Director of External Partnerships and Translation

Virginia Jobs$100K — $107K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of relevant professional experience in innovation or entrepreneurship.
  • Experience establishing startups directly or on behalf of others.
  • Expertise in taking research products to market.
  • Proven track record in fostering innovation.
  • Strong research background as a scientist or administrator.
  • Knowledge of research contract negotiation.
  • Effective communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Champion entrepreneurism within the School of Data Science.
  • Collaborate with the UVA Chief Innovation Officer to enhance innovation across the university.
  • Develop new start-ups from high-potential research with the UVA Licensing & Ventures Group.
  • Establish partnerships through the Office for the Vice President for Research.
  • Create pathways from research to market, working with faculty and staff.
  • Develop strategic partnerships addressing workforce needs and societal impact.
  • Mentor students and faculty in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement plans.
  • Support for professional development and continued education.
  • Opportunity to engage with a diverse community of innovators and researchers.
  • Access to advanced resources and facilities within the university.
  • Chance to shape the future of data science and entrepreneurship.
Full Job Description
Position Overview: The School of Data Science (SDS) at the University of Virginia seeks a Director of External Partnerships and Translation. Primary Responsibilities: • Develop and implement strategies that increase the visibility, adoption, and real-world application of SDS research, expertise, and intellectual assets. • Connect faculty scholarship with opportunities for sponsored research, executive education, public engagement, licensing, commercialization, and other impact pathways. • Partner with university units to identify and advance research outputs with potential for broader societal, economic, or organizational impact. • Identify emerging organizational and workforce needs that can inform new educational and partnership initiatives. • Closely support the SDS Industry Partners Program and related initiatives to strengthen external engagement and impact. • Facilitate introductions and relationship-building activities that lead to externally funded collaborations. • Support the development of interdisciplinary partnerships that increase research funding, visibility, and societal impact. Administrative Responsibilities: • Develop and maintain metrics that assess partnership development, research translation, external engagement, sponsored research growth, executive education participation, and societal impact. • Prepare annual and quarterly reports for SDS leadership summarizing activities, outcomes, opportunities, and barriers. • Develop and manage an annual operating budget. Minimum Qualifications: Candidates must demonstrate the following qualifications: • Experience developing and managing strategic external partnerships. • Experience supporting research translation, technology transfer, knowledge mobilization, community-engaged scholarship, sponsored research, or related activities. • Knowledge of research administration, sponsored programs, or partnership development processes. • Experience working across organizational boundaries to build collaborations and achieve shared goals. • Excellent communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement skills. • Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical or research concepts for diverse audiences. Preferred Qualifications: Candidates should demonstrate the following qualifications: • Experience working in higher education, research organizations, government, nonprofit, or industry settings. • Experience developing sponsored research partnerships or externally funded collaborations. • Familiarity with intellectual property, licensing, commercialization, or venture development processes. • Experience designing executive education, workforce development, or professional learning initiatives. • Working knowledge of data science, artificial intelligence, analytics, or related fields. • Experience supporting interdisciplinary research and collaboration. • Ability to work effectively with faculty, university leadership, and external stakeholders. Application Instructions: To apply for this position, please submit the following items as individual files: • Cover letter including a statement that outlines your philosophy on cultivating an environment of entrepreneurship and innovation across disciplines and disparate environment - (no more than 250 words). • Curriculum vitae. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Salary of $100k - $107k based on education and experience, plus performance based incentive plan tbd with hiring manager. For questions about the application process please contact Daniel Strong, Senior Recruiter at das6zb [redacted].edu This is an Exempt level, benefited position. The University will perform background checks on all hires (if required) prior to employment. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. For this role, the University will not sponsor or consider candidates requiring sponsorship for employment visas now or in the future. This is a Restricted (term limited) position. Base salary commensurate with experience and education, with supplemental performance-based incentive package. Please apply through the University job board, Careers at UVA , and search for . Applicants must complete an application online with the following documents: a resume and cover letter. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Education: Bachelor's degree required. Experience: 7+ years of relevant professional experience required. Licensure: None. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs. Job Profile J2005 - Academic Programs Professional 4 Career Stream and Level Professional-P4

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