Partner Relationship and Account Manager - Internal Only

Department Summary:The mission of VCU’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) is to maximize philanthropic support by engaging stakeholders with our institution working in partnership with all VCU schools, programs and campuses as one development and alumni relations community and implementing the best practices and efficient strategies to achieve a comprehensive development program.

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Partner Relationship and Account Manager serves as a liaison between the Strategic Marketing and Engagement team and DAR partners. This role is pivotal in ensuring that each partner’s marketing, communications, stewardship and event needs are effectively identified, documented and executed in support of VCU’s strategic goals, DAR’s campaign goals and the area’s specific goals for fundraising and engagement. This account management position initiates and maintains regular communications with partners, transforming their needs into actionable project plans and collaborating with SME project managers to ensure successful project execution. Additionally, this position provides critical operational support, including meeting management across accounts. The Partner Relationship and Account Manager reports to the Director of Marketing & Partner Relationships and will interact with internal DAR partners and colleagues throughout VCU.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain strong relationships with partners. Ensure high levels of partner satisfaction by addressing concerns and keeping open lines of communication. 
• Communicate with partners to solidify needs into distinct project plans.
• With SME project managers, serve as a point of contact for partners, ensuring their needs are understood and met and supporting them through the lifecycle of each project.
• Develop detailed project plans that serve as “contracts” with the partners, outlining the scope, objectives and deliverables of each project.
• Collaborate with project managers to detail the work required for each project.
• Engage as a member of the SME Strategy Team, contributing the voice of the partner and their intentions to the overall strategy. 
• As possible, provide constituent-centric insights and recommendations based on past performance metrics, project scope, resources, capacity and industry best practices. 
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between partners and the SME team. 
• Coordinate and schedule meetings with partners and stakeholders.
• Assist in calendar management by helping check proposed project send/launch dates against existing project timelines to prevent scheduling conflicts.
• Execute routine data entry and conduct cleanup efforts within project management software.
• Manage expectations with partners. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in marketing or related field, or equivalent work experience
• Minimum of three years of experience in account management, project management or related role
• Knowledge of marketing channels and best practices to create marketing project plans for numerous projects.
• Experience using project management software, such as Smartsheet.
• Excellent customer service skills and ability to anticipate partner needs.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace).
• Ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks and deadlines with frequent interruptions while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Certified Client Relationship Manager, Certified Associate in Project Management, or equivalent certification.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Experience in an academic medical center, healthcare, or higher education (Research I) setting or similar complex environments.
• Familiarity with development and alumni relations.
• Smartsheet power user.

Interested applicants are required to submit a resume and cover letter for consideration.

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

VCU is also committed to hiring veterans. The University will include a veteran’s period(s) of military service in calculations of the annual leave accrual rate. This may provide veterans with an increased leave accrual.

Unit: Development MBU

Department: Operations

Salary Range: $70,000-$75,000

University Job Title: 19244N - Sr Project Administrator GA 1

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Yes; remote work available

Eligible for sponsorship (e.g. H-IB visa status, etc.): No

Wireless stipend: Yes

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Izzy Kane
Contact Email: irkane@vcu.edu