other target solutions; increased engagement with faculty that lead to funded research opportunities; new opportunities for upskilling and increased enrollment in our online master's degree and certificate programs; and enhanced involvement and interaction with alumni who work at target firms. This role will also help to coordinate and manage stewardship activities that will sustain success as well as internal/external communications. The associate director will also support processes and tools that allow for better internal integration across the college and campus, while increasing responsiveness with corporate clients and making Gies the preferred university to do business with.
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. This
position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work
authorization.

For more information about Gies Business, visit .

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 . 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 will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact [email protected] . For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next . Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

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 accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [email protected] .

Requisition ID : 1034706

Job Category : Professional and Administrative

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