Associate Director of Development for Corporate Relations
Company: Northeastern Illinois University
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 1, 2026
|
|
|
Job Description:
Northeastern offers a rewarding working environment for our
students and employees. Our faculty and staff are smart, dedicated
people who work to create an excellent urban university experience
for bright and motivated students. Job Summary: The Associate
Director of Development for Corporate Relations (AD) will serve as
Northeastern Illinois University’s principal liaison to Chicago’s
corporate community, building and leveraging strategic partnerships
that advance the University’s mission and philanthropic goals. This
role requires an individual who can authentically represent NEIU in
diverse professional networks across the Chicago region, with
particular emphasis on cultivating relationships within corporate,
civic, and community leadership circles. The AD will identify,
cultivate and steward corporate partnerships ranging from $1,000 to
$25,000, while developing long-term strategic alliances that extend
beyond transactional sponsorships. The AD will also help to develop
and enhance multichannel annual giving strategies, identifying new
avenues for increasing donor participation and building monthly
giving and mid-level donor engagement. Reporting to the Director of
Development, the AD will collaborate across the Institutional
Advancement team and University divisions to align corporate
engagement with institutional priorities. Job Description:
Corporate Partnership Development Build and manage a portfolio of
30-50 corporate prospects and partners, stewarding relationships
from identification through cultivation, solicitation, and
recognition. Conduct 8-12 meaningful corporate partner meetings
monthly, including discovery meetings, proposal presentations, and
stewardship visits. Develop compelling partnership proposals that
articulate mutual value and align corporate goals with University
needs. Actively participate in Chicago business and civic
organizations, serving as NEIU’s ambassador and identifying
partnership opportunities aligned with institutional priorities.
Research and qualify corporate prospects, analyzing giving
capacity, philanthropic priorities, and alignment with NEIU’s
mission. Collaborate with academic units and administrative
departments to identify sponsorship opportunities for programs,
events, scholarships, and initiatives. Annual Giving and Donor
Engagement Support the Director of Development in creating
multichannel annual giving strategies (direct mail, digital,
monthly giving). Collaborate on fundraising campaigns and appeals.
Assist in the analysis of engagement and strategy performance to
show growth or need for adjustments. Partner with Manager of
Communication and Stewardship on stewardship of corporate, monthly
and mid-level donors. Strategic Planning and Collaboration Partner
with the Director of Development to create annual corporate
relations goals, strategies, and metrics aligned with institutional
advancement priorities. Work collaboratively with Marketing and
Communications to develop corporate-facing materials that
effectively represent NEIU’s value proposition. Coordinate with
Alumni Relations to leverage corporate alumni connections and
create networking opportunities. Serve as liaison between corporate
partners and University leadership, facilitating meaningful
engagement opportunities. Provide analysis of corporate giving
trends, partnership outcomes, and emerging opportunities.
Stewardship and Relationship Management Design and implement
comprehensive stewardship programs that demonstrate impact and
sustain corporate partner engagement. Coordinate corporate
recognition activities in collaboration with the Manager of
Communications and Stewardship. Ensure accurate and timely
documentation of all corporate interactions in advancement database
systems. Plan and execute corporate partner appreciation events and
networking opportunities. Prepare regular reports on corporate
relations activities, outcomes, and strategic recommendations for
leadership and the NEIU Foundation Board. Perform other duties as
assigned. Institutional Engagement and Governance Serve as a
regular participant and contributor to the NEIU Foundation Board
Development Committee, providing updates on corporate partnership
activities and strategic recommendations. Participate in campaign
planning and execution through steering committees and working
groups as the University advances major fundraising initiatives.
Engage with shared governance bodies including the Faculty Council
on Institutional Advancement and other appropriate committees to
build internal awareness of corporate partnership opportunities and
foster cross-campus collaboration. Represent Development in
cross-functional university meetings and planning sessions to
ensure alignment between corporate relations strategies and
institutional priorities. Minimal Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree
from an accredited institution of higher education. Minimum of
three years of progressive experience in corporate partnerships,
fundraising, or business development, with demonstrated success
securing corporate sponsorships. Proven ability to build
professional relationships within business and civic communities.
Experience navigating corporate decision-making structures and
presenting compelling partnership proposals to business leaders.
Proficiency with constituent relations management systems (Raiser’s
Edge preferred). Strong persuasive writing and storytelling skills.
Ability to travel throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Advanced degree and/or professional
certification (e.g., AFP, CFRE, Lilly Family School of
Philanthropy, or related). Experience with annual giving strategies
including direct mail, digital campaigns, and event fundraising for
institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations.
Established professional network within Chicago’s business and/or
civic communities. Multilingual capabilities, particularly Spanish
fluency. Experience working with diverse communities and
mission-driven organizations. DESIRED SKILLS: Relationship
Building: Ability to cultivate authentic partnerships across
diverse corporate, civic and community contexts that extend beyond
single transactions. Executive Presence: Professional maturity and
communication skills to represent NEIU credibly with C-suite
executives, board members, and civic leaders. Cultural Competency:
Demonstrated ability to build authentic relationships across
diverse communities and professional contexts, understanding the
nuances of different organizational cultures. Strategic and
Entrepreneurial Mindset: Self-directed approach to identifying
opportunities, creating solutions, and aligning corporate
priorities with institutional needs. Narrative Storytelling: Skill
in articulating NEIU’s mission, impact, and value through
storytelling, proposals and presentations. Cross-Functional
Collaboration: Ability to build consensus and work effectively with
faculty, staff, administrators, and external partners.
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART: The Associate Director of Development for
Corporate Relations reports to the Director of Development and
works with a team of Institutional Advancement professionals
including Development, Alumni Relations and Advancement Services
staff. This position requires a background check. Salary Range
$73,000 ? Benefits University employees may be eligible for a
variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are
administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management
Service (CMS). Please visit our Employee Benefits page to learn
more about our comprehensive benefits package including health,
dental, and vision benefits, sick and vacation days, and
participation in the State Universities Retirement System.
Transcripts Copies of unofficial transcripts are accepted; however,
official transcripts for all earned degrees will be required of
candidates selected for final interviews. Northeastern Illinois
University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and
invites applications from Women, Minorities, Veterans and Persons
with Disabilities, as well as other qualified individuals.
Northeastern Illinois University's positions are contingent upon
the University's receipt of its State of Illinois
appropriation.
Keywords: Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago , Associate Director of Development for Corporate Relations, PR / Public Relations , Chicago, Illinois
