Director of Industry Engagement

About the role

The Director of Industry Engagement is an influential, externally facing role responsible for developing, managing, and growing strategic partnerships between Louisiana State University (LSU), the LSU Foundation, and industry. This individual serves as a critical bridge between corporate partners and the university’s academic, research, and workforce development ecosystem. The Director will lead a portfolio of industry relationships, identify opportunities for partnership across talent development, research collaboration, and strategic philanthropy, and drive measurable growth in industry-supported activities. This role requires a combination of business development expertise, relationship management, and a strong understanding of industry needs — ideally informed by prior private-sector experience or higher education industry engagement or fundraising experience, with preference for backgrounds in energy, construction, or related sectors. This role is responsible for supporting, promoting, and delivering industry support to academic and research initiatives across LSU. This individual will serve as a business contact for specific industry members and work in conjunction with, but not limited to, LSU Office of Innovation and Ecosystem Development, Office of Research and Economic Development, and the Olinde Career Center. The Director will also lead efforts to grow and diversify industry support through coordinated outreach, proposal development, and cross-campus collaboration, aligning corporate interests with LSU’s strengths and strategic priorities. The Office of Industry Engagement is responsible for holistic engagement efforts including, but not limited to, talent pipeline development, research collaboration, and strategic philanthropy, between companies and LSU. Annual metrics measure activities such as meetings with prospects, proposal solicitations, and dollars raised through philanthropic gifts and/or sponsored research.

Work environment: This position is primarily performed in a professional office environment. The role routinely uses standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, printers, and related technology. May be required to work extended workdays, evenings, and weekends to meet deadlines. May be required to travel 10-20% of the time.

Physical demands: While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee may be required to: sit for extended periods of time; stand or walk occasionally; use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment; communicate clearly in person, by phone, and electronically; lift or move materials weighing up to 20 pounds occasionally (if applicable). The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Managerial/supervisory requirements: This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• 45% Portfolio Management: Coordinate and manage industry support activities within LSU consistent with applicable requirements and needs by developing and offering integrated and comprehensive support for specific business needs. These support services will be structured to help industry partners navigate the complexities of working within the LSU ecosystem, with a goal of removing barriers and growing funded activities at LSU.
• 45% Lead Development & Discovery: Develop and grow the industry engagement portfolio through