Associate Director for Corporate and Public Affairs

University of California - Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of California - Santa Barbara is seeking an Associate Director for Corporate and Public Affairs to lead strategic initiatives for the Institute for Energy Efficiency. This pivotal role involves building partnerships, managing communications, and enhancing the visibility of the institutes' research. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree and experience in program management or industry engagement.

The successful applicant will demonstrate exceptional communication skills, program management capabilities and a strong understanding of research initiatives, fostering relationships with diverse stakeholders in academia and industry.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in program management or industry engagement.
• Ability to work with a diverse group including faculty and industry partners.
• Strong sense of ethical conduct and critical thinking skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop partnerships with industry and government agency stakeholders.
• Support research initiatives and coordinate funding-related activities.
• Lead communications activities to enhance visibility of research programs.

Skills

Program management

Research administration

Industry engagement

Strong communication skills

Microsoft Suite proficiency

Education

Bachelor's Degree in relevant field

Job description

Summary of Responsibilities

The Associate Director for Corporate and Public Affairs provides strategic leadership, partnership development, and operational oversight for the Institute for Energy Efficiency (IEE) and the Solid State Lighting and Energy Electronics Center (SSLEEC). Reporting directly to the Directors of IEE and SSLEEC, the Associate Director develops and manages corporate relations, public affairs, communications, research partnerships, and outreach initiatives that advance the institutes' missions and long-term strategic goals. Utilizing exceptional communication, relationship-building, and program management skills, combined with a comprehensive understanding of the institutes' research programs and priorities, the Associate Director serves as a primary representative to industry partners, government agencies, research organizations, donors, advisory boards, faculty, and campus leadership. The position is responsible for cultivating and expanding strategic partnerships, managing corporate affiliate and membership programs, supporting sponsored research and philanthropic initiatives, coordinating high-profile conferences, workshops, and advisory board activities, and leading communications efforts that promote the institutes' research, innovation, and impact. In collaboration with faculty and university stakeholders, the Associate Director also provides strategic guidance on research development, organizational planning, intellectual property coordination, technology transfer activities, and cross-campus initiatives, helping to strengthen the visibility, reputation, and growth of both organizations while fostering productive relationships that support research excellence and long-term sustainability.

Job Functions and Percentages of Time

• 30% Campus & Industry Partnerships – Develop and sustain strategic partnerships with industry, government agencies, research organizations, donors, and other external stakeholders to advance the mission and research priorities of IEE and SSLEEC. Serve as a primary liaison for corporate affiliates, industry partners, advisory boards, sponsors, and external collaborators. Identify and expand opportunities for collaborative research initiatives, sponsored projects, philanthropic support, and strategic alliances aligned with institute and campus priorities. Manage industry affiliate and corporate membership programs, including partner communications, invoicing coordination, renewals, and engagement activities. Coordinate corporate visits, research reviews, workshops, conferences, seminars, and related meetings involving faculty, researchers, sponsors, donors, and external partners. Coordinate outreach efforts and strategic communications that promote the institutes' research strengths, innovation, partnerships, and impact. Represent IEE and SSLEEC at conferences, workshops, industry meetings, and other public-facing events. Support donor stewardship and development activities in coordination with institute leadership and campus development offices.
• 25% Research Strategy & Program Support – Support institute leadership and affiliated faculty in advancing interdisciplinary research initiatives and collaborations. Assist with research development activities, including proposal coordination, strategic planning, and engagement with funding agencies and research sponsors. Provide analytical and operational support related to research strategy, partnerships, and program development. Coordinate activities that support faculty collaboration and visiting researchers across both institutes. Assist with the preparation and coordination of gift agreements, pledge documentation, funding-related correspondence, and related administrative processes. Maintain strong working relationships with campus and UC system offices involved in research partnerships, development, contracts, sponsored research, and industry alliances. Help develop and implement initiatives that strengthen the institutes' visibility, research impact, and leadership within the broader energy and technology communities.
• 25% Communications, Events & Public Affairs – Lead and coordinate communications activities that support the public visibility and strategic objectives of IEE and SSLEEC. Oversee institute communications materials, including website content, newsletters, announcements, digital communications, presentations, promotional materials, and social media content. Coordinate seminars, lectures, workshops, conferences, advisory board meetings, and other institute-sponsored events. Manage event logistics, timelines, communications, speaker coordination, agendas, and related materials for internal and external audiences. Collaborate with campus communications and public affairs offices to support media engagement, press materials, and institutional visibility initiatives. Support outreach activities that promote faculty achievements, research advancements, and institute initiatives.
• 15% Intellectual Property & Administrative Coordination – Support coordination and administration related to intellectual property, research collaborations, confidentiality agreements, and associated documentation, particularly within SSLEEC's industry partnership programs. Serve as a liaison with campus offices involved in technology transfer, industry alliances, research administration, and compliance activities. Assist faculty, researchers, and institute leadership in navigating administrative processes related to sponsored research and intellectual property matters. Maintain organized records, databases, and operational systems supporting institute activities, partnerships, communications, and reporting. Coordinate administrative processes related to onboarding, visitor support, shared systems, and institute documentation.
• 10% Executive Advising & Cross-Campus Collaboration – Provide strategic and operational guidance to institute leadership on organizational priorities, partnership opportunities, communications, and program development. Collaborate with deans, department leadership, faculty, research centers, and campus administrative units to advance institute initiatives and interdisciplinary engagement. Help develop processes, procedures, and operational practices that support effective institute management and long-term growth. Contribute to special projects, strategic initiatives, and executive-level activities as assigned by institute leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-3 years Demonstrated experience in program management, research administration, industry engagement, external relations, communications, or partnership development.
• 1-3 years Experience coordinating programs, events, communications, or partnerships within a research, higher education, nonprofit, or technology-focused environment.
• Broad knowledge about University and industry research pertaining to specific industry alliance program.
• Strong communication skills including active listening and critical thinking. Highly developed political acumen skills and social perceptiveness. Skilled business development tactics to persuade and influence.
• Ability to work with a diverse group at all levels of the organization including faculty, staff, students, and industry partners. Strong sense of ethical conduct that will inspire confidence and motivation.
• Productive in work volume, speed, quality, and consistency. Ability to see projects through to completion on deadline and satisfy industry partner and University goals.
• Ability to perform all commonly applicable functions in the Microsoft Suite. Effectively uses software applications specific to industry alliance.
• Ability to break down complex concepts and communicate them in an understandable way.
• Familiarity with sponsored research administration, industry-academic partnerships, and technology commercialization processes.
• Understanding of intellectual property, research compliance, or technology transfer processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree or PhD in a related field.
• 1-3 years Experience working in higher education, research institutes, or interdisciplinary research environments.
• 1-3 years Experience supporting corporate relations, donor engagement, or strategic development initiatives.
• 1-3 years Experience developing communications strategies, outreach initiatives, or public-facing programs related to science, engineering, or technology research.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Reasonable Accommodations

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