Director, University & Industry Relations - Delaware, United States job with University of Delaware | 37673913 (2024)

University of Delaware

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer whichencourages applications from Minority Group Members, Women,Individuals with Disabilities and Veterans. The University's Noticeof Non-Discrimination can be found at http://www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html

Job No: 501041
Work Type: Staff
Location: Newark
Categories: Development & Alumni Relations, FullTime

PAY GRADE: 35E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The Director of University and Industry Relations will play apivotal role in strengthening the University’s strategic externalpartnerships within the life sciences sector, fostering greaterindustry collaboration across technology development and jointresearch programs, support for entrepreneurs and ecosystemengagement. This work will accelerate advancement of the objectivesof key University of Delaware research centers and institutesincluding the Institute for Engineering Driven Health, the DataScience Institute and the Delaware Biotechnology Institute. Thisposition requires a dynamic and visionary leader with a proventrack record in building and sustaining business relationships,securing funding, and enhancing industry engagement to driveinnovation and translate research. The successful candidate will beresponsible for developing and executing an engagement strategythat aligns with the goals and priorities of these institutes, theDelaware BioScience Association and the university.

This role will be jointly funded by the Delaware BioScienceAssociation and the University to grow and build a thriving lifesciences ecosystem in Delaware and the greater Delaware Valleyregion. The partnership with Delaware BioScience Association andthe University will enable this role to operate with externalcredibility and access to industry stakeholders at every level,uniquely positioning the Director to make a significant andimmediate impact. The role with have dual reporting lines to bothorganizations.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategy Development:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy that aligns withthe university’s mission and goals for life sciences industryengagement and economic impact.
• Identify key life sciences industry subsectors and companies,investors and institutions for potential collaboration, ensuring astrategic fit with the university’s research and educationalmission.
• Highlight gaps and opportunities to enhance university-industryrelations and create innovative approaches and initiatives tocatalyze sustainable, long-term ecosystem growth.
• Work closely with university leadership to integrate businessengagement goals into the overall institutional strategy.

Partnership Development:

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key externalpartners, including pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies,medical device manufacturers, technology firms, and relevantindustry organizations.
• Collaborate to identify opportunities for industry-sponsoredresearch and collaborative projects.
• Facilitate the creation of partnerships that enhance research,funding, and experiential learning opportunities for students.

Fundraising and Grant Administration Support:

• Collaborate with the University’s development office to developand execute fundraising initiatives that secure corporatesponsorships, grants and investments that support the University’sresearch enterprise as well as identify and funding opportunitiesfrom foundations and philanthropic entities.
• Support compliance with grant requirements and facilitatereporting obligations with corporate partners.

Program Development:

• Collaborate with workforce development and career centercolleagues to develop internship programs, co-op opportunities, andother experiential learning initiatives for students.
• Facilitate the development of executive education programs andcustomized training solutions to meet the unique needs of corporateand small business partners.
• Identify opportunities for joint research projects, technologytransfer, and intellectual property collaborations.
• Partner with University and key economic developmentorganizations including the Horn Entrepreneurship program, theSmall Business Development Center, the Delaware Technology Park,the Delaware Prosperity Partnership and others to strengthen thestate and region’s entrepreneurial and technology startupinfrastructure through new initiatives and federal and state policychanges.

Communications and Marketing:

• Collaborate with the Office of Communications and Marketing todevelop and execute a comprehensive communications plan to promoteprograms, activities and achievements with external partners andkey stakeholders.
• Partner with industry and state economic development leadershipto raise Delaware’s regional and national profile as a hub ofscience and technology innovation.
• Represent the university and Delaware Bio at life sciencesindustry conferences, events, and networking opportunities toenhance visibility and engagement.
• Conceive new events and initiatives to convene industry anduniversity stakeholders and strengthen ecosystem capacity.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or relateddiscipline and minimum of seven years of experience or equivalentcombination of education and experience. Master’s degreepreferred.
• Proven experience in corporate engagement, business or economicdevelopment, or a related function.
• Strong understanding of the life sciences sector and itsintersections with industry.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with theability to collaborate and influence at all levels.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans thatalign with organizational goals.
• Ability to think critically and creatively to addresschallenges and optimize processes.
• Ability to effectively summarize and present information.
• Experience working with a university or research instituteenvironment is desirable.
• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of thediffering needs and concerns of individuals with varyingidentities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, wherediversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.

Notice of Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and AffirmativeAction
The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any personon the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identityor expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, maritalstatus, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any othercharacteristic protected by applicable law in its employment,educational programs and activities, admissions policies, andscholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of theEducational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Actof 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VIIof the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes andUniversity policies. The University of Delaware also prohibitsunlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexualviolence.

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