Director of Economic Development Strategic Partnerships

University of Maryland Global Campus; Patuxent Riding (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Bowie State University seeks a Director of Economic Development Strategic Partnerships to lead strategic partnerships and regional economic initiatives. The role reports to the VP for Research and Innovation and focuses on workforce development, innovation ecosystems, and sustainable collaborations with industry, government, and academia.

The position drives partnership strategy, stakeholder engagement, and resource development, ensuring alignment with the University’s mission and long-term

Qualifications

• Superior interpersonal skills and the ability to inspire others and work collaboratively with colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Partnership Development: build innovative partnerships with external entities to support university priorities.
• Economic Development Strategy: lead initiatives that enhance regional competitiveness and investment.
• Innovation and Commercialization: advance tech transfer, startup development, and industry collaboration.
• Workforce and Talent Development: expand internships, apprenticeships, and experiential learning pipelines.
• Grant and Resource Development: identify funding opportunities and manage program budgets.
• Stakeholder Engagement: represent the university with policymakers, industry groups, and community partners.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: track KPIs, analyze labor trends, and prepare leadership reports.

Skills

Superior interpersonal skills

Job description

Job Posting:

JR102071 Director of Economic Development Strategic Partnerships (Open)

Department:

BSU Research and Innovation, PM

Position Type:

Regular

Open Date:

08-31-2026

Close Date:

$120,000 - $130,000

Job Description:

The Director of Economic Development Strategic Partnerships reports to the Vice President for Research and Innovation and leads the development of strategic partnerships and economic development initiatives that advance Bowie State University’s institutional priorities, research enterprise, workforce development goals, innovation ecosystem, and regional impact.
The Director works across the University and with corporations, educational institutions, government agencies, economic development organizations, community-based organizations, and other external partners to create sustainable collaborations, attract investment and resources, expand workforce and experiential learning opportunities, and advance innovation and commercialization.
The position provides strategic leadership for partnership development, economic development strategy, stakeholder engagement, grant and resource development, and performance reporting while ensuring that collaborative initiatives are appropriately reviewed, documented, and aligned with the University’s mission, vision, core values, and long-term viability.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Partnership Development

• Work closely with the Vice President for Research and Innovation, along with key internal stakeholders in Academic Affairs, Institutional Advancement, Administration and Finance, and Legal and Government Affairs, to develop innovative partnerships with corporations, educational institutions, local and state government agencies, and community-based organizations that support the University’s strategic priorities.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for collaboration that align with institutional strategic priorities and economic development goals.
• Serve as the primary divisional liaison for external partners seeking engagement in research, workforce development, innovation, and community initiatives.
• Negotiate and coordinate partnership agreements, memoranda of understanding, and collaborative initiatives.
• Work with the Vice President for Research and Innovation to create a model and infrastructure that advance short- and long-term strategies supporting the University’s long-term viability.
• Work with University Relations and Marketing to develop key messages in support of economic development goals.

Economic Development Strategy

• Lead the development and execution of economic development initiatives that support regional competitiveness, innovation ecosystems, and business growth.
• Work with the Vice President for Research and Innovation to establish and chair the Economic Development Advisory Council.
• Identify emerging industry sectors and market opportunities for investment and collaboration.
• Facilitate initiatives that attract corporate investment, innovation hubs, business incubators, and entrepreneurship programs.
• Support initiatives that align with state and federal economic competitiveness agendas.

Innovation and Commercialization

• Work with the Vice President and Associate Vice President for Research and Innovation, the Executive Director of the Economic Innovation Center, and the Office of Technology Transfer to advance strategies for technology transfer, commercialization, and startup development.
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and industry to identify translational research opportunities.
• Support innovation ecosystems through accelerator programs, research parks, and venture partnerships.
• Work with the Technology Transfer and Innovation Office to promote intellectual property development and industry-sponsored research.

Workforce and Talent Development

• Build partnerships that strengthen workforce pipelines, internships, apprenticeships, and experiential learning opportunities.
• Work with Academic Affairs to align academic and training programs with workforce demands and labor market trends.
• Collaborate with employers to identify skill gaps and workforce development solutions.

Grant and Resource Development

• Identify funding opportunities from federal, state, and private sources to support economic development and workforce initiatives.
• Assist in developing proposals for economic development, innovation, and workforce programs.
• Manage budgets and resources associated with strategic initiatives.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent the University at economic development councils, industry associations, chambers of commerce, and community meetings.
• Work with the Vice President for Research and Innovation and Government Relations to build strong relationships with policymakers, elected officials, and regional development organizations.
• Convene internal and external stakeholders to advance collaborative projects.
• Work with key areas of Research and Innovation and the University to ensure all necessary review and memorialization of partnership agreements.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Track and report key performance indicators related to partnerships, economic impact, workforce outcomes, and innovation metrics.
• Analyze economic trends, labor market data, and industry needs to inform strategic decisions.
• Prepare reports and presentations for executive leadership and governing bodies.

Other Duties

Perform other duties as assigned to support the divisional and University mission and goals.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Superior interpersonal skills and the ability to inspire others and work collaboratively with colleagues