NCCU Public Administration · 2 months ago
Vice Chancellor for Transformative Partnerships and Economic Development
Durham, NC
Full-time
Onsite
Director/ExecutiveNorth Carolina Central University (NCCU) is a historically Black university located in Durham, North Carolina, focused on fostering innovation and progress. The Vice Chancellor for Transformative Partnerships and Economic Development is responsible for advancing the university’s strategy of economic growth and community engagement through partnerships with industry, government, and community organizations.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive strategy for external partnerships, with a focus on fostering collaboration across industries such as biotechnology, healthcare, manufacturing, collective well-being, and beyond
Cultivate relationships with business leaders, government agencies, philanthropic organizations, and community stakeholders to drive innovation, research commercialization, and economic development
Identify and create opportunities for strategic partnerships that extend beyond BRITE, BBRI, and IAIER, positioning the university as a leader in competitive sectors such as technology, economic development, and community advancement
Foster innovation-driven collaborations that bring together academic researchers, industry experts, and government leaders to address societal challenges, promote economic growth, and create tangible societal value
Provide strategic oversight of the Biomanufacturing Research Institute & Technology Enterprise (BRITE), ensuring it drives innovation in biomanufacturing, drug discovery, and workforce development in the biotechnology and healthcare sectors
Foster relationships with key stakeholders in biopharmaceuticals, biotech, and manufacturing industries to enhance BRITE’s impact
Oversee the Biological and Biomedical Research Institute (BBRI), ensuring it advances biomedical research, innovation, and collaboration with the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors
Provide strategic oversight over Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research (IAIER), overseeing initiatives that focus on promoting economic empowerment and social advancement through a cutting-edge center for AI education, research, and innovation
Ensure IAIER’s efforts to address critical societal challenges and create a dynamic environment that drives interdisciplinary collaboration and harnesses AI and further cementing its role as a pioneering hub for artificial intelligence at an HBCU and within the state
Lead the university’s efforts to translate cutting-edge research into real-world solutions by expanding the commercialization of university-developed technologies, patents, and innovations
Oversee efforts to strengthen the regional and state economy by fostering collaborations between academic departments, industry, government, and economic development agencies
Advocate for and develop workforce development initiatives that respond to regional and statewide needs, including designing programs that bridge the gap between higher education and industry job markets
Work closely with academic leadership, faculty, and staff to align research and educational strengths with external partner needs, ensuring the university plays a key role in advancing regional economic growth and social impact
Represent NCCU in key state and national forums related to economic development, innovation, and public-private partnerships
Promote the university as a thought leader in regional economic development, facilitating discussions, forums, and events that bring together industry, government, and academic leaders
Ensuring partnerships foster opportunities, particularly in STEM-related programs and workforce development efforts, working to create pathways for various groups in higher education and the workforce
Oversee the day-to-day operations of BRITE, BBRI, and IAIER, managing budgets, staffing, and performance evaluation to ensure these centers are achieving their objectives
Provide direction and leadership to teams within the innovation, economic development, and research commercialization offices, ensuring cross-functional alignment with the university’s broader goals
Collaborate with advancement offices to secure philanthropic support, industry sponsorships, and grant funding for innovation, workforce development, research commercialization, and community engagement initiatives
Lead the pursuit of public and private grant opportunities to support the university’s strategic partnerships, economic development initiatives, and research efforts
Identify and cultivate grant funding opportunities from government agencies (e.g., NIH, NSF, DOE), private foundations, and industry partners that align with the university’s priorities in innovation, workforce development, and economic growth
Collaborate with faculty, research centers, and external partners to prepare competitive grant proposals that support research commercialization, technology transfer, and translational research
Ensure the university maximizes external funding opportunities to support research in biomanufacturing, biomedical sciences, and economic advancement
Develop and implement strategies for sustaining long-term funding for university programs, including multi-year partnerships, collaborative grants, and industry-sponsored research
Deepen Strategic Industry Relationships: Expand and formalize partnerships with corporations and organizations across the Research Triangle to promote industry-driven innovation. This includes co-developing research agendas, facilitating technology transfer, and promoting joint ventures aligned with regional economic priorities
Enhance External Engagement: Build and sustain relationships with industry, government, and community organizations to co-create solutions addressing societal and economic challenges. Support applied research initiatives that leverage university expertise to catalyze development in areas such as public health, environmental sustainability, and emerging technologies
Advance Workforce-Aligned Academic Pathways: Collaborate with academic leadership and external partners to support the creation of new degree and certificate pathways aligned with market demand and emerging fields, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and public health. Promote interdisciplinary collaborations with industry that prepare students for the evolving workforce
Qualification
Required
Knowledge of economic development, workforce development, technology transfer, and higher education's role in research commercialization and community engagement
Skill in strategic leadership, partnership development, fundraising, grant writing, organizational management, and effective communication
Ability to build and grow large-scale partnerships, align academic programs with workforce needs, manage complex organizations, and promote economic growth
Master's degree in business, public policy, science/engineering, or related field
Significant executive leadership experience in higher education, industry, government, or economic development
Demonstrated success in developing strategic partnerships, securing external funding, and advancing research commercialization
Proven experience managing budgets, staff, and complex organizations
Preferred
Doctorate degree in a relevant field
Experience leading interdisciplinary research initiatives
Established network with industry, government, and philanthropic partners
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits package
Exclusive perks designed to support your work-life balance
Company
NCCU Public Administration
The North Carolina Central University Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) program trains leaders in public service by enhancing their knowledge, skills, and abilities through scholarship and professional development with a global lens.
Founded in 1985Durham, North Carolina, US
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase