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Location: Raleigh, NC

Essential Job Duties:
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at NC State University is seeking a Director of Industry Research Partnerships to lead the development and expansion of strategic collaborations between CALS researchers and industry partners. Reporting to the Associate Dean for Research and Director of the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service (NCARS), this position serves as a key connector between faculty, corporate partners, and university stakeholders to advance research, innovation, and workforce development.

In this role, you'll cultivate relationships with organizations ranging from emerging start-ups to global corporations, helping transform groundbreaking research into meaningful partnerships that accelerate discovery and economic impact. You'll work across the university to identify opportunities, strengthen existing collaborations, and create new pathways for research, commercialization, student engagement, and industry investment in one of the nation's leading colleges of agriculture and life sciences.

Key Responsibilities fall within the following functional areas:
Strategic Partnership Development:

• Develop and grow long-term industry partnerships that support research, education, extension, and workforce development initiatives.
• Identify and cultivate new corporate partnerships, including emerging start-up companies, with an emphasis on opportunities supporting the North Carolina Food Animal Initiative (FAI).
• Create innovative partnership models, including sponsored research, grants, contracts, research centers, internships, co-location opportunities, and other collaborative initiatives.
• Stay informed of CALS research strengths and emerging industry priorities to proactively connect faculty with corporate partners.
• Create opportunities for faculty and students to engage with industry through meaningful collaborations and experiential learning.

• Serve as the primary liaison between corporate partners and CALS, ensuring responsive communication and successful execution of partnership agreements.
• Build trusted, long-term relationships by delivering exceptional service and identifying opportunities to expand existing collaborations.
• Maintain a comprehensive inventory of corporate partnerships and establish best practices for partnership management.
• Collaborate with the Office of Sponsored Programs and Regulatory Compliance Services (SPARCS) to support research agreements and contracting processes.
• Help safeguard NC State's intellectual property by coordinating with the Office of Research Commercialization throughout partnership development.

• Partner with CALS leadership, University Advancement, and university corporate engagement colleagues to develop coordinated strategies for industry engagement.
• Connect faculty with commercialization resources and licensing opportunities through the Office of Research Commercialization.
• Coach faculty and students in communicating the value and real-world applications of their research to industry partners.
• Plan and lead corporate visits, research showcases, and engagement events that strengthen relationships and promote CALS research excellence.

Other Work/Responsibilities:
In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department's operations.

Minimum Experience/Education:
PhD or equivalent degree in an Agriculture or Life Sciences discipline; or a Masters degree in a Agriculture and Life Sciences discipline and directly equivalent experience will be considered for exceptional candidates.

All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Required Qualifications:

• Expertise managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and strategic initiatives.
• Skilled at translating complex research into compelling written and verbal communications, including proposals, presentations, and executive-level materials that engage academic, industry, and external stakeholders.
• Success collaborating within cross-functional teams to build consensus and achieve shared organizational goals.
• Experience partnering with faculty, researchers, or other academic stakeholders to advance research initiatives.
• Proven ability to convene multidisciplinary teams, cultivate innovative research concepts, and communicate the value of research programs to industry partners.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the corporate food animal, precision agriculture, or related industry sector, with an understanding of industry trends, partnership models, and stakeholder needs.
• Proven success cultivating, securing, and managing strategic corporate partnerships that support research, innovation, or organizational objectives.
• Established knowledge of the North Carolina corporate landscape, including the ability to identify and engage relevant industry partners and stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of intellectual property, patent law, and the ability to manage confidential information and situations.
• Understanding of NC State/CALS research strengths, with the ability to recognize synergies across faculty programs and translate them into value for corporate partners.

Required License or Certification:

• A valid NC Driver's License and the ability to obtain an NC Driver's License within 60 days of hire and must be maintained throughout employment.

AA/EEO Statement:
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

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