Project Center Director

Seattle-University; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 92,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Seattle University is seeking a Project Center Director to lead the College of Science and Engineering Project Center, managing staff, outreach, and program operations. You will drive project recruitment, contract management, marketing, events, and sponsor relations to support real‑world student projects.

You will collaborate with faculty and leadership to expand external sponsorship, oversee budgets, and promote our commitment to diversity and Jesuit values in a hybrid campus environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and five years of successful technical sales or equivalent experience.
• Experience in oral and written presentations with corporate and governmental managers.
• Background in program development including marketing, sales, event planning, and fundraising.
• Strong ability to develop corporate relationships and collaborate within an academic setting.
• Commitment to diversity and the university's mission, vision, and values.

Responsibilities

• Lead project recruitment and business development with sponsor liaisons and faculty.
• Manage all contractual materials including IP, sponsor fees, and master agreements.
• Plan and execute marketing for the Project Center and engage alumni and sponsors.
• Coordinate fall workshops, Projects Day, and related events with staff support.
• Oversee program management, feedback, surveys, and stakeholder communications.

Skills

Technical sales

Program development

Marketing

Event planning

Fundraising

Corporate relationships

Presentation skills

Diversity commitment

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Job description

Months Per Year:12Work Model:Hybrid Work EligibleSeattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.Seattle University's Core CompetenciesEffective Team Collaboration: Works harmoniously with others towards a common goal, leveraging individual strengths to achieve shared objectives.Emotionally Intelligent Communication: Engages in a skillful exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings, verbally and non-verbally.Ethics and Integrity: Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to honesty, professionalism, and alignment with our Jesuit mission in all actions and decisions.Flexibility and Innovation: Embraces change, approaching problems with curiosity adaptability, and is committed to making a positive impact.Mindful Inclusion: Fosters mindful inclusion by consciously creating a workplace that celebrates differences, embraces cultural humility, and empowers uniqueness.Outcomes-Driven Orientation: Sets clear objectives, pursues excellence, and delivers measurable outcomes while upholding Jesuit Catholic values.Job Description SummarySeattle University has an exciting, dynamic opportunity for a Project Center Director to join our community.The Project Center Director provides leadership and oversight for the College of Science and Engineering Project Center. The Director manages Project Center staff and operations and leads efforts in project recruitment, industry and community outreach, marketing, contract management, event planning, and program administration. The Director works closely with faculty to support the development and delivery of sponsored student projects. The Director also cultivates and maintains external relationships with companies, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, alumni, and other external partners to recruit project sponsors and expand opportunities for students to engage in meaningful, real-world projects.Major responsibilities include project recruitment, contract management, marketing, events planning, and project management, contract management. Internal engagement with college leaderships, faculty, support staff and students is also required.Position Description:Essential Job FunctionsProject Recruitment/Business Development:Research potential leads; participate in business development networking activities; create lead lists; develop relationships; develop project concepts collaboratively with sponsor liaisons and SU faculty. Work with college leadership, and the development officer to identify strategic external relationship goals for projects and beyond.Contract Management and Sponsor Relations:Work collaboratively with sponsor liaisons and SU faculty to identify and refine project scopes. Hands-on management of all contractual materials affiliated with projects to include intellectual property agreements, sponsor fees, master agreements, and deliverables.Marketing Management:Work creatively to maximize marketing opportunities for program involvement. Appeal to internal audience of students and faculty for program functions, administration and morale. Also engage alumni and potential sponsors to generate interest, attendance, and involvement in program events and ultimately projects. Coordinate all marketing materials for Project Center, including photography and copy for brochures, Projects Day program, website, and social media outlets.Events Planning:Supervise and execute fall workshops, joint sessions, and the annual Projects Day program. Projects Day planning includes administrative support to students and guidance regarding final deliverables, printed materials, final presentations, and Projects Day conference. Oversee administrative staff in events planning support of these functions.Program Management:Work closely with department faculty to identify key areas of interest and needs for Project Center. Create and administer all program feedback and surveys for faculty, students, and sponsors. Work with college leadership, students, and department coordinators to address issues and facilitate interactions with the sponsors. Oversee administrative staff on execution of administrative duties to include student relations and budgets affiliated with projects.Perform other related duties as assigned.Essential QualificationsBachelor’s degree and five years of successful technical sales or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.Experience in oral and written presentations with corporate and governmental managers and groups.Background in program development including marketing, sales, event planning, and fundraising.Strong ability to develop corporate relationships and work collaboratively within an academic setting.All candidates must show a demonstrated commitment to diversity and the university’s mission, vision, and values.Preferred QualificationsStrong local industry and government contacts. Involvement with localtechnology groups and societies.Application InstructionsApplicants should attach an electronic cover letter and resume when applying.Compensation at a Glance$91,500 – $98,500Application InstructionsPlease attach a cover letter with your resume when applying. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate’s gender or any other protected status.Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.Benefits at a GlanceConsistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Choose from three different medical plans, a dental, and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short & long-term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 5%. You may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave. For more information explore the Benefits website at: https://www.seattleu.edu/hr/benefits/Positions designated as hybrid eligible may offer the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule after successful completion of an introductory period of 3–6 months. In these cases, the role typically begins fully on campus to support onboarding and training, with the potential to transition to a hybrid arrangement thereafter.Positions designated as on-site are not eligible for hybrid work and are expected to remain fully on campus.All flexible work arrangements are subject to periodic review and may be modified or discontinued at any time at the university’s discretion.