Development Associate, Industry Partnerships - University Advancement

At Carnegie Mellon University, we do the work that matters to solve real-world problems. And at the Center for Business Engagement (CBE), we facilitate the connections that make that work possible. The CBE team works with both external industry and government partners and CMU faculty seeking to collaborate with those partners. We start and guide the conversations — with the right people — that lead to sponsored research partnerships, tech transfer, capstone projects, talent recruitment and much more.

We are currently searching for a Development Associate, Industry Partnerships to join our team. This position serves as a strategic partner to corporate relations staff, providing comprehensive gift agreement administration, prospect management, and data-driven analysis support. This position plays a pivotal role in advancing the institution’s philanthropic and research priorities by overseeing corporate gift agreement processes, supporting prospect operations strategy development, maintaining data integrity, leveraging technology and analytics to inform fundraising efforts, and coordinating meaningful corporate communications and engagement activities.  This role serves as a primary liaison between Research administration and Gift Administration to support sponsored research projects, implementing the conflict-of-interest policies and supporting the Office of Sponsored Projects export controls policies.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, Business Engagement, this position will support the full corporate fundraising lifecycle by ensuring the accuracy and quality of constituent and fundraising data, preparing strategic materials for cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and engagement activities. The role also contributes to the development and execution of initiatives that strengthen corporate partnerships and advance institutional fundraising goals by providing key data using not only Salesforce, but the other data collection systems through the office of research. This position sits at the intersection of two departments and leads the translation of both research and gift data to the institution as well as external partners, as needed.  This role will also continue to support corporate partners in the implementation of the Salesforce across University Advancement.

The ideal candidate is an organized, analytical, entrepreneurial and results-oriented professional with exceptional attention to detail and a strong commitment to service excellence. This individual is adept at managing multiple priorities, translating data into actionable insights, and utilizing emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence–enabled tools, to enhance fundraising operations, improve efficiency, and support informed decision-making. Success in this role requires a proactive mindset, strong collaboration skills, and the ability to build effective relationships with both internal and external stakeholders

Core Responsibilities

- Managing the full lifecycle of corporate gift agreements, which includes reviewing and evaluating corporate gift and grant projects to determine appropriate classification, identify contractual and compliance risks, and ensure alignment with university policies, CASE standards, IRS requirements, and research security, foreign influence, export control, and conflict-of-interest requirements.
- Partnering with prospect managers to increase their efficiency and effectiveness as frontline fundraisers, particularly as it relates to salesforce and data analysis
- Assisting prospect managers in the drafting and finalization of prospect briefings, profiles, and reports for university leaders; internal presentations; prospect correspondence; fundraising proposals; and gift agreements, ensuring that the highest quality products are created within required time parameters
- Conducting targeted research and data analysis to power corporate prospect identification, strategy development, portfolio management, and meaningful donor stewardship
- Developing reports, dashboards, presentations, and other materials that provide actionable insights and support fundraising strategy and decision-making.
- Maintaining the accuracy and integrity of corporate contact data within University Advancement’s CRM system and related fundraising platforms.
- Coordinating corporate partner engagement activities, including meetings, visits, special events, logistics, and follow-up communications.
- Managing and completing a variety of special projects requiring skills in data analysis, writing/editing, and collaborative problem-solving.
- Leveraging fundraising technologies, business intelligence tools, and emerging solutions, including artificial intelligence applications, to improve processes and workflows, reporting, and operational effectiveness.
- Leading in implementing technology solutions that support prospect management, gift and research administration, and fundraising analytics.
- Maintaining familiarity with emerging technologies and best practices that support advancement operations and donor engagement.
- Performing other duties as assigned.

Minimum Experience

- Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace applications, including advanced use of Excel for data analysis and reporting, Word for document development, and PowerPoint for leadership-level presentations.
- Experience utilizing CRM systems, reporting tools, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence applications.
- Strong project management, organizational, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Ability to analyze data, interpret findings, and communicate insights effectively.
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively in a team environment.

Preferred Experience

- Experience using Salesforce CRM and related fundraising or constituent relationship management platforms.
- Experience with Microsoft Power BI for dashboard development, reporting, and business intelligence.
- Familiarity with Snowflake data warehouse environments and cloud-based data solutions.
- Experience using Tableau, Looker, or other business intelligence and visualization tools.
- Experience supporting corporate philanthropy, gift administration, donor stewardship, or prospect development functions.
- Experience working within higher education, nonprofit fundraising, or advancement environments.
- Demonstrated ability to responsibly leverage artificial intelligence tools to improve productivity, efficiency, data analysis, content development, and business processes.
- Curiosity and commitment to exploring innovative technologies that enhance fundraising operations and donor engagement.

Education Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree required.
- 3–5 years of development experience required; experience in higher education setting preferred.
- A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

- Background check required

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits , take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays , and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access , and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page .

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Job Function
Development
Position Type
Staff – Regular
Full Time/Part time
Part time
Pay Basis
Salary
More Information:

- Please visit “ Why Carnegie Mellon ” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
- Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
- Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran .
- Statement of Assurance