Director, Industry Engagement

The Director of Industry Engagement leads the development, cultivation, and management of strategic partnerships between the College of Arts and Sciences and industry sponsors. This role serves as a key liaison among faculty, industry partners, ASC Office for Career and Professional Success, Corporate and Foundation Engagement, Office of Sponsored Research, research administration, other university corporate engagement teams and stakeholders to expand sponsored research opportunities, support talent acquisition, accelerate innovation, and strengthen the college's research enterprise. 

Works with a high degree of autonomy to identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with existing and prospective industry partners. Develop strategies to increase industry-sponsored research funding and collaborative opportunities. Serve as a trusted advisor to faculty and industry representatives regarding partnership opportunities. Represent the institution at industry, research, and economic development events. Facilitate connections between faculty expertise and industry research needs. Support the development of large-scale strategic partnerships and multidisciplinary collaborations. Work with academic leaders to identify institutional strengths and emerging opportunities. Develop partnership models that align academic priorities with industry objectives. Support faculty in developing competitive industry-sponsored research proposals. Coordinate with research administration, legal, intellectual property, and compliance offices. Assist in negotiating research agreements, sponsorship terms, and partnership frameworks. Ensure alignment with institutional policies and sponsor requirements. Maintain a portfolio of strategic industry relationships. Monitor partnership performance and identify opportunities for expansion. Facilitate regular communications and executive-level engagement with industry sponsors. Address challenges and ensure successful collaboration outcomes. Develop metrics to assess partnership effectiveness and research impact. Track industry engagement activities, proposal submissions, funding outcomes, and partnership growth. Prepare reports and presentations for institutional leadership. Recommend improvements to processes and partnership strategies.

Required: Bachelor’s degree in business administration or relevant field. Eight years of relevant experience in business development or university research developing, cultivating, and leading relationships is required. Significant experience in research administration, corporate engagement, business development, technology commercialization, or related fields. Demonstrated success developing and managing complex external partnerships. Strong understanding of sponsored research and university-industry collaboration models. Excellent communication, relationship-building, negotiation, and project management skills.

Desired: Master's degree in business administration or relevant field. Experience working within higher education or research-intensive organizations. Knowledge of intellectual property, licensing, and innovation ecosystems. Experience supporting large multidisciplinary research initiatives. Familiarity with federal, state, and industry-sponsored research environments.

The College of the Arts and Sciences Office of Industry Partnerships and Research Collaboration (OIPRC) is seeking a Director of Industry Engagement. The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest college and the academic heart of the university. The College hosts 81 majors. With 38 departments, 20+ world-class research centers, and more than 2,000 faculty and staff members, students have the unique opportunity to study with the best artists, scholars, and scientists in their field.

The pay range for this job profile is $130,800 - $169,900. The offer for this position will fall within this range based on internal equity, unit's available budget, and the candidate's qualifications.