Human Resources

Associate Director, Partnerships & External Relations

Apply now Job No: 25113
Department: Enterprise
Work Type: Staff - Full Time
Location: Main Campus (Houghton, MI)
Full Time / Part Time: Full Time
Categories: Advancement

 

Summary

The Enterprise Program at Michigan Technological University seeks a dynamic, results-driven professional to serve as the Associate Director of External Engagement and Sponsorships. Reporting to the Director of the Enterprise Program, the Associate Director will focus on building and sustaining corporate and philanthropic relationships to secure sponsorships, funding, and project support for student-driven experiential learning initiatives. This role is critical to growing financial support for Enterprise student teams, Senior Capstone Design projects, and other related programs and events.

This position plays a pivotal role in strengthening Michigan Tech's reputation as a leader in hands-on, industry-relevant education by directly connecting students with external partners and real-world project opportunities.

Remote work may be negotiated for this position. This is only for exceptional candidates and based in Greater Detroit or Green Bay/Fox Cities.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

External Engagement and Fundraising (60%)
• Proactively solicit and secure external sponsorships, unrestricted gifts, grants, and contracts to support Enterprise and Senior Design programs.
• Develop high-quality sponsorship proposals, gift agreements, and project scopes tailored to meet industry partner needs.
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of corporate and philanthropic partners, with a focus on growing new relationships and expanding existing ones.
• Lead campus visits and off-site partner meetings to cultivate and steward relationships.
• Work closely with Corporate Relations, Advancement, and Alumni Relations teams to align fundraising efforts with university priorities.

Student Project Scoping and Sponsor Stewardship (20%)
• Collaborate with sponsors, faculty advisors, and student leaders to scope projects that balance sponsor goals, student capabilities, and available university resources.
• Ensure projects support key educational outcomes and industry expectations.
• Serve as the primary liaison for sponsors, ensuring regular communication and stewardship throughout the project lifecycle.

Program Support and Strategic Planning (15%)
• Support program marketing efforts by developing materials that promote sponsorship opportunities and student successes.
• Maintain a sponsorship forecast, set annual fundraising targets, and track outcomes.
• Assist with the planning and execution of key events like Design Expo, sponsor recognition events, and student showcase opportunities.

Leadership and Continuous Improvement (5%)
• Supervise student employees involved in sponsor engagement efforts.
• Actively engage in the University's continuous improvement initiatives.
• Commit to learning and applying best practices in corporate fundraising and university-industry partnerships.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering, STEM, business, or related discipline.

Required Experience

• Five years of full-time, continuous professional experience with at least 3 years in sales or business development.
• Demonstrated success in corporate fundraising, technical sales, business development, or external engagement.
• Strong program or project management experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite software.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• 7–10 years of full-time professional experience with at least 5 years in a technical sales or business development position.
• Experience working in higher education, nonprofit development, or technical consulting environments.
• Experience using customer relationship management (CRM) platforms such as Salesforce.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to persuasively communicate the value of sponsoring student projects and programs.
• Strong organizational, planning, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain positive external relationships.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 20%.
• A genuine passion for supporting student experiential learning.
• Ability to work effectively across diverse cultural, professional, and academic communities.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Technical/engineering knowledge across multiple disciplines and industrial settings.

Language, Mathematics and/or Reasoning Skills

 

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

 • Primary work environment is an office setting with occasional off-campus sponsor visits.
• Low to moderate physical demands typical of professional office work.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following training courses; additional training may be required by the department.

Required University Training:

  • Employee Safety Overview
  • Annual Data Security Training
  • Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
  • Annual Title IX Training 

Background Check:

Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

Employment eligibility verification is required; visa sponsorship is not available.
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%)

1

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

12 months

Shift

 

Pay Rate/Salary

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

Title of Position Supervisor

Director, Enterprise

Posting Type

 Internal & External Posting

Dependent on Funding

 Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants (if applicable)

 To be considered for this position, please submit the following documents: a cover letter, resume, and three industry or professional references. These can be uploaded as part of your application.

Additional Information

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Michigan Technological University offers a competitive benefits package that supports employees' health, retirement, and professional development.

Remote work may be negotiated for this position. This is only for exceptional candidates and based in Greater Detroit or Green Bay/Fox Cities.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Conditions of Employment:
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.  

If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations during Michigan Tech’s hiring process please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or hr-help@mtu.edu.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures* (minimum requirements)

Advertised: Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

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