Director, Corporate Partnerships - Tepper School of Business

The Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University is distinguished by its analytical rigor, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to solving complex business problems. Our faculty are internationally recognized leaders across fields including operations research, organizational behavior, economics, and finance. Tepper prepares students to lead in a data-driven, technology-enabled global economy.  We seek to enhance the visibility of Tepper’s programs, students and faculty among key corporate audiences; and position Tepper as a thought partner to industry by connecting corporate leaders with faculty expertise and research insights.

Tepper seeks a strategic and relationship-driven Director of Corporate Partnerships to develop and implement a cohesive corporate engagement model. This role serves as a key connector between the Tepper community and corporate and foundation partners, ensuring a coordinated, high-impact approach to external engagement aligned with the school’s educational and research mission and market-facing priorities. We seek a highly collaborative leader who can partner effectively across Tepper and the broader University, ensuring alignment and transparency in corporate engagement efforts. In particular, this role will work closely with Tepper’s Masters Career Center to strengthen employer partnerships; and CMU’s Center for Business Engagement, University Advancement, and other school-based teams to ensure unified outreach and partner management.

This role reports to the Associate Dean, Tepper Advancement with a dotted line reporting relationship to the Tepper School's Dean's Office. 

Core Responsibilities include:

• Serving as a “front door” for corporate engagement, helping partners navigate Tepper’s ecosystem and connect to the most relevant opportunities across the school and university.

• Growing, developing, and managing a portfolio of 30+ corporate partners and 10+ foundation relationships, establishing clear engagement and fundraising goals aligned with Tepper and university priorities.

• Partnering with internal stakeholders to create comprehensive, coordinated engagement plans for key corporate partners, integrating giving, recruiting, and programmatic involvement.

• Convening regularly, a committee of internal stakeholders involved with corporate engagement with a goal of achieving a coordinated approach to corporate engagement that aligns fundraising with employer relations, student outcomes, and faculty collaboration.

• Partnering with faculty offering capstones in generating corporate leads.

• Partnering with faculty and academic leadership to expand opportunities for executive engagement and embedding corporate partners into experiential learning opportunities and research.

• Developing and managing strategies to secure corporate and foundation support for key priorities, including research initiatives, scholarships, and program innovation.

• Preparing and delivering high-quality proposals, presentations, and impact reports tailored to corporate and foundation audiences.

• Implementing thoughtful stewardship plans that demonstrate impact, deepen relationships, and encourage sustained investment.

• Maintaining a strong understanding of Tepper’s academic programs, research priorities, and student initiatives to effectively represent the school externally.

• Maintaining accurate records of partner interactions and track progress against engagement and fundraising goals, regularly analyzing portfolio performance and adjusting strategies to maximize impact.

• Other duties as assigned.

In addition to supervising a part‑time employee, this role requires the ability to collaborate and coordinate with staff who are not direct reports, working toward shared goals. This role may travel as needed to cultivate and sustain relationships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.

• 5–8 years of experience in corporate relations, fundraising, business development, sales, or market-facing roles (higher education or business school experience preferred).

• Demonstrated success managing complex external partnerships and achieving measurable outcomes.

• Experience working at the intersection of corporate engagement, career services, or academic programs strongly preferred.

• Excellent communication, relationship management, and strategic planning skills.

• Required license: Driver's License - Department of Motor Vehicles

A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Core Competencies

Tepper values flexibility, excellence, and a collaborative spirit. Inclusion, cultural sensitivity, and integrity are essential. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to build trust with diverse stakeholders, think strategically across functions, and translate institutional strengths into meaningful external partnerships.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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