Associate Director for Corporate and Public Affairs

About the role

The Associate Director for Corporate and Public Affairs provides strategic leadership, partnership development, and operational oversight for the Institute for Energy Efficiency (IEE) and the Solid State Lighting and Energy Electronics Center (SSLEEC).

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage corporate relations, public affairs, communications, research partnerships, and outreach initiatives that advance the institutes' missions and long-term strategic goals.

• Cultivate and expand strategic partnerships, manage corporate affiliate and membership programs, support sponsored research and philanthropic initiatives, coordinate high-profile conferences, workshops, and advisory board activities, and lead communications efforts that promote the institutes' research, innovation, and impact.

• Provide strategic guidance on research development, organizational planning, intellectual property coordination, technology transfer activities, and cross-campus initiatives, helping to strengthen the visibility, reputation, and growth of both organizations while fostering productive relationships that support research excellence and long-term sustainability.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-3 years Demonstrated experience in program management, research administration, industry engagement, external relations, communications, or partnership development.
• 1-3 years Experience coordinating programs, events, communications, or partnerships within a research, higher education, nonprofit, or technology-focused environment.
• Broad knowledge about University and industry research pertaining to specific industry alliance program.
• Strong communication skills including active listening and critical thinking.
• Highly developed political acumen skills and social perceptiveness.
• Skilled business development tactics to persuade and influence.
• Ability to work with a diverse group at all levels of the organization including faculty, staff, students, and industry partners.
• Strong sense of ethical conduct that will inspire confidence and motivation.
• Productive in work volume, speed, quality, and consistency.
• Ability to see projects through to completion on deadline and satisfy industry partner and University goals.
• Ability to perform all commonly applicable functions in the Microsoft Suite.
• Effectively uses software applications specific to industry alliance.
• Ability to break down complex concepts and communicate them in an understandable way.
• Familiarity with sponsored research administration, industry-academic partnerships, and technology commercialization processes.
• Understanding of intellectual property, research compliance, or technology transfer processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Master's Degree or PhD in a related field preferred.
• 1-3 years Experience working in higher education, research institutes, or interdisciplinary research environments.
• 1-3 years Experience supporting corporate relations, donor engagement, or strategic development initiatives.
• 1-3 years Experience developing communications strategies, outreach initiatives, or public-facing programs related to science, engineering, or technology research.

Skills

• Exceptional communication skills including active listening and critical thinking.
• Political acumen skills and social perceptiveness.
• Business development tactics to persuade and influence.
• Work with a diverse group at all levels of the organization including faculty, staff, students, and industry partners.
• Strong sense of ethical conduct that will inspire confidence and motivation.
• Productive in work volume, speed, quality, and consistency.
• Ability to see projects through to completion on deadline and satisfy industry partner and University goals.
• Microsoft Suite proficiency.
• Software applications specific to industry alliance.
• Break down complex concepts and communicate them in an understandable way.
• Intellectual property, research compliance, or technology transfer processes understanding.

Benefits

UC is a Tobacco-Free environment.

Pay

The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $89,670-$105,000/year. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for this position is $89,670-$164,640/year.

Schedule

M-F, 8am to 5pm