Job Summary
Corporate Relations Specialist
Purdue University | College of Science | West Lafayette, IN
Help connect Purdue science with the partners, possibilities, and resources that move ideas forward.
The Corporate Relations Specialist supports industry engagement and business development activities for the College of Science, with a particular focus on advancing partnerships connected to the Data Mine and other industry‑facing initiatives. Reporting to the Director of Corporate Relations, this role collaborates with faculty, staff, corporate partners, and university stakeholders to cultivate relationships, coordinate client engagement, and support externally funded collaborations. The position is a strong fit for someone who enjoys strategic relationship management and connecting corporate needs with Purdue’s research strengths and applied learning opportunities.
What You’ll Do
- Support and expand corporate engagement efforts across the College of Science
- Identify opportunities for partnerships, sponsorships, client engagement, and externally funded collaborations
- Collaborate with faculty, staff, and university stakeholders to align corporate interests with Purdue expertise
- Help coordinate outreach, follow-up, and relationship management with current and prospective partners
- Contribute to the development of partnership strategies, materials, and engagement plans
- Track activity, maintain records, and help ensure timely communication and next steps
- Support events, meetings, and presentations that strengthen Purdue’s industry connections
What You Bring
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with diverse audiences
- Experience in relationship management, business development, advancement, fundraising, or a related field
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work collaboratively across teams and manage multiple priorities
- Clear communication skills, both written and verbal
Why Purdue?
At Purdue, partnership work is about more than transactions — it is about creating connections that support discovery, talent development, and real-world impact. You’ll join an environment that values collaboration, innovation, and purposeful engagement, with opportunities to help shape how industry and academia work together to solve meaningful challenges. The College of Science offers a strong foundation for building relationships that can lead to new research, new opportunities, and lasting impact.
What We're Looking For
Education and Experience Required:
- Bachelor’s degree
- At least two (2) years of combined experience of:
- working in corporate relations, industry affairs, or government relations
- high-level presentations and verbal and written communication
- coordinating with a variety of groups such as faculty and industry personnel
- Experience working diplomatically with corporate c-suite or university leadership
Preferred:
- Major in a computational science, life science, physical science, or business.
- Advanced degree
- Experience collaborating with academic and industry professionals
- Broad experience or knowledge across computational, life scientific, or physical science disciplines
Skills Required:
- Foundational Knowledge of Science and Industry Engagement: Working knowledge of scientific, academic, or business environments sufficient to support industry partnerships and student‑focused engagement activities
- Partnership and Coordination Support: Ability to assist with corporate partnership activities by coordinating with faculty, industry partners, alumni, and campus offices such as the Office of Industry Partnerships and Purdue Innovates
- Effective Professional Communication: Solid written and verbal communication skills to support presentations, prepare materials, and communicate clearly and professionally with internal and external stakeholders
- Project and Process Organization: Ability to organize tasks, track projects and partnership activities, manage basic data and documentation, and support process improvements under general supervision
Additional Information:
- Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
- A background check will be required for employment in this position
- FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
- Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period
- Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days
Career Stream
Professional 2
- Pay Band S065
- Job Code #20003788
Career path maker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/
Who We Are
Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Purdue University is an EOE employer.