A strong internal candidate has been identified.

Salary Grade

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range available for this position at the time of its posting. The salary range is between $82,862 and $104,821, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships is responsible for the planning and execution of Weatherhead School of Management's corporate engagement strategy, with a primary focus on driving business development and meeting defined financial targets. The senior director will work directly with the executive director of Weatherhead Corporate Partnerships and will serve in an executive role as a subject matter expert for the school's corporate engagement strategy. The senior director, by demeanor and professionalism, must be comfortable dealing with high-level corporate leaders, internal school leadership and other key stakeholders. They must have the ability to develop high ¿value-added¿ and lifelong touchpoints for Weatherhead's corporate partners.

The senior director of corporate partnerships directly owns the achievement of annual financial targets and is responsible for the capture of new revenue opportunities for the Weatherhead School of Management. Recognized revenue streams will include talent development (executive education and professional degree programs), talent acquisition (placement of full-time students), corporate sponsorships, and sponsored research.

The senior director is responsible for planning and implementing a proactive coordinated program of revenue-generating business development activities. They will co-design and implement strategic business development plans including the development and management of special events to involve and cultivate prospects. They will use advanced relationship building skills to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward significant corporate relationships and investments. The senior director will maintain and actively expand a portfolio of corporate partners where they will establish and effectively manage these relationships.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Drive Revenue Generation Across Multiple Streams: Achieve and exceed targeted revenue goals through a mix of executive education, professional degree enrollments, sponsored research, and corporate sponsorship. Own and manage the end-to-end sales cycle from prospecting to proposal development, pricing, contract negotiation, and close. Collaborate with academic departments and program leaders to create and promote offerings that align with market needs and corporate partner objectives. Monitor and report on revenue performance, pipeline metrics and conversion rates, adjusting strategies as necessary to meet or exceed goals. Lead the identification, cultivation, and stewardship of a diverse portfolio of corporate partners. Develop tailored engagement strategies to deepen relationships and secure long-term multi-year revenue commitments. Regularly evaluate and refine the portfolio to ensure alignment with Weatherhead's strategic priorities and revenue goals. (45%)
2. Design and Implement Strategic Business Development Initiatives: Provide strategic advice to school leadership (deans, associate deans, assistant deans, faculty directors, etc.) for developing and implementing practices related to achieving the school's strategic growth goals, priorities and overall plan. Participate in long-term and short-term planning for corporate development and partnerships across the school. Collaborate with the associate dean and other stakeholders to develop comprehensive business development plans that include prospecting, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies. Lead the execution of special events, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to attract and engage corporate prospects. Identify emerging trends and opportunities in the corporate landscape, and develop innovative approaches to capitalize on them. (15%)
3. Multi-Sector Market Outreach & Pipeline Expansion: Actively identify and penetrate diverse regional and national industry sectors (e.g., healthcare, financial services, technology, professional services, manufacturing) to expand Weatherhead's partner footprint. Build sector-specific knowledge and develop tailored value propositions highlighting Weatherhead and CWRU capabilities. Track cross-industry workforce trends, attend targeted business conferences and networking forums, and conduct outbound executive prospecting to generate qualified new business opportunities. (15%)
4. Enhance Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as the primary liaison between corporate partners and Weatherhead faculty, staff, and leadership, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration. Work closely with other university departments, such as career services, research centers, and advancement, to maximize corporate engagement and revenue potential. Foster a culture of collaboration and information-sharing across the institution to support unified corporate partnership strategies. Pursue new business relationships with an eye toward a full complement of engagement with students and faculty. (10%)
5. Coordinate Executive-Level Engagement: Develop executive briefings and detailed client profiles for senior leadership, including the President, Executive Vice Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents, and Deans. Facilitate high-level meetings and presentations with corporate executives, positioning Weatherhead as a premier partner for business and talent development. Lead the planning and execution of executive-level events and meetings, ensuring a professional and impactful experience for corporate partners. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Leverage Data and Analytics for Strategic Decision-Making: Utilize the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to track and analyze corporate engagement activities, prospect interactions, and revenue outcomes. Prepare detailed reports, proposals, and presentations for senior leadership, showcasing progress, challenges, and opportunities within the corporate partnership portfolio. Ensure accurate and timely documentation of all corporate interactions, agreements, and revenue contributions in the CRM. (5%)
2. Perform other duties as assigned. (

CONTACTS

Department: Continuous contact with the dean, associate deans, executive directors, faculty and other Weatherhead departments and university relations and development staff as required to perform essential functions.

University: Frequent contact with the university's corporate engagement center, leaders in Research, career services, and development.

External: Continuous contact with c-suite executives, community partnership, alumni, and donors to establish partnerships, develop new programs and leverage new opportunities. New relationships will be regional, national and international in nature.

Students: Occasional contact with students as required to perform essential functions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position may supervise business development managers and student workers

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 10 or more years of experience in the area of corporate development, business development, venture/private equity, consulting, executive education or related field.

Education: Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree in business, education or organizational development preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Demonstrated expertise in consultative business development, sales pipeline management, and closing high-value corporate agreements.
2. Proven ability to establish, manage, and meet aggressive revenue/financial targets.
3. Highest levels of interpersonal skills, ethical standards and good judgment.
4. Excellent skills in building long-term relationships.
5. Persuasive written and verbal communication skills.
6. Skills in prioritizing, negotiating, influencing, strategic planning, project management, program administration and organization.
7. Ability to work independently and as a team member.
8. Ability to multi-task.
9. Computer proficiency (including Microsoft Office) and ability to learn new programs.
10. Proven ability to successfully interact with a diverse group of people.
11. Ability to think creatively and strategically and act proactively with a high sense of commitment
12. Team-oriented, flexible and customer-service oriented manner
13. Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
14. Ability to demonstrate successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
15. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
16. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Fast paced constantly changing working environment requiring adaptability and flexibility. Job may require long hours, including evenings and weekends. Job requires travel, must have reliable form of transportation to attend client appointments.

Hybrid Eligibility

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.