Business Development Manager, Research Partnerships

Brock University; St. Catharines; Hybrid; CAD 73,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

Brock University is seeking a Business Development Manager to drive research-industry partnerships and enhance outreach initiatives. This key role involves developing strategic plans, negotiating contracts, and building strong connections with diverse stakeholders. The position offers competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth within a leading comprehensive university dedicated to diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Health & Dental Benefits

Pension Plan

Up to 3 weeks vacation annually

Flexible Work Arrangements

Professional Development Programs

Qualifications

• Experience in business development, partnership management, or contract management.
• Strong understanding of the research landscape at a university.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic business development planning to enhance research partnerships.
• Build relationships with researchers for collaborative opportunities.
• Develop research-industry partnerships and related agreements.

Skills

Business Development

Contract Management

Partnership Management

Research Services

Communication

Problem-Solving

Education

Graduate Degree in the sciences or engineering

PhD in the sciences or engineering (preferred)

Job description

Brock University is located on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, many of whom continue to live and work here today. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and is within the land protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Agreement.

We are one of Canada’s leading comprehensive universities and a Top Employer in Hamilton-Niagara. Brock has been ranked #3 as Canada’s Best Employers and top 10 as one of Canada’s Best Employers for Diversity compiled by Forbes and Statista. We are an inclusive, welcoming community that offers a wide range of unique career opportunities.

Ignite new possibilities for your career. Break through at Brock.

Post End Date:June 10, 2025 at 11:59 PM This job advertisement is to fill an existing vacancy in the Administrative Professional (Employee Group)

About the Role:

Reporting to the Executive Director, Innovation, Commercialization & Entrepreneurship , the Business Development Manager is responsible for leading the business development activities for research-industry partnerships and intellectual property owned by Brock University. The incumbent cultivates relationships between the University and industry, including corporate enterprises, venture capital firms, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), non-profit organizations, or government organizations to establish collaborative research projects, sponsored research contracts, or licensing opportunities with Brock intellectual property.

T he Business Development Manager will:

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive strategic business development plan to support revenue growth & targets, and enhance research partnerships with University researchers;

• Build and maintain strong relationships with University researchers to identify and pursue collaborative research opportunities that drive innovation and business growth;

• Research and identify potential research partners across industry, non-profit and government sectors;

• Develop research–industry partnerships and associated partnership agreements with the support of the Research Partnerships Officer;

• Develop events, programs, services and best practices to engage industry partners with the University to enhance resource utilization , industry-sponsored research, and revenue generation on behalf of the University;

• Identify and evaluate funding opportunities from government, private sector, and philanthropic sources;

• In collaboration with the Research Partnerships Officer, review and submit grant applications and proposals that enable research–industry partnerships;

• Lead the marketing and business development of Brock’s intellectual property and technology portfolio;

• Develop outreach activities to connect researchers with local, regional, provincial, national, and international SMEs, investors, and service providers to enhance commercialization activity;

• Collaborate with the Commercialization team to negotiate large-scale deals and agreements on behalf of the University and faculty to ensure that all parties are well-represented and potential revenue is maximized and the risk to the institution is reduced;

• Draft, negotiate, and finalize contracts and agreements with research and commercialization partners;

• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements in all partnership and licensing agreements;

• Monitor contract performance and address any issues that arise during the partnership .

Please note: Travel will be required for business development activity, conferences and community events.

Key S kills and Experience :

• Graduate Degree in the sciences or engineering . The e quivalent combination of education and experience would be considered ;

• Valid G class driver’s license with an acceptable drivers’ abstract;

• Experience in business development, partnership management, contract management, or research services for a postsecondary school or a scientific company ;

• Experience working with corporate enterprises, venture capital firms, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), non-profit organizations, and/or government organizations in a business development capacity ;

• Strong understanding of the research landscape and working with researchers at a University ;

• Familiarity with commercializing intellectual property, developing relationships with business and scientific partners, and negotiating licensing agreements;

• Knowledge of contract negotiation and management processes;

• Familiarity with funding agencies and grant application processes;

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders;

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly;

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment while also being self-motivated;

• Excellent problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to identifying and addressing challenges;

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred or Asset Skill s:

• PhD in the sciences or engineering.

Salary and Total Rewards:

• Job Grade M , Salary Scale ( $ 73,245-$118,776 );

• Target Hiring Range: $ 73,245-$85,000

• T his is a permanent position that includes :

• Health & Dental Benefits: Comprehensive extended health, dental, and vision coverage.

• Pension Plan: Enrollment eligibility in the Brock University Pension Plan.

• Vacation: Up to 3 weeks per year, in addition to university holidays.

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid work schedule available

• Professional Development: Eligibility for the Brock Tuition Waiver Program.

* The final salary is based on experience, internal equity, and budget considerations within the target hiring range.

We are committed to offering flexible work arrangements where possible as outlined in our Flexible Work Arrangement Policy . As a student-centered organization, all employees are required to work on campus as needed.

Brock University is committed to creating a respectful and equitable workplace. We strive to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion in our work and learning environments. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and actively encourage applications from women, people with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Indigenous Peoples, people who identify as Black, African and/or Caribbean, as racialized and/or as from ethnic and cultural minority groups, and other underrepresented demographic groups at Brock and in the Niagara region. Brock also recognizes intersectionality and the interconnected identities, histories, and experiences of these aforementioned groups .

We are committed to inclusive and barrier-free recruitment, and we accommodat e the needs of applicants throughout all stages of the recruitment process, as outlined in our Employment Accommodation Policy and consistent with the requirements of the Ontario Human Rights Code . Please contact [e-mail] if you require a disability related accommodation so we can ensure you r participation needs are met.

Brock University does not use AI Technology at any stage of the recruitment process.

We appreciate all applications received . C andidates that are selected for an interview will be contacted.

Learn more about Brock University by visiting www.brocku.ca .