Innovation & Industry Relations Specialist

Position Summary

The Innovation Industry Relations Specialist supports the development and management of strategic partnerships that advance the university's research, innovation and engagement priorities. Reporting to the Director of Innovation Industry Relations within the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR), this position serves as a key relationship manager connecting faculty, research centers and university leadership with industry, government, nonprofit and community partners.

The Innovation Industry Relations Specialist helps facilitate collaborative research opportunities, supports innovation and commercialization initiatives and contributes to activities that enhance the university's external engagement and research impact. This role requires the ability to work effectively across academic and external environments, manage multiple stakeholder relationships and support initiatives related to sponsored research, industry collaboration and innovation ecosystems.

Duties Responsibilities Industry External Partnership Engagement 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. Innovation Research Collaboration 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. Help identify emerging areas of industry interest and alignment with institutional research strengths. Contribute to strategic engagement activities that expand the university’s research visibility and external partnerships.

Program Project Coordination Coordinate partnership meetings, engagement activities, workshops, site visits and networking events. 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.

Support implementation of strategic initiatives and special projects within OVCR. Outreach Representation Represent the university and OVCR at conferences, meetings and external engagement events. Promote awareness of university research expertise, innovation initiatives and collaboration opportunities. Drive efforts to strengthen the university’s role within regional and national innovation ecosystems.

Perform other duties as assigned. Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.