Executive Director, Corporate Relations

Job Summary:

The Executive Director of Corporate Relations will shape and lead TCU’s corporate engagement strategies and foster long-term alliances that enhance TCU’s academic excellence, drive research innovation, and support student success while creating meaningful engagement with local, national, and global corporate partners. The Executive Director will identify, establish and maintain relationships with and propose opportunities that benefit the University and the company, ensuring that these partnerships are strategic, impactful, and aligned with the university’s mission by connecting corporate engagement to TCU’s broader institutional goals and the LEAD ON: Values in Action Strategic Plan. In conjunction with the Vice Chancellor and colleagues, this office is responsible for leading a team approach across departments, disciplines and relationships to develop and execute integrated, coordinated strategies and strategic collaborations that align with TCU’s mission and values.

Duties & Essential Job Functions:

1. Leads corporate relations and strategic corporate engagement in alignment with TCU’s mission, values, and strategic priorities. Build, lead and grow a collaborative team-minded approach that delivers robust corporate partnerships with regional, national, and global partners.
2. Creates a vision and strategy for corporate engagement that enhances TCU’s reputation, expands opportunities for students and faculty, and drives innovation.
3. Collaborates with university leadership and stakeholders to identify and prioritize key industries and partners that align with TCU’s academic, research, athletics, and community goals.
4. Collaborates across all TCU departments that currently or seek to engage corporate partners and work with them to share knowledge, coordinate activity, address gaps, etc.
5. Cultivates and manages relationships with corporations, industry leaders, and professional organizations. Work in tandem with community and economic development efforts to ensure continuity and a unified TCU voice to all external partners.
6. Works closely with faculty, staff, and administrators to identify and align corporate partnership opportunities with academic programs, research initiatives, and student success goals.
7. Develops a broad and deep understanding of industry, research and talent opportunities across campus, existing corporate partnerships, and university policies relating to corporate relationships and support.
8. Represents TCU in external forums, conferences, and industry events to promote the university’s capabilities and interests.
9. Facilitates the development of innovative programs and initiatives that meet the needs of corporate partners while advancing TCU’s mission, generate new revenue streams, and enhance TCU’s financial sustainability.
10. Oversees the negotiation and execution of agreements with corporate entities, ensuring mutual benefit and alignment with university policies.
11. Collaborates with key University partners in Academics, Advancement, Brand Activation, Communication and Athletics to identify and secure philanthropic support, community engagement and sponsorship opportunities from corporate partners.
12. Establishes metrics to track and evaluate the success of corporate engagement initiatives and provide regular updates to university leadership, including initiatives tied to the strategic plan Community Pillar.
13. Monitors trends in corporate engagement and higher education partnerships to ensure TCU remains at the forefront of best practices.
14. Manages and leads staff member(s) and cohort teams to execute strategies.
15. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 7 years of experience in corporate relations, partnership development, business development or related fields, preferably within higher education or industry.
• Track record of leading teams, establishing and managing multi-dimensional partnerships, driving innovation and operational excellence
• Strong technical expertise with demonstrated experience in initiating and advancing research opportunities.
• Demonstrated ability to implement strategy within the context of a large organization.

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Advanced degree in business administration, public relations, science, engineering, or a related field preferred.
• 10 years of experience in fundraising, corporate relations, sales or market development, or comparable field, in either the higher education context or the corporate-side of university-industry engagement, is preferred.
• Direct experience advocating for university interests at local, state, and federal levels.
• Direct experience building an organization to deliver results.

Required Licensure/Certification/Specialized Training:

• None

Preferred Licensure, Certification, and/or Specialized Training:

• None

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of higher education systems and corporate engagement trends.
• Skill in Customer Relationship Management systems.
• Skill in strategic thinking with the ability to align corporate engagement efforts with institutional goals.
• Ability to develop and manage high-impact partnerships with corporate entities.
• Ability to use strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, with a track record of successful relationship-building.
• Ability to navigate complex organizational structures and align diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to use an entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for creating innovative solutions.
• Ability to commit to TCU’s values of Integrity, Engagement, Community, and Excellence.

TCU Core Competencies:

University Core Competencies definitions may be found on the Human Resources website and in the staff performance management system.

Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations):

• Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information.
• Able to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling and prolonged sitting.
• Lifting and moving objects and equipment up to 10 lbs.

Work Environment:

• Work is indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours.
• This role is an on campus, in-person position.
• There are no harmful environmental conditions present for this job.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate.

Employment Values Statement:

Texas Christian University values Integrity, Engagement, Community, and Excellence in the workplace. TCU treats applicants and employees with fairness and respect. TCU hires and promotes individuals based on their qualifications and their commitment to making a positive impact on our student-centered community. TCU is an equal opportunity employer and follows all applicable employment laws. TCU fairly considers all qualified individuals, ensuring we are a workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment.