Associate Director, External Relations

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate, and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant, and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News& World Report found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has nearly 260,000 alumni and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

Job Description

The University of Illinois Chicago, College of Business Administration, Business, Alumni and Community Engagement (BACE) is seeking the ideal candidate to fill the role of Associate Director, External Relations. The Associate Director, External Relations for the Unit of Business, Alumni, and Community Engagement (BACE) facilitates connections between college stakeholders, alumni, and the Chicago Business Community. The mission of BACE is to elevate the UIC Business brand and facilitate collaborative external partnerships to advance the mission of UIC Business. The Associate Director manages an external network measured by engagement with business professionals, alumni, executives, and business and community organizations in programs at the college level. The role develops the external network and expands participation on advisory boards, academic and industry conferences, project-based courses, speaking engagements, and other UIC Business programs. The role builds lasting affinity with UIC Business among various tiers of alumni, including executive, mid-level, and early career-stage professionals, and expands the impact of UIC Business within our communities through student volunteerism.

Duties & Responsibilities 

• Cultivate partnerships between Chicago’s business community and faculty, leveraging their expertise and research to offer executives evidence-based insights into current business challenges. Develop and lead external engagement with college stakeholders and the Chicago Business Community.

• Collaborate with UIC Advancement Corporate Relations and the Business Career Center to facilitate organizational branding on-campus, premier access to UIC Business faculty and students, and the delivery of exceptional talent to Corporate Partners.

• Prospect industries aligned with organizational goals on upskilling and competency building for business professionals. Facilitate connections between college leadership and industry decision-makers to develop partnerships for post-baccalaureate education and training in the form of seminars, micro-credentials, certificates, and MS degrees.

• Foster a dynamic exchange among alumni, executives, and the Chicago business community to equip students with essential skills and connections for success. Expand the external network of executives and business professionals and work with college leadership, faculty, and staff to understand department and program opportunities to engage with the business community. Manage coordination for the Dean in relation to externally related events and activities.

• Conduct outreach and cultivate relationships with business professionals to expand external participation on advisory boards, academic and industry conferences, project-based courses, research opportunities, speaking engagements, and other UIC Business programs.

• Immerse alumni at the executive, mid-level, and early career stage professionals in UIC Business programs to build lasting affinity with the college. Cultivate networking opportunities, compile profiles, introduce internal stakeholders, and identify productive connections to UIC Business.

• Expand the impact of UIC Business within our communities through student volunteer opportunities that cultivate their leadership competencies. Coordinate the scholarship process to support educational equity and experience. Promote financial literacy through student participation in Junior Achievement. Partner with organizations to address unmet student needs, including hunger, clothing, and employment.

• Track and report engagement with college stakeholders, the impact of the unit, and successful outcomes for UIC Business as a result.• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

• Collaborate with the UIC Office of Advancement Alumni and Donor Engagement teams for coordinated and streamlined alumni engagement strategies/outreach and stewardship/donor relations engagement.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in business, Public Administration, Educational Administration, Education, or a closely related field is required.

• Prior experience related to marketing, sales, business development, event planning, or a related field

• Excellent interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work independently.

• Ability to manage multiple projects.

Application Procedure

All applicants must apply via the UIC job board by the close date of June 24, 2024.

The University of Illinois at Chicago is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or status as an individual with a disability.

Offers of employment by the University of Illinois may be subject to approval by the University’s Board of Trustees and are made contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of any criminal background checks and other pre-employment assessments that may be required for the position being offered. Additional information regarding such pre-employment checks and assessments may be provided as applicable during the hiring process.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit 

https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899