Executive Director, Office Of Corporate Engagement

Job Title:

Executive Director, Office of Corporate Engagement

Physical Location:

Kent Campus - Kent, OH

Salary:

$95,390 - $128, 195 (actual salary will be determined by internal equity and commensurate with background of selected candidate).

Basic Function:

Lead business engagement strategy that will enhance relationships with business partners across Kent State University's eight campus system. Cultivate long-term, holistic partnerships with companies by aligning university resources with business goals to help expand the positive impact of both organizations.

Play a key role in achieving the university's goal to foster new, significant, long-term partnerships with a focus on building strategic university relationships with prospective and emerging industry partners. Act as an initial point of contact for companies seeking to establish a partnership with KSU and actively and continually scan the business community to identify new leads for corporate partnership, collaboration, and investment. Reports to Vice President for Research and Economic Development.

Additional Basic Function - if applicable:

Examples of Duties:

Duties/essential functions may include, but not be limited to, the following:

Manage corporate engagement strategy in order to connect the university to local, regional, state, national and international economies. Oversee and ensure coordination of business development and corporate engagement initiatives.

Develop and manage the Office of Corporate Engagement as the "front door" or point of first contact (in-person and virtual) for industry partners seeking to engage with Kent State University. Work closely with decentralized staff across the university to respond to industry needs and maximize university resources.

Assist and advise faculty, college and campus deans, administrators, and unit development directors on industry-related projects and programs and assisting on funding proposals, contracts, educational experiences (internships and co-ops) and new learner pipelines, research agreements, philanthropic solicitations, and stewardship reports.

Develop external engagement programs as well as develop and execute on a vision for new engagement opportunities. Oversee the implementation and maintenance of an effective corporate engagement data strategy.

Build public-private partnerships with industry with the goal of accessing federal and state research and development funding as well as long-term relationships leading to new research and technology development, commercialization and economic development.

In collaboration with the university's 8 campuses and the Lifelong Learning unit, build relationships with local and regional Economic Development Organizations (EDOs) to position the university as a leader in workforce and technology development areas.

In partnership with University Communications and Marketing, promote the university collaborations in local, regional and national media as an economic driver.

Build relationships with the northeast Ohio region leading to new economic development opportunities, including accessing/developing incubator/accelerator facilities.

Help facilitate campus visits of corporate representatives and develop relationships between such companies and the University.

Provide direct supervision of unclassified staff; may include supervision of classified and/or student employees

Perform related duties as assigned.

Additional Examples of Duties - if applicable:

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree; six years of experience in economic development, sales and/or project management in an academic or industrial setting, including a strong background in corporate outreach.

License/Certification:

Knowledge Of:

How to best leverage university-industry partnerships, University structure, academic programs, fiscal management

Personal computer applications

Skill In:

Strategic partnership building

Interpersonal, verbal and written communication

Project management including problem solving, organizational skills, initiative/persistence

Ability To:

Provide leadership and direction

Communicate effectively with all components of the university and external constituents

Travel from building to building and off campus frequently

Preferred Qualifications - if applicable:

Membership experience with NACRO (Network of Academic Corporate Relations Officers) and/or similiar organizations preferred

Master's degree preferred

Experience with Strategic Planning around Corporate Development preferred.

Assessments:

Asterisk (*) indicates knowledge, skills, abilities which may require assessments. Assessments could take the form of interview questions, a request to provide work samples or a written or practical test to assess job related competencies.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

None.

Working Schedule:

Additional Information:

Must pass a security check.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

For official job descriptions, visit www.kent.edu/hr.

Kent State University is committed to the creation and nurturing of a diverse community of individuals through inclusive excellence. Diversity involves recognizing the value of differences and the inclusion of all members of the community. This is a core value of the organization as we strive for a culturally diverse student body, faculty and staff that reflect the multicultural nature of Ohio, the nation, and our world.

Kent State University is a Smoke-Free, Tobacco-Free University effective July 1, 2017. Smoking and tobacco use are not permitted on any of Kent State's campuses or other locations and properties that are owned, operated, or leased by Kent State, both domestic and international. For additional details, visit www.kent.edu/smoke-free.

Disclaimer:

The intent of this description is to illustrate the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and should not be interpreted to describe all the specific duties and responsibilities that may be required in any particular position. Directly related experience/education beyond the minimum stated may be substituted where appropriate at the discretion of the Appointing Authority. Kent State University reserves the right to revise or change job duties, job hours, and responsibilities.