Director of Corporate Partnerships

Position Summary:

The Director of Corporate Partnerships (New York) will build deep and lasting partnerships between the university and business/industry as well as other strategic external entities that result in significant investment via student and alumni hires, co-marketing, executive education and training, as well as sponsored investments in other projects and/or research/philanthropy. As an integral member of the Vanderbilt University–New York City team and the university’s Center for Corporate Partnerships, this individual will help establish the NYC campus as a hub for corporate engagement, connecting New York City business and industry leaders with Vanderbilt’s academic programs, research enterprise, students, and broader institutional priorities.

This position requires careful attention and guidance to manage expectations, facilitate experiences, and drive results. Insightful and continuous matchmaking, progress tracking, story capturing, best practices research, and co-creation are essential aspects of advancing such partnerships. Providing a single point of contact for the primary interface for a portfolio of strategic partner organizations with Vanderbilt, to organize across and support holistic engagement across the university, is essential to create and grow these lasting partnerships.

The Director of Corporate Partnerships role based at the New York City campus serves as the primary interface for an assigned portfolio of strategic external partner companies on behalf of Vanderbilt University in New York, continuously connecting these clients with VU programs and initiatives across the entire portfolio to solve their business needs and increase revenue and other value for VU programs.

About the Work Unit:

The Center for Corporate Partnerships provides central leadership to coordinate and advance corporate engagement across Vanderbilt University. The CCP stewards and connects any opportunities with business and industry, is a continuous resource for faculty and staff, and provides unified relationship management with key corporate accounts the university collaborates with. The CCP is a key component of the newly launched Vanderbilt Enterprises initiative.

Vanderbilt Enterprises is a strategic initiative launched to unlock the full potential of Vanderbilt University’s assets—facilities, services, and partnerships—to generate sustainable revenue and support long-term institutional priorities. Led by CEO Markus Schreyer, the venture draws inspiration from global best practices across industries, including hospitality, sports, and entertainment.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Cultivate and Maintain External Partnerships 

• Serve as the Vanderbilt University focal for a portfolio of strategic partner companies to elevate engagement, drive value, and increase financial investment. 

• Create and implement client account plans to map existing alignment and forge strong, value-added relationships through achievement of identified partner business objectives.