Director of Industry Research Partnerships

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Florida seeks a strategic leader to direct Industry Research Partnerships at the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering. You will build and manage industry-sponsored research, affiliate memberships, and center partnerships by engaging company leaders and coordinating with faculty and university units.

The role requires strong communication, relationship-building skills, and a track record in business development within higher education or industry.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and three years of experience in corporate relations, business development or related field; or a bachelor's degree with five years of experience in corporate relations, business development, or related field.
• Experience in developing research partnerships between industry and university engineering faculties is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify and approach companies whose research interests align with HWCOE strengths in Florida and nationally.
• Coordinate with faculty and industry to build sponsored research, affiliate memberships, and center partnerships.
• Serve as primary point of contact for industry collaboration inquiries and route to the right faculty member.
• Help shape sponsored research agreements, master agreements, affiliate memberships, and center partnerships.

Skills

Relationship building

Communication

Industry partnerships

Business development

Education

Master's degree

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Director of Industry Research Partnerships

Job no: 541988
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Executive/Director/Management
Department: 19010600 - EG-RESEARCH

Classification Title:

DIR, Corporate Engagement

Master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and three years of appropriate experience in corporate relations, business development or other related field; or a bachelor's degree in appropriate areas of specialization and five years of experience in corporate relations, business development, or other related field.

Job Description:

The Director of Industry Research Partnerships will develop research partnerships between companies and the faculty of the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering (HWCOE). Industry-sponsored research is a major growth opportunity for the College, and the breadth of engineering expertise and research facilities in the College offers companies many opportunities for collaboration. We are seeking an engineer with industry experience and exceptional communication, listening, and relationship-building skills, who can speak credibly with company leaders about engineering and technology and then bring the right faculty member into the conversation. In this role, you will work with the Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives, department chairs, center and institute directors, UF Advancement, UF Innovate, and the Division of Sponsored Programs to open and develop research relationships with companies in Florida and nationally and convert them into sponsored research, affiliate memberships, and center partnerships.

Business Development

• Identify and approach companies whose research and development interests match HWCOE strengths, in Florida and nationally
• Conduct initial meetings, capability presentations, and company site visits, and bring the right faculty member into the conversation
• Serve as the College’s primary point of contact for companies interested in research collaboration and route inquiries to the appropriate faculty member
• Partner with UF Advancement and other University units on company relationships that involve research collaboration
• Maintain a list of target companies matched to College strengths and faculty contacts
• Organize industry events that bring companies to campus

Partnership Development

• Help shape sponsored research agreements, master research agreements, affiliate and consortium memberships, and center partnerships, working with the Division of Sponsored Programs, UF Innovate, the Office of Research, and UF Advancement
• Track each relationship from first contact to executed agreement and keep it moving
• Coordinate with UF Advancement so that corporate philanthropy and sponsored research are pursued together
• Support the College’s institutes and centers in developing industry partnerships and industry participation in center proposals

Faculty Enablement

• Prepare faculty for company meetings and advise them on how companies fund and evaluate university research
• Help develop and maintain materials that describe the College’s research strengths and facilities for industry audiences
• Support the industry members of the College’s advisory boards

Records and Reporting

• Maintain records of industry contacts, meetings, and agreements to support planning and assessment
• Report regularly to the Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives on the industry partnership pipeline
• Develop an annual industry engagement plan informed by peer institutions and industry trends

Salary is commensurate with education and experience

Required Qualifications:

Master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and three years of appropriate experience in corporate relations, business development or other related field; or a bachelor's degree in appropriate areas of specialization and five years of experience in corporate relations, business development, or other related field.

Preferred:

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering or a physical science and substantial experience in industrial research and development, technology development, corporate university relations, or technical business development. A doctorate is not required. Experienced industry professionals are encouraged to apply.

In addition to the engineering background, demonstrated success developing research or technology partnerships between companies and universities or national laboratories; familiarity with sponsored research agreements, intellectual property, and export control basics; an existing network among technology companies, preferably in Florida; and excellent presentation and listening skills, with the ability to work comfortably with both company executives and faculty.

Experience working with interdisciplinary university research teams; understanding of how companies fund and evaluate university research; and willingness to travel within Florida regularly.

Health Assessment Required:

Health Assessment Required: No

Advertised: 10 Nov 2026 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 24 Nov 2026 Eastern Standard Time

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

We will email you new jobs that match this search.