Director of Strategic Partnerships & External Engagement

University of Minnesota; Austin (MN); On-site; USD 112,000 - 137,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Flexible work profile

Travel opportunities

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

Partnership development

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Project management

Communication

Leadership

Financial modeling

Education

BA/BS degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

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.