(On-site) Director of University Partnerships - Strategic Partnerships and Licensing

%3Cp%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EThe Department of Strategic Partnerships and Licensing at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Director of University Partnerships.%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3Cp%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3E%3Cstrong%3EAbout the Opportunity%3C/strong%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3Cp%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EThe Director of University Partnerships is a valuable strategic member of the West Virginia University Strategic Partnerships and Licensing team. They will be responsible for overseeing all non-athletic third party engagement activities on campus involving the sale and fulfillment of sponsorships and relationship building with corporate partners and other clients and businesses. This role is responsible for identifying, developing, and managing key relationships with corporate partners, and community organizations to drive revenue, enhance academic programs and the student experience while supporting the university’s long-term vision. This position will build, solidify and grow the University’s partnership program. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic leader to play a key role in shaping university partnerships and institutional growth. The Director of University Partnerships will have a significant impact on expanding academic access, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation in higher education.%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3Cp%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EWe strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3Cul%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3E37.5-hour work week%26nbsp;%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3E13 paid holidays (%3C/span%3E%3Ca href=%22https://talentandculture.wvu.edu/benefits-and-compensation/holiday-schedule%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3Estaff holiday calendar%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3E)%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3E24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (%3C/span%3E%3Ca href=%22https://talentandculture.wvu.edu/benefits-and-compensation/time-off/ee-leave%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3Eemployee leave%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3E)%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3E18 sick days per year (for when you’re ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family’s, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EWVU offers a range of %3C/span%3E%3Ca href=%22https://talentandculture.wvu.edu/benefits-and-compensation/insurance-plans%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3Ehealth insurance and other benefits%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3E401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for %3C/span%3E%3Ca href=%22https://talentandculture.wvu.edu/benefits-and-compensation/retirement%22%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3Emore retirement benefits information%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3E? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ’s.%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EWellness programs%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3C/ul%3E%3Cp%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3E%3Cstrong%3EWhat You%27ll Do%3C/strong%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3Cp%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EStrategy%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3Cul%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EDevelop and execute a strategic plan to establish and grow university, corporate, and community partnerships.%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EDevelop strategy and plans for sponsorship growth.%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3ESupport all sponsorship efforts with a long-term vision for growth.%26nbsp;%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EResearch and identify prospective sponsors.%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EDiscover areas where existing partnerships will benefit the University.%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3ERepresent the University as the lead for sponsorships.%26nbsp;%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EMonitor and analyze market trends, competitor initiatives, and emerging opportunities to inform partnership strategy.%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EOversee full-time staff and student workers on the sponsorships team.%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3C/ul%3E%3Cp%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3ERelationship building and sales%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3Cul%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EIdentify and develop sponsorship opportunities independently and with campus partners and ensure operating agreements with all campus partners are in place.%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EFully understand the University’s assets and be able to turn these assets into enticing sponsorship packages, based on the needs/wants of a partner.%26nbsp;%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EIdentify and cultivate relationships with corporate sponsors and other clients and businesses that make strategic sense with the University’s values.%26nbsp;%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EWork with existing partners to build and maintain relationship in an effort to deepen the partnership.%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EWork with partners to identify areas of growth and improvement.%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EWork with campus stakeholders to identify opportunities for corporate partnership.%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EWork with key representatives from around the University (e.g. Alumni Association, Athletics, Corporate Relations, Procurement, WVU Foundation).%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3C/ul%3E%3Cp%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EExecution%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3Cul%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EDevelop comprehensive sponsorship proposals.%26nbsp;%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EResponsible for identifying corporate sponsorship prospects, engaging these prospects directly including the negotiation and solicitation of funds, documenting the negotiated terms and obtaining signed sponsorship agreements.%26nbsp;%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EEnsure the execution of contractual obligations.%26nbsp;%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EMonitor sponsorship budget, particularly revenues for sponsorships and associated costs to execute sponsorships.%26nbsp;%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EEnsure sponsorship agreements are comprehensive and do not overlap with other existing partnerships at the University.%26nbsp;%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EEducate and coordinate with campus departments to ensure contract compliance.%26nbsp;%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EKeep stakeholders informed of problems, concerns, and potential areas of growth.%26nbsp;%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3ECurate and provide performance reports to corporate partners and internal stakeholders.%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EResearch business partnerships at peer institutions to help implement similar programs.%26nbsp;%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EContinuous review of current systems and processes to identify roadblocks as well as inefficiencies.%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EDocument and manage project workflow for their respective areas of the contract with appropriate contract delegates%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EProvide all necessary support and customer service to clients throughout the entire sales cycle.%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EUpdate an existing list of University assets; monitor and audit on a yearly basis.%26nbsp;%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EManage necessary equipment and items for sponsorship and advertising fulfillment.%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3C/ul%3E%3Cp%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EOther%26nbsp;%3C/span%3E%3C/p%3E%3Cul%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EActively represent Partnerships office in meetings, project teams, presentations, etc.%26nbsp;%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EActively engage in work to build WVU%27s visibility, enhance reputation, and build relationships with key audiences.%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EIdentify ways to build WVU%27s visibility and enhance its reputation through innovative sponsorships.%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3Cli%3E%3Cspan style=%22font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;%22%3EOversee, execute, and/or support events.%26nbsp;%3C/span%3E%3C/li%3E%3C/ul%3E

• Bachelor’s degree in related field
• A minimum of five (5) years of related experience is required
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated excellence of successful relationships built that led to sales. 
• Demonstrated excellence in developing strong customer relationships.
• Demonstrated excellence in brainstorming. 
• Demonstrated excellence in sponsorships trends, with demonstrated ability to analyze these trends and provide ways to execute them at WVU.
• Demonstrated excellence to deal with sensitive and sometimes confidential information appropriately.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee budgets and manage other necessary analytics/reporting needs.  
• Demonstrated ability to lead groups and projects. 
• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute events and experiences. 
• Demonstrated ability in organizing tasks, documents and materials with efficiency and accuracy.
• Experience in clearly articulating (written and verbal) strategies and plans to achieve goals.
• Experience in managing multiple projects with competing priorities.
• Self-starter and can lead independently and proactively.
• Strong analytical skills, problem-solving and high attention to detail.
• Ability to adhere to WVU brand guidelines.
• Ability to keep up with changing technology as it impacts sponsorships and make necessary changes.
• Physical ability to be set up, tear down and execute brand activations. 

*!

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.

Job Details
Job Posting: Sep 1, 2026
Posting Classification: Non-Classified
Exemption Status: Exempt
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Schedule: Full-time