Job Summary:

Texas Christian University (TCU) invites applications for the inaugural Executive Director of Corporate Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, a role that will shape and lead the newly established Office of Corporate Engagement and Strategic Partnerships (OCESP) as part of the new University Strategy Innovation Office. OCESP’s vision is to develop 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. OCESP ensures 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 new LEAD ON: Values in Action Strategic Plan. The Executive Director will be responsible for developing and executing strategies to build transformative relationships with local, national, and global corporate partners, fostering innovation, enhancing academic and experiential learning opportunities, and driving strategic collaborations that align with TCU’s mission and values. This position reports to TCU’s Chief University Strategy and Innovation Officer.

Duties & Essential Job Functions:

1. Establishes the Office of Corporate Engagement and Strategic Partnerships in alignment with TCU’s mission, values, and strategic priorities. Builds, leads and grows an effective team, with effective collaborations, capable of building 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 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 want 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.
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 TCU Advancement to identify and secure philanthropic support 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.
13. Monitors trends in corporate engagement and higher education partnerships to ensure TCU remains at the forefront of best practices.
14. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required;
• Minimum of 10+ 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.
• 15+ 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 strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, with a track record of successful relationship-building.
• Ability to develop and manage high-impact partnerships with corporate entities.
• Ability to be a strategic thinker with the ability to align corporate engagement efforts with institutional goals.
• Ability to navigate complex organizational structures and align diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to employ an entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for creating innovative solutions.
• Ability to be committed 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.

AA/EEO Statement:

As an AA/EEO employer, TCU recruits, hires, and promotes qualified persons in all job classifications without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, genetic information, covered veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.