Director of Industry Alliances

Harvard University, Faculty of Arts & Sciences; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave

Healthcare coverage

Retirement plans

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University in Cambridge, MA seeks a Director of Industry Alliances to lead Harvard FAS engagement with industry partners, translating research strengths into strategic collaborations and opportunities. The role requires coordinating with faculty, administration, and external organizations to advance research translation and societal impact.

The Director will build a portfolio of high-value relationships, develop partnership models, and guide cross-campus collaboration while representing

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in industry relations or related area.
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing relationships with external partners.
• Ability to work with scientists, researchers, and academic leaders in a complex organization.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary liaison for faculty and researchers seeking industry relationships.
• Develop and implement an industry engagement strategy for the division.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with companies and leaders across sectors.
• Build partnership models including sponsored research, internships, and fellowships.
• Represent the Division of Science at external events and conferences.

Skills

Relationship-building

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Project management

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Job description

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community thatadvances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways,inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills andexpertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcomingenvironment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart ofHarvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduateprogram (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all ofHarvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin GraduateSchool of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athleticsand the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academicdepartments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a communityunparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest rangeof liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeksto foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and sharedcommitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from allmembers of our community and prepares the next generation ofleaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) at Harvard University seeksan innovative, collaborative, and entrepreneurial Director ofIndustry Alliances to lead the development and strategicmanagement of relationships between the Sciences Division andindustry partners.

Reporting directly to the Dean of Science, the Director will buildrelationships with companies, foundations, investors, and otherexternal organizations to advance research collaborations,educational initiatives, talent development, technologytranslation, and other strategic opportunities. The successfulcandidate will serve as a trusted bridge between Harvard facultyindustry partners, and where appropriate the Office of Technologyand Development. The Director will identify areas of sharedinterest and create partnerships that support scientific discovery,innovation, and societal impact.

The Director will work across disciplines and Harvardadministrative units, including research administration, technologytransfer, corporate relations, development, sponsored programs,communications, all in close collaboration with academicleadership. This position requires exceptionalrelationship-building skills, sound judgment, strategic vision, andthe ability to operate effectively in a complex, highlycollaborative academic environment.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Faculty and Researcher Engagement

• Serve as a primary point of contact for faculty and researchersseeking to explore or expand industry relationships
• Learn and communicate the research strengths, capabilities, andpriorities of the Sciences Division to prospective partners
• Facilitate introductions and conversations between faculty andindustry representatives
• Help translate scientific research and academic priorities intocompelling partnership concepts for external audiences
• Support the development of proposals, briefing materials,presentations, and partnership agreements in collaboration withrelevant University offices
• Promote interdisciplinary opportunities that bring togetherfaculty and researchers from multiple scientific fields

Industry Strategy and Partnership Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive industry engagementstrategy for the Division of Science aligned with academic,research, and institutional priorities
• Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with companiesand industry leaders across relevant sectors, includingbiotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, energy, climatetechnology, advanced materials, artificial intelligence, computing,and other emerging fields
• Identify opportunities for mutually beneficial collaborationsinvolving faculty, researchers, students, laboratories, centers,and academic programs
• Develop partnership models that may include sponsored research,collaborative research programs, strategic gifts, fellowships,internships, executive education, student recruitment, equipmentsupport, and innovation initiatives
• Build a strong pipeline of prospective industry partners andmaintain accurate records of relationship activity, opportunities,and outcomes
• Advise academic leaders and faculty on effective approaches toindustry engagement and partnership development

Partnership Management and Stewardship

• Build and manage a portfolio of high-value industryrelationships from initial engagement through implementation andrenewal
• Establish clear goals, deliverables, timelines, and successmeasures for strategic partnerships
• Coordinate internal stakeholders to ensure effectivecommunication and execution of partnership commitments
• Monitor partnership performance and prepare regular reports andrecommendations for academic and administrative leadership
• Develop stewardship and engagement plans that deepenrelationships and support long-term collaboration
• Represent the Sciences Division at industry conferences,scientific meetings, corporate events, and Universityfunctions

Cross-Campus Collaboration

• Collaborate with Harvard offices and units responsible forsponsored research, technology licensing and transfer, corporaterelations, development, research compliance, intellectual property,communications, and legal affairs
• Coordinate with relevant schools, institutes, centers, andlaboratories across Harvard to identify opportunities forcross-school and University-wide engagement
• Help ensure that industry partnerships are developed andmanaged in accordance with Harvard policies and applicable legal,ethical, research, and conflict-of-interest requirements
• Participate in University-wide initiatives related toinnovation, entrepreneurship, research translation, and externalengagement

Innovation and External Engagement

• Monitor trends in science, technology, investment, and industryto identify emerging partnership opportunities
• Develop forums, roundtables, symposia, workshops, and otherprograms that connect faculty and students with industryleaders
• Support opportunities for student engagement, includinginternships, mentoring, experiential learning, career pathways, andindustry-sponsored projects
• Contribute to efforts that advance the translation ofscientific discoveries into practical applications and broadersocietal impact
• Represent the Division of Science with professionalism,credibility, and discretion in external settings

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in an office setting;this is a hybrid position requiring three (3) days on campus(minimum)

Physical Requirements:

Sitting and using near vision forreading and computer work for extended periods of time

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, business, publicpolicy, communications, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsibleexperience in industry relations, research partnerships,business development, corporate engagement, technologycommercialization, scientific program management, or a relatedarea.
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing relationshipswith corporate, scientific, philanthropic, or other externalpartners.
• Experience working with scientists, researchers, academicleaders, or technical professionals in a complex organization.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• MBA or other advanced degree in a scientific, engineering,business, policy, or related discipline strongly preferred
• Experience in higher education, research institutions, lifesciences, biotechnology, healthcare, climate and environmentalscience, advanced technology, or a related sector
• Understanding of sponsored research, intellectual property,technology transfer, research compliance, and university-industrycollaboration
• Demonstrated ability to understand and communicate complexscientific concepts to both technical and nontechnicalaudiences
• Experience structuring or supporting multidisciplinary,multi-party partnerships
• Knowledge of the venture capital, biotechnology,pharmaceutical, technology, energy, or nonprofit researchecosystems
• Experience working within a large, decentralized, or matrixedorganization

Skills and Competencies

• Exceptional relationship-building, listening, negotiation, andinterpersonal skills.
• Strategic and entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability toidentify opportunities and turn them into actionablepartnerships.
• Excellent written, oral, and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate credibly with faculty, scientists,executives, investors, government representatives, andstudents.
• Strong project-management skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, andstakeholders with sound judgment.
• Demonstrated discretion and ability to handle confidential orsensitive information.
• Commitment to collaboration, inclusion, academic excellence,and ethical engagement.
• Comfort working independently while contributing effectively toa team-oriented environment.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University isunable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information: All formal offers will be made by FASHuman Resources.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders thatsome of the duties and responsibilities can be effectivelyperformed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and locationwill be set by the department at its discretion and based uponoperational needs. When not working at a Harvard orHarvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions mustwork in a Harvard registered state in compliance with theUniversity’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts .Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location.Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements priorto employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 060. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view thecorresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed tosupport a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental andfinancial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Ourbenefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage startingon day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuitionassistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & WellbeingPage.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination . We seek talentfrom all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensureeveryone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our communityadvance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on thebasis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexualorientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability,or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in theuniversity's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help allcommunity members participate fully in work and campus life freefrom harassment and discrimination.