Business Development & Corporate Relations Director - BUS

About Us

Are you ready to transform lives through academic excellence, innovative research, strong community partnerships and economic opportunity?

Do you want to cultivate an inclusive environment that encourages free expression and civil discourse? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With growing enrollment and global reach, we continue to expand our institutional influence and prominence beyond the state of Georgia. We offer more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to empower our 47,000 students to become thought leaders, lifelong learners, and informed global citizens. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics draw students from throughout the region and from more than 100 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, rich benefits, and values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia. We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University in our vision. Come Take Flight at KSU!

Location

Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144.

Job Summary

Leads strategic enrollment growth for the departments graduate programs by spearheading business development and corporate outreach efforts in the greater Metro Atlanta area. Establishes and cultivates relationships with corporate entities to market the graduate programs, aiming to boost student enrollment. Develops and implements a comprehensive recruitment strategy, representing the college and university brand to corporate leaders. Fosters engagement through speaking opportunities, mentorship programs, and collaborative activities. Manages alumni relations, designs, and executes special events, and secures foundational sponsorships. Stays informed about industry trends and competitive dynamics to ensure alignment with enrollment goals and strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Engages corporate entities to establish the college as a preferred educational partner
2. Develops and maintains new business relationships with corporations and professional organizations
3. Develops and cultivates corporate relationships to sustain and positively impact the graduate programs
4. Increases industry and corporate relationships to build a workforce pipeline
5. Serves as the primary point of contact for business opportunities related to the graduate programs
6. Designs, builds, and implements innovative enrollment growth strategies through business development and corporate outreach
7. Identifies and analyzes market trends, competition, and emerging opportunities to refine outreach and recruitment strategies
8. Develops recruitment strategies to attract, promote, and retain highly qualified, talented, and diverse candidates
9. Works with University Development to identify and create funding opportunities
10. Analyzes data and metrics to measure the success of business development and outreach initiatives and adjust strategies as needed
11. Conducts research on market trends, funding opportunities, and marketing channels to determine effective recruitment strategies
12. Leads and manages the operational aspects of recruitment and networking events
13. Represents the college's programs in industry, recruiting, and community and business events to enhance visibility and build professional networks
14. Builds and maintains relationships with graduate program alumni to drive engagement and leverage networks for corporate referrals
15. Develops strategies to create lasting alumni relationships and view the college as a continued resource
16. Collaborates with other college corporate and community relations personnel to identify engagement opportunities
17. Serves as an ambassador for the college's graduate programs in the community

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education

Eight (8) years of experience in business development, corporate outreach, or a similar role

Preferred Qualifications

An advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field

Previous experience in higher education

Goal oriented and customer service focused with a strong desire to serve prospective students

Proven track record of developing and executing successful recruitment and business development strategies

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Able to build relationships across diverse departments and stakeholders.
• Able to manage complex operations, develop innovative solutions, and execute strategic goals
• Able to analyze market trends and competitive landscape to inform strategic decisions
• Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills
• Strong leadership with the ability to drive strategic initiatives
• Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite)
• Strong attention to detail and follow up skills
• Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community.

Other Information

This is a supervisory position.
This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
This position will be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time

Background Check

• Standard Enhanced
• MVR
• Education Verification

Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility.

All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials.