Director of Corporate Relations

Strategically focus on growing and strengthening partnerships and support from corporations, businesses, and other industry partners to change lives and save lives.

• Do you have the natural curiosity, compelling vision, and executive presence to initiate and facilitate partnerships to create a long-lasting impact?
• Do you have a passion for higher education and the difference it can make in people’s lives?
• Do you possess the emotional intelligence and authenticity that it takes to meaningfully connect with people and build long-term relationships on behalf of the University?
• Are you a proven relationship-builder who listens and builds trust to cultivate and grow internal and external partnerships?
• Are you passionate about Nebraska, its people, and the opportunity to leverage the University of Nebraska’s essential role throughout the state?

If so, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity!

At the University of Nebraska Foundation, we grow relationships and resources that enable the University of Nebraska to change lives and save lives. We believe that our strong commitment to inclusion and respect is essential to accomplishing this mission through our values of teamwork, integrity, and passion for mission. We invite, explore, and celebrate differences to increase productivity, spark innovation and most importantly, accomplish our mission.

You will join the foundation at an exciting time, with the opportunity to make a transformational impact. The foundation is in the public phase of a historic campaign to raise $3 billion to build a better future for Nebraska. The campaign is being led by many enthusiastic volunteers representing all areas of the University of Nebraska System. This position will work in our Lincoln or Omaha office and will require travel as needed. We offer flexibility for hybrid work.

Ways you will make an impact:

• Cultivate and secure philanthropic gifts from companies to further the mission of the University of Nebraska.
• Manage and build a portfolio of corporations by developing trusted relationships and maintaining engagement plans.
• Addressing the state’s biggest challenge of workforce development, by partnering with the university to secure private resources for significant funding priorities.
• Enhance the level of awareness, participation and gifts by prospecting in corporate markets through phone calls and leading meetings with leaders of corporations.
• Engage in stewardship activities with companies including events, special recognition activities, and matching gifts.
• Assist the Senior Director of Corporate Relations with engagement and leadership of key corporate partners.

 

Who we want:

• Confident and outgoing professionals who are comfortable communicating with corporate executives and leadership.
• Compassionate and relationally talented individuals who can make authentic connections, facilitate meaningful conversations, and provide individual solutions to help generous donors fulfill their philanthropic goals.
• Collaborative and positive team players who are passionate about what they do.
• Optimistic, curious, and authentic individuals who are humble, inquisitive, and innovative.
• Strategic and open-minded professionals who can interpret and utilize research to make informed decisions while creating fundraising initiatives for long lasting success.

What you need:

• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree. Preferred Education: Graduate Degree.
• Minimum Experience: 3 years of experience developing strategic partnerships to advance an organization’s mission. Preferred Experience: Sales or consultative background.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strategic, analytical skills with the ability to bring solutions.
• Possesses emotional intelligence and executive presence.
• Ability to achieve strong results in client development, sales, and/or fundraising.
• Collaborate and provide influential leadership with a wide range of constituents.
• Discretion in handling confidential matters.
• Candidates will also be evaluated on our core values of passion for mission, integrity, and teamwork.

What we offer:

• Mission-driven work that changes lives and saves lives.
• A strengths-based, engagement-focused, and performance-oriented culture.
• Ongoing learning and development for your career growth.
• An award-winning wellness program.
• 12 weeks of paid medical leave, including maternity and paternity leave.
• 12 paid holidays and generous vacation time.
• A generous retirement match and multiple incentive compensation programs.
• University of Nebraska tuition reimbursement for you and your dependents.

Who we are:

• Recognition by the Chronicle of Philanthropy as one of America’s Favorite Charities.
• Founded in 1936, the University of Nebraska Foundation provides support for the campuses in the university system — the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, University of Nebraska at Kearney, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center and its primary clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine.
• Among public universities, the University of Nebraska ranks in the top 25 nationally for both funds raised and endowed assets under management.
• The foundation has a reputation for efficiency and effectiveness, raising more than $7 for every $1 spent.
• Winner of Gallup’s Don Clifton Strengths-Based Culture Award.
• Winner of the Governor’s Harvester Wellness Award, the highest honor for corporate wellness.

The University of Nebraska Foundation is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to a work environment free from discrimination and harassment where all employees feel respected and valued. We will consider all qualified applicants in accordance with applicable law.