Industry Research Alliances Specialist

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Innovation, the Industry Research Alliances Specialist will develop and manage an industry alliance program that enhances research and technology transfer opportunities, create industry-sponsored research partnerships, and build collaborations that are mutually beneficial to both industry and University research teams in the Office of Innovation. The Industry Research Alliances Specialist is responsible for developing, managing and strengthening new and existing research collaborations between the SJSU research enterprise and industry stakeholders. The Industry Research Alliances Specialist must be adaptable, dynamic, enthusiastic, energetic and ready to do what the task requires to ensure SJSU meets and exceeds the expectations of its stakeholders. Must be a business professional experienced in program development and delivery, a strategic thinker and self-driven. This position would be of interest to someone who wishes to work in a not-for-profit, research & innovation organization and be involved in a complex, dynamic and diverse environment. This position may work a hybrid telecommuting work schedule, dependent on department need. This agreement will be reviewed annually and must be approved by University Personnel. For additional information on the telecommuting policy, please click here .

Key Responsibilities

• Build and establish strong collegial, professional relationships with decision makers and influential industry organizations and investor groups interested in university research, expertise and services
• Lead the development of collaborative agreements among industry partners and campus researchers;
• Develop and strategically utilize knowledge of customer propositions, markets, business challenges and customer opportunities
• Ensure partner account of the vision, strategies and capabilities of the alliance
• Maintain updates to the partner of the latest developments of their alliance account
• Develop and executes attainable and strategy plans with the market needs
• Coordinate with internal resources to create awareness of research capabilities and collaborative research opportunities
• Generate a pipeline of prospective industry partners for collaborative research and commercialization programs with the University research enterprise
• Build multi-level relationships with its partners including those in the executive level
• Produce high-quality leads through routine engagement with partners in terms of marketing strategies
• Identify research contracts that have promising innovation and commercialization, and cultivate and sustain the right partnerships to achieve the financial benefits
• Through proactive market and research analysis, devise sector-based business plans to solicit and engage key industry clusters on both a regional and national scale interested in the University’s research program objectives and expertise
• Develop and manage an industry alliance program, which includes a service and support model that produces a solid revenue stream for the University. Strategize and implement specific benefits to encourage membership including services, seminars, workshops, reports, and publications
• Develop concrete research and innovation partnership models and identify target audiences for collaborative research and innovation programs
• Lead implementation of emerging initiatives that place SJSU research program as an industry thought leader. Prepare business plans including goals, metrics of success and resource flows to achieve aggressive goals for support from companies
• Advise research program leadership and staff on industry relations, and educate researchers about market demands, emerging needs, and research/collaboration opportunities
• Develop systems to ensure appropriate portfolio management, monitoring and reporting and develop and manage regular portfolio and opportunity reviews
• Build multi-level relationships with its partners including those in the executive level
• Produce high-quality leads through routine engagement with partners in terms of marketing strategies
• Work directly with new and existing partners, stakeholders and associations to create and implement agreements while maintaining positive day to day partner relationships
• Develop with the marketing and communications resources appropriate promotional programs to further SJSU’s internal and external reach into the target industry partners
• Serve as the liaison for the research program through participation on internal and external committees, boards and task forces
• Advise leadership on issues related to business and financial planning, capital financing, and institutional risk assessment for joint venture projects

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Broad and deep knowledge of and expertise in developing, managing, and growing professional partnerships
• Working knowledge of the research life cycle and faculty needs in a university setting and commitment to building, advancing, and supporting a world-class, interdisciplinary research enterprise
• Broad knowledge and understanding of policies, regulations, and emerging trends related to research and innovation
• Proven ability to apply, interpret and implement complex policy, technical and business concepts in diverse multi-faceted situations and to use mature judgement in resolving related issues and problems
• Proven business management track record, including planning, budgeting and reporting with good understanding and command of research plans
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including technical drafting skills
• Strong interpersonal, written/oral communication and listening skills to establish trust and credibility
• Must be a good team player and flexible
• Professional and mature, with an excellent attitude and results orientation
• Passion for sales and research collaboration.
• Experience coordinating collaborative work with multiple partners and stakeholders
• Good negotiation skills for effective interactions with university researchers and outside partner organizations
• Demonstrated ability and analytical skills to resolve issues raised in relationship management
• Sophisticated, strategic leadership skills to develop, implement, and measure the outcomes of strategies and programs
• Commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Expert skills in organizational management, systems planning, project management, and change management
• Ability to support proposal development from the research enterprise to industry
• Ability to work effectively with Division leadership to identify and affect the most effective programs and partnerships
• Strong service orientation and diplomacy skills
• Ability to develop, implement, and maintain major initiatives within a complex academic and research environment
• Detailed and highly organized with initiative, drive and exceptional time management skills
• Ability to work independently, set priorities, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering or science or field involving industry alliances in research
• Five (5) years of experience in business development/business alliances/ program management
• Two (2) years in a research alliance and/or technology transfer/licensing office
• Excellent communication skills, including marketing, customer relationships, and technical drafting skills

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or MS/PhD in science, engineering, or field involving industry research alliances
• University research alliances or technology transfer experience
• Business development experience in a corporate environment
• Experience closing large and/or multidisciplinary collaborative research or development projects

Compensation

Classification: Administrator II
Hiring Range: Commensurate with experience

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary .

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: July 8, 2021 through July 25, 2021. The application screening date has been extended until August 30, 2021 . This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

University Personnel
jobs@sjsu.edu
408-924-2252

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.

The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University (SJSU) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, race, religion or lack thereof, sex, sexual orientation, transgender, or protected veteran status consistent with applicable federal and state laws. This policy applies to all SJSU students, faculty and staff programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus).



Advertised: August 09, 2021 (9:00 AM) Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: