Director, Strategic Partnerships

Job Summary

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR) promotes excellence in research, fosters relationships with key regional, national and internal research partners and invests in shared research infrastructure and administration to advance strategic interdisciplinary projects that align with the University's strategic priorities.

The Director of Strategic Partnerships reports directly to the Vice Chancellor for Research and is critical in advancing research partnerships and collaborations. As a strategic advisor, this role Identifies and cultivates strategic partnerships with external organizations and internal stakeholders, such as deans, department heads and other academic leaders to enhance the university's research and scientific impact. This role oversees the planning and execution of high-impact events to promote research initiatives.

About UIC

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. The UIC campus is located just west of Chicago’s loop, integrated into historic residential neighborhoods and the urban environment.  UIC is recognized as one of the most ethnically rich and culturally diverse campuses in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI), and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).

Responsibilities

Strategic Partnership Initiatives

• Collaborate with faculty and researchers to assess partnership opportunities aligned with the university's research priorities.
• Negotiate and execute partnership agreements, ensuring alignment with university policies and objectives.
• Build internal relationships and collaborate closely with college and units across the university to leverage resources and maximize research impact.

External Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for external partners, fostering strong relationships and facilitating collaboration opportunities.
• Represent the university at conferences, meetings and networking events to promote research capabilities and explore potential partnerships.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, funding opportunities and regulatory developments relevant to strategic partnerships.

Event Planning and Execution

• Develop and oversee a comprehensive events strategy to highlight research achievements, facilitate knowledge exchange and engage stakeholders.
• Lead the planning and execution of major research-related events, such as symposiums, conferences, workshops and seminars.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless event logistics, including venue selection, agenda development, speaker coordination and marketing efforts.
• Supervise a team of professionals responsible for partnership development, fund-raising, event planning and administrative support.

VCR Support

• Drive strategic planning efforts across OVCR and leads the development, implementation and communication of OVCR priorities.
• Responsible for to-be-determined administrative functions such as facilitating staff and faculty appointments, drafting Letters of Support (LOS) and other administrative needs on behalf of the VCR.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field.
• Minimum of three years of experience in strategic partnership development, preferably within a research university or academic setting.
• Proven track record of successfully planning, establishing and managing strategic partnerships, with experience in negotiation, relationship management and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously and deliver high-quality results.
• Excellent communication and people skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, administrators and industry leaders.
• Strategic thinker with a customer-focused mindset, creative problem-solving abilities, and a demonstrated commitment to advancing research excellence and innovation.

APPLICATION: To ensure fullest consideration, application materials must be received by July 5, 2024. Start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. Salary is commensurate with experience and education. All candidates must create a candidate profile through http://jobs.uic.edu and upload a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references by the close date.

Interested candidates must apply at the following link:

https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/10032?c=uic

As an EOE/AA employer, the University of Illinois encourages applications from individuals regardless of an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, and Veteran or disability status.

Offers of employment by the University of Illinois may be subject to approval by the University’s Board of Trustees and are made contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of any criminal background checks and other pre-employment assessments that may be required for the position being offered. Additional information regarding such pre-employment checks and assessments may be provided as applicable during the hiring process.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit: https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899