Director of External Partnership Programs

• Nurture and expand relationships with industry partners, often with senior leaders, serving as the primary point of contact for a portfolio of identified corporations.
• Work closely with and develop processes for faculty, researchers, program managers, staff, and development professionals across the School and University to engage industry partners, creating links between company interests/market needs and university opportunities, research, and students.
• Assist in formulating and overseeing management of industry collaboration strategies, partnership models, advisory boards, research contracts, gift agreements, and other opportunities.
• Develop new sponsorship opportunities, elevate existing corporate development initiatives, and ensure that client needs are met.
• Schedule and host corporate visits to GW Engineering that showcase the depth and breadth of the School’s capabilities and offerings, driving toward tangible opportunities and outcomes.
• Assist in the crafting of marketing materials to showcase GW Engineering capabilities for an industry audience.
• Maintain knowledge of external technology, research, and recruiting needs of industry in general, as well as of specific firms. Internally, maintain a high level of knowledge of priorities relating to special/critical initiatives, and serve as a content resource for colleagues and fundraising units cutting-across the University.
• Track progress to evaluate processes, improve school-based engagement models, and ensure programs are achieving the highest level of quality and effectiveness.

Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 5 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant area of study plus 3 years of relevant professional experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

• Master’s degree in a related field or any combination of related experience and education equivalent to an advanced degree.
• 5+ years of experience in building and managing successful industry partnerships.
• Experience in contract negotiations and proficient in drafting and reviewing partnership agreements.
• Experience in program management and project management.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders at all levels, including faculty, researchers, administrators, and industry professionals.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing. Comfortable preparing and delivering presentations and engaging in individual discussions with all levels of the organization both internally and externally.
• Self-motivated with high follow-up and responsiveness.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism in all circumstances.
• Understand basic principles and techniques of gifts in higher education.

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.