Apply on Employer Site

University of Nebraska-Lincoln · 20 hours ago

Executive Director, Industry Relations

Lincoln, Nebraska Metropolitan Area

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

7+ years exp

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is seeking an Executive Director of Industry Relations to provide strategic leadership for the university’s industry engagement efforts. This role involves directing a team to connect the private sector with the university's research strengths, fostering partnerships, and advancing the university's research and education mission.

ConsultingGovernmentHealth DiagnosticsPsychologyUniversities

Responsibilities

Coordinate closely with Nebraska Innovation Campus, NUtech Ventures, and campus leaders to align and advance industry engagement activities

Work to continuously improve university processes and practices related to its engagement with industry, and other technology-based economic development stakeholders

Proactively identify, cultivate, and secure industry-sponsored research, major research agreements, and related funding opportunities

Assist departments, centers, and colleges in building coordinated industry–academic alliances and engagement strategies

Represent UNL’s research strengths to external audiences through outreach, presentations, events, and conferences

Promote use-inspired research by matching industry needs and Nebraska-relevant challenges with university expertise

Oversee relationship management processes, communications, and internal coordination to ensure consistent approaches to key companies

Build, supervise, and mentor a high-performing team to execute UNL’s industry engagement strategy

Qualification

Industry relations experienceCorporate partnerships managementSponsored research processesSupervisory experienceCommunication skillsStakeholder relationship buildingAdvanced degreeTeam leadership

Required

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as business, engineering, science, public administration, or a related discipline

Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in industry relations, corporate engagement, research administration, economic development, advancement, technology transfer, or a closely related area

Demonstrated success developing, securing, and managing industry-sponsored research, corporate partnerships, or comparable strategic collaborations

Supervisory or team-lead experience, including setting goals, providing feedback, and supporting professional growth

Familiarity with sponsored research processes, intellectual property and licensing practices, and common university–industry agreement structures (e.g., NDAs, MTAs, research and collaboration agreements)

Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including corporate leaders, faculty, staff, and external partners

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to make persuasive presentations to technical and non-technical audiences

Preferred

Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, JD, MS, PhD, or other terminal degree) in a relevant field

Experience in a research university or higher education environment, particularly in roles involving sponsored research, corporate partnerships, or innovation ecosystems

Demonstrated success aligning corporate interests with academic strengths to create mutually beneficial, large-scale partnerships or multi-year agreements