Strategic Industry Partnerships & Innovation Lead

University-of-Illinoi; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois Chicago is seeking an Innovation & Industry Relations Specialist to build and manage strategic partnerships that advance research, innovation and external engagement.

Reporting to the OVCR Director, you will connect faculty and leadership with industry, government, nonprofit and community partners, identify opportunities for sponsored research, and coordinate cross‑functional initiatives across campus.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business, public administration, communications, science, engineering, higher education administration or a related field.
• Approximately 3+ years of relevant professional experience in industry relations, partnership development, research administration, innovation programs, economic development or a related area.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage professional relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, communication and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a complex organizational environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain productive relationships with industry, government, nonprofit and community stakeholders aligned with university research priorities.
• Serve as a point of contact for external organizations seeking engagement with university researchers, centers and institutional capabilities.
• Assist in identifying and advancing opportunities for sponsored research, strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives.
• Facilitate communication and coordination between faculty and external partners to support research and innovation activities.
• Support initiatives related to innovation, commercialization, entrepreneurship and applied research partnerships.
• Collaborate with research administration, technology commercialization, economic development and colleges/academic units to advance engagement efforts.
• Lead the development of presentations, reports, briefing materials and stakeholder communications.
• Track partnership activity, engagement outcomes and related metrics using institutional systems and reporting tools.

Skills

Relationship management

Communication

Project management

Independent work

Strategic thinking

Education

Master's degree

Tools

CRM systems

Data tracking tools

Office software

Job description

University of Illinois Chicago is seeking an Innovation & Industry Relations Specialist to build and manage strategic partnerships that advance research, innovation and external engagement.

Reporting to the OVCR Director, you will connect faculty and leadership with industry, government, nonprofit and community partners, identify opportunities for sponsored research, and coordinate cross‑functional initiatives across campus.