Senior Director, Signature Industry Partnerships

Job Summary

The College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) at CU Boulder invites an accomplished industry leader to shape a small portfolio of six to ten signature corporate partnerships that define how a top public engineering college collaborates with industry. The Senior Director, Signature Industry Partnerships role is designed for a senior professional who wants to apply deep industry experience to build enduring partnerships that strengthen engineering and computer science education, accelerate applied research, and prepare the next generation of technical talent.

Key Responsibilities

- Build and sustain six to ten executive-level industry partnerships aligned with CEAS strengths in engineering and computer science. - Lead the development and execution of CEAS's strategic industry engagement framework, establishing priorities, partnership models, and implementation plans that advance college objectives in education, research, innovation, and workforce development in coordination with campus partners including RIO, IRP, IFR, and RSO. - Design partnership roadmaps that integrate industry across: - Pre-collegiate STEM recruiting and pathways, including engagement with K-12 partnership programs (e.g., Center for Teaching and Technology Workforce Innovation, Colorado Space Grant, and related initiatives) - Curriculum and experiential learning - Student internships, co-op placement - Sponsored research and applied collaboration - Innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology translation - Coordinate with RIO, IRP, IFR, and RSO to align partnership activities with sponsored research, advancement strategy, and institutional priorities. - Serve as the senior relationship steward, ensuring continuity, trust, and mutual value beyond individual projects or personnel. - Translate strong partnerships into philanthropic, scholarship, and research investment that advances student success and research impact. - Develop multi-year partnership strategies, evaluate effectiveness, and maintain strong working relationships with campus offices supporting research, innovation, and external engagement. - Align engagement activities with college strategic goals. - Evaluate effectiveness and recommend improvements. - Define key performance indicators. - Monitor outcomes. - Analyze trends. - Recommend process improvements. - Report findings to leadership.

What Success Looks Like

- A clearly defined and actively managed portfolio of six to ten deeply engaged industry partners. - Consistent, high-quality integration of partners into education, research, and workforce initiatives. - Strong talent pipelines for students and meaningful engagement opportunities for faculty. - Sustained external investment that advances CEAS priorities.

What We Can Offer

The salary for this 50% appointment is $75,000.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

What We Require: - Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering or computer science. - 5+ years of relevant industry experience.

What You Will Need

- Ability to identify, design, and build a focused portfolio of high-value corporate partnerships aligned with institutional priorities, ensuring depth over breadth. - Demonstrates credibility and influence with senior industry leaders; builds trust, maintains continuity, and manages long-term, executive-level relationships. - Skill in creating partnership roadmaps that connect industry engagement across the full continuum—STEM pathways, curriculum, research, innovation, and workforce development. - Ability to bridge industry needs and academic capabilities, translating priorities into mutually beneficial initiatives that are practical, scalable, and impactful. - Proven ability to convert partnerships into sustained financial support, including sponsored research, philanthropy, scholarships, and programmatic investment.

What We Would Like You to Have

- Extensive experience working in a top-tier corporate IT environment. - Experience working as a member of the CU Boulder Engineering Advisory Council (EAC). - Master's degree or higher in engineering or computer science. - Experience managing high-impact portfolios of various sizes. - Experience collaborating with faculty and students in a higher education environment.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials: - A current resume. - (Optional): A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position. We may request references at a later time. Please apply by July 9, 2026 for consideration. Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu