Bus Dev & Partnerships Dir
University of Minnesota
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
The Hormel Institute at the University of Minnesota seeks a Director of Business Development and Partnerships to lead external engagement and identify new collaboration opportunities that leverage institute capabilities for industry, academic, and public sector partners.
You will oversee Feasibility analyses, business planning, and early-stage partnership models, coordinating with leadership to move promising ideas toward implementation and sustainability.
Qualifications
- BA/BS degree plus at least six years of experience in partnerships or business development.
- Experience developing or managing strategic partnerships with industry, academia, government, or nonprofit organizations.
- Experience leading or coordinating complex initiatives involving multiple internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience developing business cases, feasibility analyses, business plans, or strategic initiatives.
- Experience managing multiple projects with competing priorities.
- Demonstrated understanding of the academic research environment and collaboration with faculty or researchers.
Responsibilities
- Lead external engagement and partnership development across initiatives to expand collaboration and revenue opportunities.
- Cultivate and manage relationships with prospective and active partners; serve as primary contact for external engagement.
- Identify opportunities for external users, collaborators, and tenants aligned with Institute capabilities and priorities.
- Partner with Communications to position Institute capabilities to external audiences; prepare briefing materials for leadership.
- Support leadership engagement with external stakeholders and Advise on funding, collaboration and program participation.
- Align with state and regional partners to support workforce, economic development, and research infrastructure.
Skills
Education
Job description
Job ID: 376354
Location: Austin
Job Family: Business Development
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Job Code: 9761BG
Employee Class: Acad Prof and Admin
The Hormel Institute is a biomedical research institute within the University of Minnesota's Research and Innovation Office (RIO), which advances the University's research, innovation, and economic development mission. The Institute advances discoveries that improve human health through research, education, and community engagement. Located in Austin, Minnesota, the Institute brings together internationally recognized faculty, advanced research infrastructure, and strategic partnerships to accelerate scientific discovery, workforce development, and innovation.
The Business Development and Partnerships Director leads external engagement and partnership development to connect The Hormel Institute's research expertise and innovation capabilities with new opportunities for collaboration, utilization, and revenue. The role identifies, cultivates, and secures opportunities with industry, academic, and public sector partners.
The position guides opportunities from initial concept through early development by building partnership models, bringing together the right internal and external stakeholders, and helping promising ideas move toward implementation. As initiatives become established, the Director helps transition ongoing operations to designated Institute teams, allowing the role to maintain focus on new and emerging opportunities.
In addition to advancing current initiatives, the Director evaluates new concepts for feasibility, alignment with institutional priorities, partnership potential, and long‑term sustainability, with particular emphasis on opportunities that strengthen external engagement and institutional growth. The Director leads feasibility analysis and business planning for emerging initiatives in collaboration with Institute leadership, Finance, faculty leaders, and external partners. Working closely with faculty, Institute leadership, University units, and external partners, the Director serves as a connector and translator between the academic research environment and external partners, helping turn shared interests and opportunities into viable collaborations and programs.
This position reports to the Chief of Staff and serves as a member of The Hormel Institute Executive Leadership Team. The role works collaboratively with Institute leadership, the University of Minnesota Research and Innovation Office (RIO), faculty initiative leads, and strategic external partners to advance shared institutional and regional priorities. The role does not directly supervise staff but leads through collaboration across internal teams and external stakeholders to move opportunities forward. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position as needed.
The Director will step into an active portfolio of high‑priority initiatives while also identifying and developing new opportunities over time. The current portfolio includes:
Leads development of partnership, feasibility, and business planning activities necessary to establish a sustainable public‑private consortium focused on advancing clinical‑grade viral vector production. Responsibilities include coordinating feasibility assessments, supporting development of financial and business models in collaboration with Institute leadership and the Rare Disease Council, cultivating consortium participation, and advancing partnership frameworks that position VMTC for long‑term sustainability and investment.
Supports external engagement and partnership development to advance academic and workforce training pathways in advanced microscopy. This includes coordinating with Riverland Community College and exploring alignment with the University of Minnesota Rochester, while driving strategies to expand external utilization of MBiC capabilities through client development, partnerships, and increased visibility.
Leads identification, development, and onboarding of external small business partners into Institute laboratory space to enhance research collaboration, optimize facility utilization, and generate new revenue streams. This includes establishing partnership models, coordinating initial agreements, and evaluating opportunities for expansion of the model to additional partners.
The portfolio is expected to evolve over time based on institutional priorities, with a continued focus on expanding external partnerships, increasing utilization of Institute capabilities, and supporting revenue diversification.
