Director of Industry Sponsorships and Partner Services

Description

 The Director of Industry Sponsorships and Partner Services is aligned with and supports LSU’s Scholarship First Agenda and is intended to enable and facilitate the myriad of industry sponsorship and partnership opportunities for the university’s benefit. The position is responsible for supporting, promoting, and connecting industry to academic and research initiatives across the LSU campuses. This individual will serve as a business contact for specific industry members and work in conjunction with, but not limited to, LSU’s Schools and Colleges, LSU Office of Innovation and Ecosystem Development, Office of Research and Economic Development, LSU Online and Continuing Education, and the Olinde Career Center. This individual will be responsible for the growth of industry sponsorship and support activities at LSU through organization, proposal development, and collaboration across the university.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategic Partnership and Proposal Development (60%): Coordinate and manage industry sponsorship activities within LSU and its schools and colleges consistent with applicable requirements and needs by developing and offering integrated and comprehensive support for specific business needs. These support services will be structured to help industry partners navigate the complexities of working within the LSU ecosystem, with a goal of removing barriers and growing philanthropic and research funded activities at LSU.
•  Lead Development (Partner Services and Relationship Management) (15%):  Develop and grow the industry sponsorship portfolio through new and existing industry partners and interdisciplinary LSU collaborations. Leverage stakeholders and partner networks to improve industry support participation and outcomes. Lead the development of sophisticated sponsorship proposals that showcase LSU’s strengths and capabilities. Coordinate with academic departments and research centers to identify partnership opportunities. Establish annual revenue targets and develop action plans to achieve growth objectives. Create compelling propositions and partnership packages that align with potential sponsors’ objectives and LSU’s mission.
• Program Management (15%): Design and oversee the execution of partner recognition programs and events. Manage the partnership renewal process, including contract negotiations and benefit fulfillment. Develop and maintain partnership tracking systems and reporting mechanisms. 
• Relationship Cultivation (10%): Improve outreach, develop relationships and coordination with industry sponsors. Work with university partners to grow and improve industry partnerships across campus.

Non-essential/marginal position responsibilities

• Complete projects/reports as requested
• Attend relevant seminars or trainings

Requirements

Required level/type of experience 

• Five to ten years of experience in corporate partnerships, sponsorship sales, or business development
• Proven success of securing and managing partnerships with corporations/businesses
• Experience with successfully communicating with all levels within an organization, from senior management to operational teams
• Proficient level in Microsoft Office Suite
• Proven success aligning corporate interests with programs to establish, secure and sustain valuable industry partnerships

Preferred level/type of experience 

• Experience with philanthropic focused databases/CRM systems and partnership management tools
• Experience with corporate philanthropy 
• Demonstrated success in sponsorships or experience working in higher education or research institutions with a strong understanding of academic and research environments

Preferred abilities

• The ability to set priorities, manage time, leverage limited resources, stay organized, and meet deadlines
• Exceptional relationship-building and networking abilities
• Entrepreneurial instincts, intellectual curiosity, and an ability to work both independently and as a team member
• A team player comfortable with ambiguity as decisions or processes evolve over time and the ability to quickly refine strategies after receiving feedback from stakeholders 
• Persistent in follow up communication with potential sponsors
• Excellent interpersonal, administrative, and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Required education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university 

Preferred education

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university  

Desired competencies

• Collaboration: Works collegially with others, cooperating in both interpersonal and team relationships; fosters enthusiasm and maintains mutual trust, candor, and respect.
• Adaptability: Responds to changing circumstances by being innovative and altering behavior to better fit different situations; successfully works with new colleagues; willing to be flexible; remains calm in stressful situations. 
• Critical Thinking: Practices objective rather than subjective modes of reasoning and action. Maintains perspective when assessing qualitative and quantitative information. Appropriately challenges and questions common beliefs. 
• Relationship Building: Develops, maintains, and strengthens relationships with others outside of the organization. 

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities

Work Environment Requirements

• May be required to work extended workdays, evenings, and weekends to meet deadlines
• May be required to travel 10% of the time
• Evening and weekend work may be required for partner events
• Fast-paced, dynamic university environment