Director, Corporate Relations

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $105,000 - $130,000.

This is a renewable, 3- year contract position with full University of California benefits.

The approved work modality has been approved for this position:

• A local incumbent (within the Merced area), will be expected to work at Downtown Campus Center location 3 days per week unless otherwise on scheduled business travel (Hybrid).
• An incumbent who resides in the Bay Area or Southern California location will work remotely with occsional travel to the Downtown Campus Center locaation (Remote).

Initial Applicant review will take place on or around October 1st, 2025. Weekly reviews will continue through selection.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

The Director of Corporate Relations (DCR) will be tasked with managing a portfolio of corporate donors and will play an important role in leading and growing the overall development strategy for identifying new corporate prospects that align with the mission of UC Merced. The DCR will employ various methods in increasing our corporate donor base, long-term strategic partnerships, and revenue capacity for the University's fundraising efforts. This position will develop mutually beneficial partnerships between UC Merced and various companies, resulting in philanthropic support to the university. The DCR is expected to employ a personal approach to fundraising by developing relationships with program managers, HR representatives and top executives at various institutions locally, regionally, state-wide and nationally; accomplishing meaningful touchpoints for UC Merced's philanthropic engagement; and closing five-, six- and seven-figure gifts.

The DCR position will complement the Director of Foundation Relations, whose primary focus is securing support from private foundations. The DCR will report to the Executive Director of Institutional Giving and will work closely with the team of front line fundraisers, campus partners, as well as the Office of [student] Leadership, Service and Career to cultivate corporate leads, develop partnerships and generate philanthropic support from corporations. This position must coordinate with various UC Merced departments and leadership campus-wide (academic schools, student affairs, athletics, library, etc.) to ensure strategic approach and consistent communications with institutional and corporate funders.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Serves as the front-line development officer and lead contact for corporate donors and prospects to UC Merced. Manages a portfolio of 75-100 prospects and develops strategies to ensure team goals and individual monthly activity benchmarks are met. Manages, develops and implements cultivation and solicitation strategy for corporate donors and prospects, including and not limited to: meetings, campus tours, student testimonials, letters of introduction, proposals, recognition opportunities, general correspondence and reports. Utilizes moves management techniques to maintain and build a robust pipeline of corporate prospects; seeks to increase giving of current donors and attract new corporate donors and partnerships to the university. Attends networking events and conferences (community, regional and internal) on behalf of UC Merced, as applicable. Travels as needed to meet with prospective corporate donors. Plans visits to companies with campus leaders, strategically developing a schedule of meetings to maximize campus leaders' time and impact. Evening and weekend work as needed.
2. Collaborates with colleagues in development, administration, faculty and staff to identify funding opportunities, recognize new opportunities for partnership, and pursue other areas ripe for corporate support. This includes serving as liaison to the office of Leadership, Service and Career to mine corporate prospects and develop strategies for engagement. Conducts proactive research, prospecting and networking to grow corporate support base. Develops annual and long-term strategic plans for enhancing corporate fundraising at UC Merced and grow the UC Merced presence among corporate institutions.
3. Generates proposals for corporate gifts, which may include parameters of strategic partnerships as well as requests for philanthropic support (cash, in-kind, multi-year commitments). Assists with identifying corporate sponsorships for university events and ensures sponsorships are fulfilled. Advises senior leadership on engagement opportunities for participation and visibility; utilize current affiliations and contacts to expand reach; attend community events and networking opportunities on behalf of the university to identify, cultivate and steward donors thereby increasing the reach of UC Merced. Ensures corporate gifts are properly implemented and philanthropic funds are dispersed as intended; creates impact and stewardship reports for corporate donors.

*LI-RM1

• Bachelor's degree in communications, Public Relations, Marketing or related area from an accredited institution; and
• Five or more years of progressively responsible prospect management and successful development experience or equivalent training/ experience or higher preferably in Higher Education (required).
• Willingness to travel. Required
• Driver's License Required Under California SB1100 (Must Maintain valid U.S. Driver's License). Required Skills and Abilities - Position
• Demonstrated ability to personally and effectively cultivate and close major gifts of $25,000 to $1,000,000 and beyond.
• Strong leadership skills, qualities and methodologies. Advanced knowledge of all aspects of higher-education fundraising and understanding of the organization with the ability to articulate its vision, mission, goals, funding priorities, objectives, achievements and infrastructure.
• Proven experience and understanding of fundraising, donor relations, moves management and public relations concepts, principles, techniques, procedures and practices.
• Advanced knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, et cetera.
• Strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills, including political acumen, to build and maintain effective working relationships at all organizational levels and with external constituencies.
• Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills, including aptitude in creative and effective decision-making and problem identification, avoidance and resolution.
• Ability to work with senior leadership (administrative and academic), and External Relations colleagues, to achieve goals and meet fundraising targets.
• Advanced skills in making persuasive and compelling presentations of campus goals/objectives and securing gifts.
• Travel with and provide staff support to campus leaders and trustees, as needed.
• Able to represent UC Merced at internal, external and third-party events (including evenings, weekends, and possibly some holidays).
• The ideal candidate will demonstrate initiative and must be strategic, well-organized, and goal-oriented, with an enthusiastic and positive personality, strong interpersonal skills, the ability to manage complex projects and maintain a collaborative workstyle.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and develop long-term relationships with colleagues, partners and donors/prospects.
• Ability to work with colleagues across campuses, prioritizing time, and managing multiple projects, priorities and deadlines.
• Genuine affinity for UC Merced - able to learn and understand the University's priorities and to advocate and articulate them to donors and prospects.
• Collaborative problem solver bringing an entrepreneurial approach to designing personal donor engagement strategies.
• Innovative, self-motivated leader. Creative, positive outlook, and sense of humor. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, work ethic. Time-sensitive, goal oriented, deadline driven.
• Ability to handle highly sensitive to confidential information.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, database software (experience with Raiser's Edge preferred) and other basic computer skills.

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/