- Collaborate with UMN's Corporate Engagement Center to lead development of an external partnership pipeline across industry, academic, and public sector partners to expand utilization and revenue opportunities
- Cultivate and manage relationships with prospective and active partners, serving as a primary point of contact for external engagement across assigned initiatives
- Proactively identify and pursue opportunities for external users, collaborators, and tenants aligned with Institute capabilities and priorities
- Partner with Communications to support positioning and visibility of Institute capabilities to external audiences
- Coordinate briefing materials and support leadership engagement with key external stakeholders
- Advance partnership opportunities with Institute leadership and University partners, including opportunities for funding, collaboration, and program participation
- Align with state and regional partners to support workforce, economic development, and research infrastructure initiatives
- Develop and structure partnership frameworks, participation models, and early‑stage business approaches for initiatives within the portfolio
- Bring together faculty, leadership, and University units to support partnership development and prepare an initiative for implementation
- Support early‑stage planning including timelines, milestones, and implementation pathways for new initiatives
- Draft and refine concept documents, partnership materials, and program frameworks in collaboration with initiative leadership
- Evaluate new opportunities for feasibility, alignment, partnership potential, and long‑term sustainability
- Facilitate cross institutional discussions to align goals, roles, and expectations across partners
- Support transition of initiatives to appropriate operational owners following initial launch and structuring
- Develop and refine financial and business models to evaluate the feasibility, sustainability, and growth potential of strategic initiatives, particularly during early‑stage development.
- Prepare analyses to inform leadership decision making related to partnership opportunities, program sustainability, revenue generation, and resource utilization.
- Develop scenario analyses, participation models, and financial projections to support investment decisions and business planning.
- Track partnership pipeline, program utilization, revenue metrics, and measurable outcomes to inform continuous improvements.
- Maintain current knowledge of best practices in research commercialization, public private partnerships, and higher education program administration
- Engage in professional development activities within and outside the University system.
Relocation assistance will be offered to the selected candidate in accordance with University of Minnesota policy and the terms outlined in the candidate's offer letter. To qualify for the relocation allowance, the selected candidate must establish a primary residence in Minnesota and within 50 miles of The Hormel Institute's primary work location in Austin, Minnesota. The allowance will be paid as a taxable lump sum after the employee begins employment.
Flexible Work Profile and Travel
Office/Lab-Based - is expected to work primarily on‑site in the office/lab. The primary work location for this position is The Hormel Institute in Austin, Minnesota. Only occasionally and inconsistently working remotely. Your office will be located at The Hormel Institute. The Hormel Institute's management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time. A flexible or hybrid work arrangement may be considered based on business needs; however, the employee must maintain a regular on‑site presence. There will be flexibility for work to be conducted from other locations when business needs warrant.
Frequent travel is required to develop and maintain relationships with external partners, represent the Institute at meetings and events, and support business development activities. Travel may include regional, statewide, and national destinations and is expected to constitute approximately 10-20% of the position's work time. Some travel may require overnight stays or work outside normal business hours.
- BA/BS degree plus at least six years of experience.
- Experience developing or managing strategic partnerships with industry, academic, government, or nonprofit organizations.
- Experience leading or coordinating complex initiatives involving multiple internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience developing business cases, feasibility analyses, business plans, or strategic initiatives.
- Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously with competing priorities.
- Demonstrated understanding of the academic research environment and experience working effectively with faculty, researchers, or research programs.
- Advanced degree (MBA, MPA, MPH, or relevant field), or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience in research, academic, healthcare, or biotechnology environment and familiarity with research infrastructure, scientific programs, or technology-based services.
- Experience developing feasibility studies, market analyses, or business plans for new programs, services, or strategic initiatives.
- Experience supporting or contributing to revenue generating programs, client development, or service‑based models.
- Understanding of contracting, sponsored programs, or technology transfer processes in a research environment.
- Experience collaborating with communications, marketing, or advancement teams to support external positioning and engagement.
Founded in 1942 by Jay C. Hormel and The Hormel Foundation, The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, makes scientific advancements that enhance wellbeing and extend human life. For more than 80 years, we have pursued our mission to conduct research and provide education in the biological sciences with applications in medicine and agriculture. A part of the University of Minnesota's Research and Innovation Office, The Hormel Institute partners with the region's leading biomedical research facilities, including Mayo Clinic.
Pay Range: $112,165-$137,400; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 100% Appointment
Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
- Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University HSA contributions
- Disability and employer-paid life insurance
- Employee wellbeing program
- Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
- Financial counseling services
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
- Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area
While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world‑renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work‑life flexibility.
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