Job Summary

The Director or Senior Manager of the Industry Liaison Office is responsible for supporting faculty in identifying, securing, and managing industry-sponsored research funding; leading and unifying industry-sponsored research and outreach activities; and specifically supporting industry interactions in the Price College of Engineering (PCOE). This position reports to the Chief Research Officer (CRO) and Vice Provost for Research Planning and Partnerships, Academic Affairs (AA). The selected candidate will be located in PCOE and spend roughly 85% of their time there, with a dotted-line report to the Dean of PCOE for day-to-day activities. The remaining 15% will support central coordination activities, including work with the Chief Innovation Officer within AA and other members of the Research Partnerships team.

Key to this role are the strategic oversight and operations of ongoing and new functions that support collaborations among academic researchers, industry partners, and commercialization ventures, including the joint pursuit of federal and state funding opportunities. Cultivating, managing, and building relationships with local, state, and national industry leaders across a broad array of technology areas to foster growth in the university's research enterprise is a critical responsibility for this position. This role requires facilitating communication, negotiating agreements, and ensuring effective interactions for both the university and its industry partners. It involves strategic planning, project management, and a deep understanding of both academic and commercial environments. This position will bridge activities between Corporate Partnerships and Industry-Sponsored Research.

We are looking for one Director-level or Senior Manager (Strategic Partnership Management) to serve PCOE.

The ideal candidate will have strong industry-sponsored research expertise and experience in engineering-related areas that will support the growth of mutually beneficial relationships between private industry and the University of Utah. They will identify opportunities to engage industry partners in ways that benefit both parties through direct research funding and sponsored research agreements. Other partnerships may include developing University-led consortia, expanding research mentorship and shared facilities, and creating innovative engagements to advance educational opportunities.

Responsibilities

Strategic Partnership Management Responsibilities

Direct/Manage the development and management of strategic alliances and partnerships to support long-term growth and deliver market impact. Identify and validate joint solutions offerings, developing partner business plans, and driving go-to-market initiatives with partners. Work collaboratively with key internal stakeholders across strategy, product, engineering, marketing, sales, and other relevant teams to ensure close alignment on partnerships before, during and after deal sign. Develop business models and financial arrangements that result in growth in value for partners and customers that are mutually beneficial. Oversee negotiations of partner agreements.

Department Specific Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across PCOE and central university units to ensure alignment.
• The Director/Senior Manager is expected to manage and lead staff as the office grows in proportion to its success.
• Identify target markets well suited for prioritizing research and service offerings from PCOE and the University of Utah more broadly; manage communication and coordination to support growth and opportunities for the University of Utah; and collaborate with other campus units, such as the Office of Technology Licensing, Career and Professional Development, the Office of the Vice President for Research, and others.
• Build and maintain relationships among industry leaders, University of Utah faculty, and senior leadership.

Senior Manager, Strategic Partnership Management

• Second-level manager. Manages the activities of first-level managers and/or supervisors. Responsible for hiring, firing, performance appraisals, and pay reviews. Broad knowledge of the field with proven leadership skills.
• Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 8 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related work experience.
• This is a Senior Manager-Level position in the Management track.

Director, Strategic Partnership Management

• First-level director. Assists executives and/or senior directors in defining organizational goals and strategic plans. Extensive business knowledge with comprehensive understanding of the organization and functional area.
• Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 12 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 10 years of directly related work experience.
• This is a Director-Level position in the Management track.

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:

Senior Manager, Strategic Partnership Management: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 8 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related work experience.

Director, Strategic Partnership Management: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 12 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 10 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

Advanced knowledge of translational research and product development in engineering-related fields. Expertise in emerging technologies, including computing, data science/AI, and broad areas of engineering and physical sciences such as energy, robotics, quantum technologies, electrical and electronics engineering, chemical and biomedical engineering, and related areas, including national security. Knowledge of research and development pathways that lead to commercially viable products and services, including an understanding of best practices for collaborations between industry and academia. A successful record demonstrating the ability to bridge research potential with market needs and trends and to identify partnerships that catalyze innovation and translation. Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, as well as the ability to organize and manage complex projects.

• Advanced degree in Engineering or Physical Sciences
• Previous experience with consortia, membership programs, or multi-partner collaborations, as evidenced by application materials.
• Previous experience with academic research culture, as evidenced by application materials.
• Proficiency with CRM or other stakeholder management tools, as evidenced by application materials.