Executive Director of Corporate Engagement

Description

The Executive Director of Corporate Engagement at Kansas State University plays a pivotal role in advancing the university’s strategic objectives. They foster strong relationships with corporate partners, promote interdisciplinary collaboration internally, and act as a liaison between K-State and external stakeholders to drive innovation. Additionally, they leverage data and feedback to refine strategies continuously. This position also facilitates connections between external partners and university talent, enhancing the student pipeline and providing corporations access to research and creative works. Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Executive Affairs, University Engagement, and Partnerships/Chief of Staff, the Executive Director is crucial in driving corporate engagement initiatives at K-State.

Job Duties

Corporate Engagement Leadership:
• Develop and implement strategies to establish and strengthen partnerships with local, national, and international corporations.
• Develop and execute a strategy for the University’s Economic Prosperity Plan.
• Lead the university wide Strategic Partner Planning Group for Corporate Engagement with university internal and external stakeholders, affiliate organizations and partners.
• Provide visionary leadership and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation.
• Facilitate and/or lead interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange to address complex challenges and drive innovation.
• Represent K-State at industry conferences, events and networking opportunities to promote the university’s capabilities and forge new partnerships.
• Participate in advisory oversight team consisting of key university stakeholders from the offices of the Vice President for Research, K-State Athletics and the KSU Foundation, university academic leaders, university administration and other university economic development leaders to ensure alignment of strategy and approach.
• Lead efforts to drive corporate partnerships and entrepreneurship within the region by leveraging university resources, expertise, and partnerships.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities to include grants and other sources of support to fuel corporate partnership initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to leverage university expertise, research, and technology to stimulate innovation, create jobs and attract investment.
• Collaborate with government agencies, economic development organizations and industry stakeholders to promote innovation and job creation.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including faculty, researchers, and administrators, to identify opportunities for collaboration and joint initiatives.
• Serve as the primary liaison for corporate partners, understanding their needs and objectives, and aligning them with K-State’s research capabilities and resources.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with local, national, and international corporations to identify partnership opportunities.
• Negotiate agreements, contracts and partnerships that advance research, commercialization, and economic development objectives.
• Organize strategic site visits for corporate partners.
Performance Measurement and Reporting:
• Lead the implementation of a customer relationship management (CRM) platform to log and monitor engagement activities, partnership proposals, secured funds and outcomes.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success and impact of corporate engagement and economic development efforts and drive strategic improvement and outcomes.
Communication:
• Develop the university’s communication strategy corporate engagement and economic development.
• Lead efforts to coordinate and streamline communication and activities across colleges, departments and disciplines.
• Prepare and deliver presentations for university leadership, stakeholders and funding agencies to demonstrate the value and effectiveness of initiatives.
Other:
• Exhibit a strong commitment to the Land Grant mission of Kansas State University.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the position supervisor.

Skills Required

Required Education & Experience
• Requires a bachelor’s degree and seven years minimum of related experience.

Preferred Education & Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree minimum (Master’s and/or Doctorate preferred) in a job-related field.
Experience:
• Seven years or more of successful corporate engagement, economic development, business development and/or customer management facing experience.
• Proven track record of building and maintaining successful partnerships with corporate entities.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Ability to travel, including some nights and weekends.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans and initiatives.
• Knowledge of economic development principles, funding mechanisms and best practices.
• Demonstrated communication and collaboration skills with a record of accomplishment in successfully interfacing with executives and internal/external influencers.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and disciplines to achieve common goals.
• Exhibits a strong commitment to the land grant mission of Kansas State University.
• Demonstrates skills as a self-starter and strong team player.

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm