Industry Liaison Office

Strategic Partnership Management

Reporting to the Chief Research Officer, Planning and Partnerships, the Director, Industry Liaison Office is responsible for supporting faculty in identifying, securing, and managing industry-sponsored research funding, and leading and unifying industry sponsored research and outreach activities. Key to this role is the strategic oversight and operations of ongoing and new functions serving the collaborations between academic researchers, industry and commercialization partnerships, and / or where university and industry may jointly partner for federal and state funding opportunities. Cultivating, managing and building relationships with local, state, and national industry leaders across 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 smooth interactions for both the university and the companies. It involves strategic planning, project management, and a deep understanding of both academic and commercial landscapes. This position will bridge activities between Corporate Partnerships and Industry Sponsored Research.

We are looking for two positions, one a Director level to serve across campus and the second at staff level who will focus on Price School of Engineering, with a joint report to Dean of Engineering. The ideal candidates will have strong industry sponsored research expertise and experience that will lend itself to growing mutually beneficial relationships between private industry and University of Utah. They will identify opportunities to engage private industry interactions to benefit both industry and the UU through direct research funding and research service contracts. Other partnerships could include develop UU led consortia, growing research mentorship and shared facilities, innovative engagements with industry to advance education opportunities.

Responsibilities :

• Direct / manage / supervise 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.
• The director role, in future, must have the ability to manage and lead staff as the office grows commensurate with success.
• Identify target markets well suited for prioritizing research and service offerings from the UU, manage communication and coordination that ensures growth and opportunity for the UU, and collaborate with other units on campus, such as Technology Licensing, Career Affairs, VPR office, and others.
• Build and maintain relationships between industry leaders and UU faculty and senior leadership.

Minimum Qualifications :

Preferences :

Special Instructions Summary :

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 from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education for historically underrepresented students. 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. The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity employer and 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.