Job Description

Reporting to the Executive Director of Development, the Corporate Relations Officer is responsible for developing and managing strategic partnerships between the foundation, university and corporate entities. This role focuses on identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding corporate partners to secure funding, sponsorships, collaborations, internships, and other mutually beneficial opportunities that support the university's mission, priorities, and strategic goals. This position is responsible for supporting sponsorships of academic and institutional priorities other than those of the Athletics Department, which are serviced by a third-party vendor with whom the Foundation coordinates.

The Corporate Relations Officer will provide regular reports tracking their progress to goals, sharing plans for the upcoming quarter, and projecting the revenues they will generate during the year and in future years. The status of all multi-year agreements will be reviewed quarterly. The Officer must coordinate, communicate and collaborate effectively with the University's Advancement staff and the MWSU Foundation on an ongoing basis. The Officer shall participate in regular Advancement meetings and trainings and adheres to policies and procedures associated with Advancement and the Foundation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Develop and manage an assigned portfolio of corporate prospects and partners and an assigned portfolio of projects and initiatives which are targets for funding.
Serve as key liaison between assigned partners, the University, and the Foundation.
Cultivate relationships to establish or advance educational accessibility, student success initiatives, talent pipelines, sponsorship programs, and corporate giving.
Manage slate of corporate offers or discounts available to students, employees, and/or alumni.
Coordinate campus tours, site visits, and meetings between University leaders and corporate stakeholders.
Identify and assess opportunities for corporate engagement across colleges, departments, and centers.
Develop strategies to align corporate interests with university programs and priorities.
Collaborate with administrators, faculty, staff, and students to package University capabilities for corporate audiences.
Solicit corporate gifts, grants, or sponsorships to support events, programs, or capital needs.
Coordinate and collaborate with the Division of Academic Affairs regarding sponsored programs.
Coordinate and collaborate with the Division of Finance and Administration regarding corporate contracts. Prepare and submit proposals or letters of intent, in compliance with University policies and procedures.
Support applied learning opportunities, including internships, co-ops, workforce training, and capstone projects.
Collaborate with Career Services and Workforce Development teams.
Coordinate and support corporate advisory groups.
Maintain accurate and timely records in the CRM database.
Track and report on corporate engagement metrics, proposal outcomes, and revenue goals.
Facilitate industry connections among administrators, faculty, staff, and students.
Deliver timely and meaningful stewardship of corporate supporters.
Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Skilled in written and oral communication. Ability to write persuasively.
Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills.
Initiative and self-motivation.
Strategic thinking and problem solving.
Professionalism and diplomacy.
Project management and organization.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Strong attention to detail and a track record of meeting deadlines.
Resiliency and adaptability.
Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and adjust to evolving priorities.
Ability to master using CRM software for tracking constituents, demographic storage, retrieval, analysis, and reporting.
Knowledge of basic computer skills and office-oriented programs, including Microsoft Office.
Ability to effectively communicate, coordinate, and collaborate with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, and others sufficient to exchange or convey information, receive work direction, and meet or exceed performance expectations.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in business, communications, public relations or a related field and two to four years of experience in corporate relations, outside sales, business development, or fundraising, or equivalent experience.
Excellent communications, relationship building, and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with clients, businesses, or other stakeholders.
Must have a valid drivers-license and the ability to drive safely and effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

Two years of experience in corporate relations in a higher education setting
Experience with a relational database or CRM
Understanding of corporate philanthropy, sponsorships, workforce training, and talent recruitment pipelines

Physical Demands

Light Work
Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

FLSA: Exempt

Additional Demands

Some travel, weekends, evenings, and early hour work required
On-campus or hybrid role. Not fully remote.
Must have a valid drivers-license and the ability to drive safely and effectively.

Hours of Work

Varies

Posting Number: S830P

Open Until Filled: Yes

Missouri Western State University

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Corporate Relations Officer