Valparaiso University
Executive Director for External Relations
Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana, United States, 46385
The Executive Director for External Relations will develop and manage relationships between Valparaiso University and its external constituents, including government agencies, community organizations, and corporate entities. This position will work across campus, engaging with faculty and staff to build strategic collaborations that align with university goals and objectives. The Executive Director also oversees the Collaboratory’s activities and partnerships in collaboration with the Office of Sponsored and Student Research, the Provost's Office, and designated Faculty Liaisons. Reporting to the Vice President for Advancement, this role will work closely with the AVP for Development, the AVP for Advancement Operations, and the Executive Director of Career Services and Alumni Engagement.
Major Responsibilities:
Government, Community, and Corporate Relations: Develop and lead initiatives to build and maintain relationships with government agencies, community organizations, and corporate partners. Proactively manage these unique relationships for long-term partnerships through ongoing communications, meetings, and collaborative projects with city, regional, state, and federal government and community entities. Act as the university's primary representative in these areas, aligning partnerships and institutional goals, utilizing data-driven insights to track the impact of these relationships, and refining strategies to maximize engagement.
Collaboratory Oversight: Develop, manage, and support the Collaboratory’s growth strategy, partnerships, and activities, ensuring effective collaboration with the Office of Sponsored and Student Research, the Provost’s Office, and Faculty Liaisons to enhance student and faculty engagement in undergraduate research and industry partnerships. This includes managing the recruitment and ongoing relationships with external partners, ensuring strong, mutually beneficial connections that advance the university’s mission, and using data analytics to assess partnership success and make informed adjustments.
Corporate Sponsorships: Actively pursue sponsorship opportunities with corporations and organizations to secure support for Advancement-related programs, events, and graduate program partnerships and position the university as a regional and state-wide partner. Apply data analysis to identify high-potential sponsorship opportunities and track their contributions to institutional goals.
Strategic Communication and Engagement: Coordinate with Advancement leadership and university marketing and communications teams to develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy that effectively promotes External Relations priorities. This includes crafting targeted messages for various stakeholders, maintaining clear and consistent communication across constituencies, and utilizing digital and traditional media to enhance visibility and support for external partnerships. Use data to evaluate the effectiveness of engagement efforts and continuously optimize communication strategies in coordination with Advancement Operations.
Campus Collaboration: Work across campus to identify and engage faculty and staff in collaborative opportunities that support campus-wide priorities and Advancement programs, research, and external engagement. Develop and support programming that aligns with the university’s objectives and fosters strong partnerships across departments.
Leadership and Strategic Partnerships: Serve as a strategic partner to the Advancement leadership team, collaborating with the AVP for Development, AVP for Advancement Operations, and Executive Director of Career Services and Alumni Engagement to align external relations efforts with institutional advancement goals.
Required Knowledge and Skills:
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field; advanced degree preferred.
Five to seven years of experience in external relations, corporate relations, community engagement, government relations, or a related area. Demonstrated experience in managing strategic partnerships across multiple sectors. Federal government experience preferred.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, strong leadership qualities, and a proven ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders. Must demonstrate strategic thinking, independent judgment, and discretion. Proficiency in data analysis and using data to inform decisions is strongly preferred.
Ability to exercise independent judgment.
Possesses a professional demeanor that thrives in a fast-paced environment.
Must have excellent oral and written communication skills, exercise good judgment and discretion, and be able to deal courteously with faculty, staff, students, and the general public.
Must be willing to work evenings and weekends when necessary.
Successful applicants will demonstrate a commitment to cultural diversity and the ability to work with individuals or groups from diverse backgrounds.
All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, background checks will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.
To be considered for this position, you must upload:
Cover letter
Resume
List of 3 professional references
Answer all application questions
Please address the cover letter to:
Marie Foster-Bruns, Vice President for AdvancementValparaiso UniversityValparaiso, Indiana
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Major Responsibilities:
Government, Community, and Corporate Relations: Develop and lead initiatives to build and maintain relationships with government agencies, community organizations, and corporate partners. Proactively manage these unique relationships for long-term partnerships through ongoing communications, meetings, and collaborative projects with city, regional, state, and federal government and community entities. Act as the university's primary representative in these areas, aligning partnerships and institutional goals, utilizing data-driven insights to track the impact of these relationships, and refining strategies to maximize engagement.
Collaboratory Oversight: Develop, manage, and support the Collaboratory’s growth strategy, partnerships, and activities, ensuring effective collaboration with the Office of Sponsored and Student Research, the Provost’s Office, and Faculty Liaisons to enhance student and faculty engagement in undergraduate research and industry partnerships. This includes managing the recruitment and ongoing relationships with external partners, ensuring strong, mutually beneficial connections that advance the university’s mission, and using data analytics to assess partnership success and make informed adjustments.
Corporate Sponsorships: Actively pursue sponsorship opportunities with corporations and organizations to secure support for Advancement-related programs, events, and graduate program partnerships and position the university as a regional and state-wide partner. Apply data analysis to identify high-potential sponsorship opportunities and track their contributions to institutional goals.
Strategic Communication and Engagement: Coordinate with Advancement leadership and university marketing and communications teams to develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy that effectively promotes External Relations priorities. This includes crafting targeted messages for various stakeholders, maintaining clear and consistent communication across constituencies, and utilizing digital and traditional media to enhance visibility and support for external partnerships. Use data to evaluate the effectiveness of engagement efforts and continuously optimize communication strategies in coordination with Advancement Operations.
Campus Collaboration: Work across campus to identify and engage faculty and staff in collaborative opportunities that support campus-wide priorities and Advancement programs, research, and external engagement. Develop and support programming that aligns with the university’s objectives and fosters strong partnerships across departments.
Leadership and Strategic Partnerships: Serve as a strategic partner to the Advancement leadership team, collaborating with the AVP for Development, AVP for Advancement Operations, and Executive Director of Career Services and Alumni Engagement to align external relations efforts with institutional advancement goals.
Required Knowledge and Skills:
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field; advanced degree preferred.
Five to seven years of experience in external relations, corporate relations, community engagement, government relations, or a related area. Demonstrated experience in managing strategic partnerships across multiple sectors. Federal government experience preferred.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, strong leadership qualities, and a proven ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders. Must demonstrate strategic thinking, independent judgment, and discretion. Proficiency in data analysis and using data to inform decisions is strongly preferred.
Ability to exercise independent judgment.
Possesses a professional demeanor that thrives in a fast-paced environment.
Must have excellent oral and written communication skills, exercise good judgment and discretion, and be able to deal courteously with faculty, staff, students, and the general public.
Must be willing to work evenings and weekends when necessary.
Successful applicants will demonstrate a commitment to cultural diversity and the ability to work with individuals or groups from diverse backgrounds.
All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, background checks will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.
To be considered for this position, you must upload:
Cover letter
Resume
List of 3 professional references
Answer all application questions
Please address the cover letter to:
Marie Foster-Bruns, Vice President for AdvancementValparaiso UniversityValparaiso, Indiana
#J-18808-Ljbffr