Strategic Partnerships Architect

MASI Lab; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University’s VALIANT lab seeks an Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships to architect external relationships with industry, academia, and alumni, translating connections into durable support for its mission.

You will shape engagement strategy with the Director and steering committee, growing the IAP and AI Alumni Network, and coordinating with internal offices to align programs with Vanderbilt's broader goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., business, communications, engineering, or related discipline).
• At least three years of professional experience in relationship management, business development, partnerships, program management, or a related outreach/engagement function.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including senior leaders and subject matter experts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience developing outreach materials or communications strategies.
• Proven ability to manage multiple ongoing programs or initiatives simultaneously with a high degree of autonomy.
• Experience coordinating with internal cross-functional teams or offices to complete administrative processes (e.g., contracts, agreements, or similar coordination work).
• Comfort and confidence representing an organization at conferences, events, or other public-facing settings.
• Current knowledge of, or demonstrated ability to quickly learn, trends and developments in the AI industry.
• Strong collaborative mindset, with a demonstrated ability to prioritize the center's broader goals alongside individual program responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as VALIANT's strategic partner to advance external engagement priorities.
• Direct and scale VALIANT's external-facing programs (IAP & AI Alumni Network) and drive engagement.
• Represent VALIANT at industry conferences and events; build relationships for new partnerships.
• Lead prospective industry affiliates through meetings, discussions, and onboarding.
• Coordinate with CTTC, DAR, SPA to support IAP affiliate activities.
• Develop relationships with faculty across Vanderbilt to promote VALIANT's goals.
• Support flagship events (AI Summer School, Discover AI) with planning and logistics.

Skills

Accreditation Processes and Standards

Community Building

Educational Technologies

Event Management

Event Planning

Program Development

Program Evaluation

Stakeholder Communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Vanderbilt University’s VALIANT lab seeks an Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships to architect external relationships with industry, academia, and alumni, translating connections into durable support for its mission.

You will shape engagement strategy with the Director and steering committee, growing the IAP and AI Alumni Network, and coordinating with internal offices to align programs with Vanderbilt's broader goals.