Strategic Partnerships Specialist (AI & Data Science)

Columbia University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 78,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia University’s Data Science Institute (DSI) is seeking a Client Relations Specialist to cultivate and maintain proactive relationships with industry partners, affiliates, and collaborators. The role supports growth and retention of strategic partnerships by connecting external stakeholders with research, programming, faculty expertise, and engagement opportunities across DSI and Columbia University.

The Client Relations Specialist will report to the Chief of Strategic Alliances,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• 3 years of experience in partnership management, client relations, business development, higher education engagement, or related professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing relationships with external stakeholders, partners, sponsors, or clients.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-based environment with faculty, researchers, administrators, students, corporate representatives, and external partners.
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship management, and customer service skills with a professional and diplomatic demeanor.
• Demonstrated sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in handling confidential or sensitive matters.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including business writing, presentations, and stakeholder communications.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational, project management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to anticipate opportunities, challenges, and partner needs.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, Google Suite and related collaboration tools.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Flexibility to attend occasional evening and/or weekend events and meetings as needed.

Responsibilities

• Manages partnership renewals, engagement, and retention activities for the Industry Catalyst Network. Proactively maintains regular communication with partner organizations to identify opportunities for deeper collaboration and increased engagement with DSI initiatives, programs, and research activities.
• Researches and develops a strong understanding of the strategic, operational, and technological priorities facing partner organizations in order to align DSI resources and opportunities with partner needs. Provides regular updates and briefings to internal stakeholders and leadership.
• Proactively identifies and shares developments, opportunities, and initiatives of potential value to partners, including DSI programs, workshops, lectures, faculty research, publications, startup initiatives, and collaborative engagement opportunities.
• Maintains a working knowledge of DSI faculty, researchers, centers, labs, and affiliated programs in order to effectively connect partners with relevant expertise and opportunities for collaboration.
• Maintains accurate and comprehensive records of partner interactions, activities, communications, and engagement metrics within Hubspot in a timely manner.
• Coordinates onboarding and orientation activities for new partners, including communicating partnership benefits, points of contact, programming opportunities, and engagement pathways across DSI and Columbia University.
• Serves as a point of contact for partner organizations engaging with DSI around professional development opportunities, innovation initiatives, startup engagement, workforce development, and related activities.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships across Columbia University departments, centers, and administrative units to support collaborative programming and maximize institutional engagement opportunities.
• Works closely with DSI communications, events, and program teams to support the planning and execution of partner-facing programs, convenings, workshops, and special events.
• Collaborates with DSI leadership, faculty, researchers, and administrative staff to ensure effective coordination and execution of partnership deliverables and engagement activities.
• Prepares regular reports and updates on partner engagement, outreach activities, and faculty collaborations.
• Represents DSI at internal and external meetings, conferences, networking events, and partner engagements, as appropriate.
• Coordinates appropriate follow-up, communications, and debriefs related to partner meetings, events, and engagement activities.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Relationship management

Communication

Project management

Team collaboration

Customer service

Written communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Hubspot

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Columbia University’s Data Science Institute (DSI) is seeking a Client Relations Specialist to cultivate and maintain proactive relationships with industry partners, affiliates, and collaborators. The role supports growth and retention of strategic partnerships by connecting external stakeholders with research, programming, faculty expertise, and engagement opportunities across DSI and Columbia University.

The Client Relations Specialist will report to the Chief of Strategic Alliances,