Job Details
Industry Liaison Office
Industry Liaison Office
Job Summary
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.
Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu
The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.
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.
Department specific responsibilities:
- 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.
Manager, Strategic Partnership ManagementFirst-level manager. Manages the activities of supervisors and/or individual contributors. Responsible for hiring, firing, performance appraisals, and pay reviews. Broad knowledge of the field with demonstrated leadership skills.Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.This is a Manager-Level position in the Management track.Expected Pay Range: $101,000 to $115,000
Senior Manager, Strategic Partnership ManagementSecond-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.Expected Pay Range: $116,000 to $130,000
Director, Strategic Partnership ManagementFirst-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.Expected Pay Range: $135,000 to $175,000
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 Supervisor, Strategic Partnership Management: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.
Manager, Strategic Partnership Management: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 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.
Preferences
Advanced knowledge of translational research and product development. Expertise in emerging technologies, computing, data sciences/AI, broad areas of engineering and physical sciences such as energy, quantum, electrical/electronics, chemical and biomedical and related areas, and areas of national security. Knowledge of research and development pathways that lead to commercially viable products and services. This includes an understanding of best practices for collaborations between industry and academia. Successful record demonstrating ability to bridge research potential with market needs and trends and further identify partnerships to catalyze innovation and translation. Excellent interpersonal skills, written and oral communication skills, and 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.
Special Instructions
Requisition Number: PRN43377B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary:
Department: 00002 - SR VP Academic Affairs Oper
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $85,000 - $175,000 DOE
Close Date: 1/28/2026
Open Until Filled:
To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/191028
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