Details

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.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

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

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).

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.

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.

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page

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As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.