Darian J. Richardson
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Knowledgeable strategy and engagement leader with 15+ years of experience with a proven history of leading high-performing teams and executing strategic initiatives that drive organizational growth. Successfully directed cross-functional projects that resulted in significant process improvements and operational efficiencies. Demonstrated leadership and communication skills in fostering collaborative environments and delivering impactful results.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, External Partnerships & Strategy
BABCO
01.2025 - Current
- Led enterprise partnership and growth strategy across corporate, investor, and ecosystem stakeholders to support organizational scale and long-term sustainability.
- Designed and implemented governance and evaluation frameworks assessing operational maturity, leadership readiness, and investment alignment.
- Advised executive leadership and Board on growth strategy, external partnerships, and capital engagement models, strengthening brand credibility and positioning the organization for scalable impact.
Senior Manager, Global Community Engagement
META (formerly Facebook)
01.2018 - 01.2024
- Directed global enterprise engagement strategy across 100+ employee communities, supporting leadership effectiveness, talent retention, and organizational performance.
- Expanded international engagement programs, achieving 35% year-over-year growth in participation across multiple regions.
- Designed and operationalized global governance models, operating cadences, and KPI frameworks to improve accountability, consistency, and execution.
- Managed a multi-million global operating budget, aligning investments with strategic priorities and measurable outcomes.
- Partnered cross-functionally with HR, Legal, Communications, and business leaders to streamline workflows, mitigate risk, and translate engagement insights into executive-ready dashboards.
Founder & Director, Strategic Sales
RMC FRANCHISE CONNECT
01.2009 - 01.2018
- Founded and scaled a national economic mobility platform connecting entrepreneurs to franchise ownership opportunities.
- Developed and executed market expansion and go-to-market strategies driving 68% year-over-year revenue growth.
- Secured $650K+ in capital access through partnerships with banks, lenders, legal advisors, and public-sector stakeholders.
- Built scalable partnership ecosystems and education programs supporting business readiness, leadership development, and operational execution.
Assistant Director, Experiential Education and External Relations
XAVIER UNIVERSITY
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Launched the university's first employer-driven career development initiative for undergraduate students, surpassing partnership goals by 85%.
- Within six months, built a portfolio of 70+ new employer partners, driving a 23% increase in credit-bearing internships.
- Collaborated closely with Alumni Relations and the Admissions Office on grant proposals that generated over $500,000 in incremental annual funding.
Adjunct Professor, School of Business, Law and Technology
UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Recognized as the 2014-2015 Part-Time Faculty Member of the Year based on student nominations.
- Leveraged strong relationships with Fortune 500 companies and emerging startups to create new internship opportunities, enhancing student career outcomes and real-world exposure.
Partner and Head of New Business Development
PROMOTION EXECUTION PARTNERS (Procter & Gamble affiliate)
01.2004 - 01.2009
- Founded marketing/project management firm supporting Proctor & Gamble billion dollar brands.
- Delivered 20% annual growth by crafting innovative business development and supplier diversity strategies.
- Led college recruitment strategy and campus activations, overseeing the company's internship program in partnership with HBCUs and other strategic university partners to build a strong early-career talent pipeline.
Client Relationship Executive/University Relations Manager
RED PLUM (formerly Valassis)
01.1999 - 01.2004
- Developed strategic marketing solutions for Fortune 500 clients.
- Partnered with recruiting leadership to advance a national hiring strategy for senior Sales Consultants, contributing to a 40% decrease in time-to-hire and a 95% offer-acceptance rate through targeted sourcing and enhanced candidate engagement.
- Led company's first minority internship program; achieving a 71% full-time conversion rate through tailored recruitment and coaching.
Education
Masters of Science - Administration, Organizational Communication
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Mt. Pleasant, MichiganBachelor of Business Administration - Marketing
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Allendale, MichiganSkills
- Talent Management
- College Recruitment
- Equity and Inclusion Program Leadership
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Executive Stakeholder Engagement
- Strategic Planning
- Process Optimization
- Budget Management
- Resource Management
- Executive Communications
Leadership And Strategic Expertise
- Talent Management & College Recruitment
- Equity and Inclusion Program Leadership
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Governance & Operating Rhythms
- Executive Stakeholder Engagement
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Process Optimization
- Budget & Resource Management
- Executive Communications & Presentations
Timeline
Director, External Partnerships & Strategy
BABCO
01.2025 - Current
Senior Manager, Global Community Engagement
META (formerly Facebook)
01.2018 - 01.2024
Assistant Director, Experiential Education and External Relations
XAVIER UNIVERSITY
01.2014 - 01.2017
Adjunct Professor, School of Business, Law and Technology
UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
01.2013 - 01.2015
Founder & Director, Strategic Sales
RMC FRANCHISE CONNECT
01.2009 - 01.2018
Partner and Head of New Business Development
PROMOTION EXECUTION PARTNERS (Procter & Gamble affiliate)
01.2004 - 01.2009
Client Relationship Executive/University Relations Manager
RED PLUM (formerly Valassis)
01.1999 - 01.2004
Masters of Science - Administration, Organizational Communication
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY