Assistant Director of Industry Engagement - Division of Partnerships & Economic Development
Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at University of Tennessee
Description
DIVISION OF PARTNERSHIPS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Assistant Director of Industry Engagement, Partnership Services
Market Range 13
The Assistant Director of Industry Engagement, Partnership Services, will be responsible for; developing, maintaining and realizing the benefits of effective University-wide partnerships with the university’s premier industry stakeholders; and providing advice and assistance to those areas across the University that maintain and develop mutually beneficial partnerships to strengthen those relationships. Working under the direction of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research in the Division of Partnerships and Economic Development (DPED), the Assistant Director is responsible for providing strategy, advice and assistance on industry relations matters to areas across the university and for identifying opportunities to strengthen industry partnerships and engage industry stakeholders.
The Assistant Director, Partnership Services will act as the primary relationship manager and will be the connection point between the University of Tennessee and existing top-tier private sector partners - developing and growing mutually beneficial relationships which lead to increased collaboration opportunities. This position will consult with upper tier corporate partners to understand their research-related R&D needs and strategic directions and will act as the liaison to the campus community, connecting with appropriate areas within the university to identify strategic faculty. He/She will also connect to other areas across the university including talent (student projects, full-time hires, internships/CO-OPs), technology (licensing for faculty inventions), philanthropy (naming, gifts, etc.), and developing an ecosystem around research and innovation.
The DPED office aligns activities with the vision, goals and priorities of the UTK Office of Research, Innovation and Economic Development (ORIED). DPED coordinates the University’s industry relationships from one centralized office providing a simplified approach for industry to access faculty-led research and other campus resources. The DPED office also works closely with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Tennessee Economic & Community Development (TN ECD), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and local and state entities to create corporate engagement strategies tied to development of R&D partnerships and regional economic vitality efforts; particularly as it relates to the shared R&D missions of UTK and the state. The DPED office provides counsel to deans, department heads, directors, and college program-based development officers in the cultivation and solicitation of industry partnerships. The DPED office works directly with the Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation & Economic Development providing guidance and direction with comprehensive campaigns and higher priority research opportunities for the Knoxville campus. Additionally, the DPED office works directly with other campus units to help with space-based initiatives that assist the university in developing major agreements, research contracts, and licensing agreements with our global industry partners.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
Key Responsibilities and Outcomes:
• Effective Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management
• Effectively manage the industry relations portfolio of top-tier partners
• Provide strategy, advice, and leadership in relation to the University-industry relations protocols and practices that will position the University as exemplars of best practice in its approach towards industry relations
• Provide high level advice regarding strategic and operational partnership requirements and opportunities to increase the University’s profile with industry stakeholders
• Convene and facilitate key internal networks to manage strategic partnerships with
industry stakeholders
• Identify gaps in partnering with business stakeholders to improve the delivery of
services and outcomes
• Develop, maintain and realize the benefits of effective University-wide strategic
partnerships with industry stakeholders
• Ensure effective communication with industry stakeholders
• Regularly review, evaluate and advise on existing engagement strategies and update
implementation plans as required
• Represent the University internally and externally as required
Leadership:
• Establish strong and effective networks across the University and externally to support the strategic objectives of the Office of Research Innovation and Economic Development
• Actively contribute to building an engagement culture across the University
• Provide advice on University policies and procedures relating to seeking and securing agreements
Project Work:
• Lead and participate in projects which may impact industry relations
• Contribute to process improvement projects within the existing partnerships
Qualifications
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Demonstrated high level communication skills, in particular written and interpersonal
Demonstrated ability to build and manage stakeholder relationships and engage with industry leaders and groups
Demonstrated knowledge of the business community, both locally and nationally to be able to identify opportunities
Demonstrated ability to interact and work collaboratively with faculty and gain knowledge and understanding of university expertise and capabilities
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, develop effective networks and partnerships
Demonstrated experience in providing a high level of proactive customer service to internal and external stakeholders
Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a complex and changing environment
Demonstrated ability to deal with confidential and sensitive matters
REQUIRED LEVEL/YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of four (4) years’ experience in similar fields such as private industry HR officer, faculty research development, academic advancement, sales & marketing, communications, grants administration, entrepreneurial management, community fundraising and events.
PREFERRED LEVEL/YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Master’s degree - Preference will be given for experience in relationship management, and knowledge of research-related strategies including best practices related to higher education institutions.
Special consideration given to candidates with corporate relationship management and/or university-industry collaborative development experiences.
Additional Information
- Please attach the following electronic documents to the application: Cover letter, resume, and the names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references.
- Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Related Websites:
- Division of Partnerships & Economic Development: https://partner.utk.edu/
- Office of Research, Innovation & Economic Development: https://research.utk.edu/oried/
- Employment & Benefits: http://hr.tennessee.edu/benefits/
- Benefits Summary for Active Employees: http://humanresources.tennessee.edu/benefits/gen_benefits_info.html