Manager, Partnerships and Business Development

About the role

The Nucleus Institute at the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) is seeking a proactive relationship-builder and strategic thinker to serve as Manager, Partnerships and Business Development. In this role, you will identify and cultivate new partnership opportunities, expand the network of stakeholders, and drive initiatives that support organizational growth and impact. The ideal candidate will be skilled at developing meaningful relationships, generating new business opportunities, managing partnership pipelines, and representing the organization with professionalism and enthusiasm.

The Nucleus Institute team is engaged in steering pioneering projects within Utah, designed to harness the innovative capital of the state's academic and economic vitality. Key initiatives include:

• The Innovation District at The Point project, designing and activating Convergence Hall, an innovation campus that serves as a nexus for academia, industry leaders, and policymakers to foster collaboration and innovation.
• Managing the $40 million Nucleus Fund, which supports the commercialization of breakthrough technologies from Utah's higher education institutions through capital, mentorship, and strategic guidance.
• Supporting programs and events across the Utah deep tech ecosystem, such as Nucleus Grow, Utah Policy Innovation Lab, ProLab, MarketEdge, and Global, all aimed at advancing deep tech research and development.

Responsibilities

• Identify, research, and develop new partnership opportunities that align with organizational goals and strategic priorities.
• Manage and grow a membership-based revenue model.
• Build and maintain relationships with corporate partners, investors, government agencies, universities, industry associations, family offices, and other key stakeholders.
• Support fundraising efforts for Convergence Hall and other Nucleus programs.
• Generate and qualify new business opportunities through outreach, networking, events, referrals, and market research.
• Develop and manage a pipeline of prospective partners and business opportunities using CRM systems and other tracking tools.
• Prepare partnership proposals, presentations, sponsorship packages, and business development materials.
• Represent the organization at conferences, industry events, networking functions, and community engagements.
• Conduct market analysis to identify emerging trends, competitive activity, and potential growth opportunities.
• Coordinate with marketing and communications teams to support partner engagement, visibility, and activation efforts.
• Track partnership performance and provide regular reporting on key metrics, outcomes, and return on investment.
• Maintain strong knowledge of the organization's programs, services, and strategic priorities to effectively communicate value propositions.
• Develop strategic account plans for high-priority partners and stakeholders.
• Manage partner onboarding and ensure successful execution of partnership commitments.

Requirements

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Business Development, Entrepreneurship, or a related field (1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience).
• 6 years of experience in business development, preferably within the startup ecosystem or a closely related field.

Skills & Abilities:

• Proven track record in business development, membership-driven revenue generation, and partnerships.
• Strong connections within the Utah business community, especially with startups, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurial networks.
• Excellent networking, communication, and interpersonal skills, capable of building and maintaining relationships with a diverse array of stakeholders.
• Commitment to fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship within the educational sector.

Pay

$75,900 to $80,000 annually, plus a target-based bonus structure up to $100,000.

Schedule

Full-time, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM on-site.