External Relations at the University of Virginia (UVA) is seeking a highly qualified candidate to fill the role of Director of Corporate Relations. The University of Virginia has a strong and reputable advancement community, boasting effective, results-oriented, and resourceful professionals. Our community comprises a robust central advancement organization, 12 University schools, and more than 25 University-related programs. We offer a wide variety of career opportunities, as well as an outstanding environment for professional growth and development.

Position Summary

The Director of Corporate Relations has a key leadership role within the growing Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR) team. This position is responsible for advancing and scaling UVA’s corporate engagement strategy by building high-impact partnerships that align industry priorities with the University’s research, academic, and institutional strengths.

As part of the central External Relations office, CFR serves as a strategic connector across Grounds, linking corporate partners with opportunities in philanthropy, sponsored research, talent development, and innovation. The Director will work collaboratively with faculty, school leadership, advancement colleagues, and external partners to identify and develop partnership opportunities, navigate complex engagement pathways, and cultivate long-term, mission-aligned relationships that generate meaningful institutional impact. The Director of Corporate Relations will report to the Senior Director of Corporate Relations & Business Development.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic liaison between UVA and corporate partners across priority sectors, aligning industry interests with institutional priorities.

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward corporate prospects in support of school/unit and enterprise-level priorities.

• Develop and execute thematic-based engagement strategies that drive philanthropy, sponsored research, talent pipelines, and innovation partnerships.

• Build, manage, and grow a portfolio of corporate relationships with defined goals, pipeline tracking, and performance metrics.

• Translate faculty research, institutional assets, and student talent into compelling partnership opportunities for corporate investment.

• Collaborate with alumni, faculty, and advancement colleagues to expand network-based relationship opportunities and deepen corporate connectivity.

• Partner with schools, centers, and administrative units to deliver a coordinated, “front door” approach to corporate engagement.

• Support development of proposals, communications, and stewardship strategies tailored to corporate audiences.

• Represent the University in corporate engagement meetings, industry forums, and related events.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: A bachelor’s degree is required

• Experience: At least three years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• An advanced degree is preferred

• Eight or more years of progressive experience in corporate relations, business development, advancement, or related field.

• Demonstrated success managing external partnerships and cultivating complex, multi-stakeholder relationships.

• Experience working with faculty, senior administrators, and external executives.

• Familiarity with higher education advancement, corporate philanthropy, and/or industry-sponsored research.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to translate technical and academic content for diverse audiences.

• Collaborative and entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to navigate a large, decentralized institution.

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

Salary Range

• The anticipated hiring range is $130,000-$140,000, commensurate with education and experience.

Position Type & Work Location

• This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

• This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.

• UVA External Relations offers a flexible and hybrid workplace. All team members must have access to and maintain a secure home office environment with high-speed internet service and be able to work collaboratively with others using a variety of technologies and tools.

This hybrid position can be worked remotely on occasion, although weekly in-person work in our office building, on UVA Grounds, or at event venues can be expected. The successful candidate will live within driving distance of Charlottesville, Virginia.

About UVA and the Community

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application Timeline

Application review will begin after April 27, 2026.

Additional Requirements

• Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

• This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

How to Apply

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0082630.

Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website.

Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Reference Check Process

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

Contact

• For additional information about the position, please contact April Sibiski, at nbu2ag@virginia.edu.

• For questions about the application process, please contact Jon Freeman, jf2sw@virginia.edu.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.