Executive Director for Corporate Sponsorship and Engagement

The Executive Director for Corporate Sponsorship and Engagement serves as the university's senior leader responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing a coordinated institutional strategy for corporate engagement, sponsorship, and revenue-generating partnerships.

Reporting to the Vice President for External Relations, the Executive Director will establish and lead the Office of Corporate Sponsorship and Engagement and serve as the university's central point of coordination for corporate partnerships. The position will work collaboratively across academic, healthcare, student life, research, advancement, athletics, and administrative units to create a comprehensive framework that protects institutional interests while generating new revenue opportunities and enhancing the student experience. Athletics and the University of Iowa Center for Advancement will be key partners but will retain responsibility for athletics sponsorships and corporate philanthropic engagement, respectively.

The Executive Director will build the infrastructure, governance, policies, valuation methodologies, and partner development strategies necessary to support long-term growth in corporate sponsorship revenue while maintaining alignment with the university's mission and values.

This position is a 3-year term appointment, subject to reappointment pending resources generated from new sponsorship activities.

There is an expectation that the person in this position will maintain effective, civil, and respectful working relationships with the University of Iowa campus community and uphold the University's commitment to creating welcoming and respectful environments for all.

The position is primarily on-site could have the possiblity of hybrid in the future.

This position is eligible for hybrid work within Iowa and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.

Key Areas of Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Institutional Development

• Establish and lead the Office of Corporate Sponsorship and Engagement.
• Develop and implement a university-wide corporate engagement strategy.

Corporate Partnership Development

• Develop and manage relationships with regional, national, and global corporate partners.
• Create sponsorship packages and partnership opportunities that leverage institutional assets.

Governance and Risk Management

• Establish, chair and coordinate a Sponsorship Review Committee.
• Ensure appropriate review and approval of sponsorship agreements.

Asset Valuation and Revenue Strategy

• Lead development of institutional asset inventories and valuation methodologies.
• Oversee creation and maintenance of sponsorship rate structures and valuation frameworks.

Campus Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the university's primary coordinator for corporate engagement activities.
• Build collaborative relationships across advancement, colleges, divisions, centers, healthcare, and administrative units.

Financial and Operational Oversight

• Develop and manage the Office of Corporate Sponsorship and Engagement budget.
• Establish performance metrics and reporting systems.

To obtain the full job description including key areas of responsibility, technical competencies, and desirable qualifications, please contact Libby Kleppe at libby-kleppe@uiowa.edu.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Seven or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in corporate partnerships, sponsorships, business development, external relations, marketing, advancement, athletics partnerships, or related fields.
• Demonstrated success developing and managing complex strategic partnerships.
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives involving multiple stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.
• Demonstrated financial and business planning experience.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience within higher education, healthcare, athletics, or nonprofit organizations.
• Experience establishing new organizational functions or revenue-generating initiatives.

Application and Position Details

• In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a "Relevant File" to the submission:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For additional questions, please contact Libby Kleppe at libby-kleppe@uiowa.edu.

Benefits Highlights

• Regular salaried position. Pay level Open. Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.
• For more information about Why Iowa? Click here.

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.

Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.

Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.

Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Special Assignment
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time
• Work Modality Options: On Campus, Hybrid within Iowa

Compensation

• Pay Level: Open

Contact Information

• Organization: External Relations
• Contact Name: Libby Kleppe
• Contact Email: libby-kleppe@uiowa.edu