Director, Strategic Partnerships and Industry Relations
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Application
Details
Posted: 28-Jan-25
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Internal Number: 259286
A cover letter and resume are important submissions for the hiring team to get a sense of your experience and are required to be considered for this position. In the cover letter, please let us know how this role aligns with your career aspirations and skills. Submit both a cover letter and resume as one file (because of system limitations).
The University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit (UMCI) will be a world-class research, education, and entrepreneurship center designed to advance innovation and talent-focused community development to foster city, region, and statewide job creation and inclusive economic growth. Anchored by a world-class research and education center, and operating as a direct extension of the university's Ann Arbor campus. The UMCI will operate on a compelling mixed model approach, including master's degrees and workforce development programs. We will bring U-M's focus on high-tech research, education, and innovation to downtown Detroit.
As the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Industry Relations you will lead strategic partnerships and industry relations. You will also spearhead initiatives that enhance economic competitiveness and job creation in the Detroit region and throughout Michigan. You will report directly to the executive director of UMCI.
The position is designed as a hybrid role with a blend of remote and onsite responsibilities, requiring the presence of individuals for on-site engagement and collaboration with Detroit's community leaders and organizations a few days a week. There is also an expectation that candidates must live within a reasonable commuting distance from Detroit. Link to full job description
Identify, convene, and collaborate with public, private, academic, and civic leaders to advance economic competitiveness and job creation.
Pursue public and other funding to build ecosystem visibility and capacity.
Leverage university and other research capabilities to explore policy solutions needed to grow the tech ecosystem.
Support and/or lead the development and implementation of a multi-year strategic plan for emerging technology clusters.
Facilitate corporate partnerships with university researchers and area startups.
Identify opportunities for collaboration with other innovation district stakeholders in Detroit. Engage in innovation activities and align on innovation policy and tech equity strategies.
Work closely with industry leaders to raise awareness of and promote UMCI's training and education offerings.
Develop and maintain strategic relationships with corporate partners to meet their training, education, and workforce development needs.
Tailor UMCI's programs and initiatives to address the specific needs of industry partners.
Promote UMCI as a valuable resource for corporate innovation and talent development.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional work; preference for graduate degrees in nonprofit management, business administration, or public policy.
Experience in project management, strategic partnerships, and complex initiatives.
Extensive knowledge and networks within Michigan's industry and other partners; national and global networks.
Understanding of technology trends and opportunities.
Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with experience considering multiple community perspectives.
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
A great university is made so by its faculty and staff, and Michigan is recognized as one of the best universities to work for in the country. The Michigan culture is known for engaging faculty and staff in all facets of the university to create a workplace that is vibrant and stimulating.For two consecutive years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has placed U-M in its "Great Colleges to Work For" survey. In particular, the university earns high marks for strong relations between faculty and administrators, a collaborative system of governance, strong pay and benefits, and a healthy work/life balance.