Job Summary
The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) at Harvard University seeks an innovative, collaborative, and entrepreneurial Director of Industry Alliances to lead the development and strategic management of relationships between the Sciences Division and industry partners.
Reporting directly to the Dean of Science, the Director will build relationships with companies, foundations, investors, and other external organizations to advance research collaborations, educational initiatives, talent development, technology translation, and other strategic opportunities. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted bridge between Harvard faculty industry partners, and where appropriate the Office of Technology and Development. The Director will identify areas of shared interest and create partnerships that support scientific discovery, innovation, and societal impact.
The Director will work across disciplines and Harvard administrative units, including research administration, technology transfer, corporate relations, development, sponsored programs, communications, all in close collaboration with academic leadership. This position requires exceptional relationship-building skills, sound judgment, strategic vision, and the ability to operate effectively in a complex, highly collaborative academic environment.
Job-Specific Responsibilities
Faculty and Researcher Engagement
- Serve as a primary point of contact for faculty and researchers seeking to explore or expand industry relationships
- Learn and communicate the research strengths, capabilities, and priorities of the Sciences Division to prospective partners
- Facilitate introductions and conversations between faculty and industry representatives
- Help translate scientific research and academic priorities into compelling partnership concepts for external audiences
- Support the development of proposals, briefing materials, presentations, and partnership agreements in collaboration with relevant University offices
- Promote interdisciplinary opportunities that bring together faculty and researchers from multiple scientific fields
Industry Strategy and Partnership Development
- Develop and implement a comprehensive industry engagement strategy for the Division of Science aligned with academic, research, and institutional priorities
- Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with companies and industry leaders across relevant sectors, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, energy, climate technology, advanced materials, artificial intelligence, computing, and other emerging fields
- Identify opportunities for mutually beneficial collaborations involving faculty, researchers, students, laboratories, centers, and academic programs
- Develop partnership models that may include sponsored research, collaborative research programs, strategic gifts, fellowships, internships, executive education, student recruitment, equipment support, and innovation initiatives
- Build a strong pipeline of prospective industry partners and maintain accurate records of relationship activity, opportunities, and outcomes
- Advise academic leaders and faculty on effective approaches to industry engagement and partnership development
Partnership Management and Stewardship
- Build and manage a portfolio of high-value industry relationships from initial engagement through implementation and renewal
- Establish clear goals, deliverables, timelines, and success measures for strategic partnerships
- Coordinate internal stakeholders to ensure effective communication and execution of partnership commitments
- Monitor partnership performance and prepare regular reports and recommendations for academic and administrative leadership
- Develop stewardship and engagement plans that deepen relationships and support long-term collaboration
- Represent the Sciences Division at industry conferences, scientific meetings, corporate events, and University functions
Cross-Campus Collaboration
- Collaborate with Harvard offices and units responsible for sponsored research, technology licensing and transfer, corporate relations, development, research compliance, intellectual property, communications, and legal affairs
- Coordinate with relevant schools, institutes, centers, and laboratories across Harvard to identify opportunities for cross-school and University-wide engagement
- Help ensure that industry partnerships are developed and managed in accordance with Harvard policies and applicable legal, ethical, research, and conflict-of-interest requirements
- Participate in University-wide initiatives related to innovation, entrepreneurship, research translation, and external engagement
Innovation and External Engagement
- Monitor trends in science, technology, investment, and industry to identify emerging partnership opportunities
- Develop forums, roundtables, symposia, workshops, and other programs that connect faculty and students with industry leaders
- Support opportunities for student engagement, including internships, mentoring, experiential learning, career pathways, and industry-sponsored projects
- Contribute to efforts that advance the translation of scientific discoveries into practical applications and broader societal impact
- Represent the Division of Science with professionalism, credibility, and discretion in external settings
Working Conditions: Work is performed in an office setting; this is a hybrid position requiring three (3) days on campus (minimum)
Physical Requirements: Sitting and using near vision for reading and computer work for extended periods of time
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, business, public policy, communications, or a related field.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in industry relations, research partnerships, business development, corporate engagement, technology commercialization, scientific program management, or a related area.
- Demonstrated experience developing and managing relationships with corporate, scientific, philanthropic, or other external partners.
- Experience working with scientists, researchers, academic leaders, or technical professionals in a complex organization.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- MBA or other advanced degree in a scientific, engineering, business, policy, or related discipline strongly preferred
- Experience in higher education, research institutions, life sciences, biotechnology, healthcare, climate and environmental science, advanced technology, or a related sector
- Understanding of sponsored research, intellectual property, technology transfer, research compliance, and university-industry collaboration
- Demonstrated ability to understand and communicate complex scientific concepts to both technical and nontechnical audiences
- Experience structuring or supporting multidisciplinary, multi-party partnerships
- Knowledge of the venture capital, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, technology, energy, or nonprofit research ecosystems
- Experience working within a large, decentralized, or matrixed organization
Skills and Competencies
- Exceptional relationship-building, listening, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Strategic and entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities and turn them into actionable partnerships.
- Excellent written, oral, and presentation skills.
- Ability to communicate credibly with faculty, scientists, executives, investors, government representatives, and students.
- Strong project-management skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders with sound judgment.
- Demonstrated discretion and ability to handle confidential or sensitive information.
- Commitment to collaboration, inclusion, academic excellence, and ethical engagement.
- Comfort working independently while contributing effectively to a team-oriented environment.
Additional Information
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
- Other Information: All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.
Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University's Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 060. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Generous paid time off including parental leave
- Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
- Retirement plans with university contributions
- Wellbeing and mental health resources
- Support for families and caregivers
- Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
- Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks
Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.