Head of Strategic Partnerships - 135263

Design Lab's Head of Strategic Partnerships will work with the Design Lab Director's Office (Director and Associate Directors) and Design Lab Studios (Associate Director, Strategic Initiatives) to deploy an effective outreach program to assess new partners of value, and facilitate increased joint activities between industry/civic partners and the Design Lab. Consults and serves as a resource and guide to the Director's Office on enhancing Design Lab's position locally, nationally and internationally.

Identifies opportunities to promote the goals and objectives of Design Lab. In addition to the Director's Office, works closely with key campus administrators, and other community stakeholders, such as government officials and community leaders, to raise Design Lab's profile and promote/new, as well as fostering existing, strategic alliances. Enhance existing and create new revenue streams for the Lab. Represents the Design Lab at high level meetings involving local, national, and international organizations, agencies, networks, associations and/or high-level government decision makers and industry executives with the purpose of establishing and enhancing collaborative partnerships.

Provides ongoing stewardship to corporate partners to ensure needs of both corporate partners and Design Lab are met. Tactfully connects Design Lab programs and initiatives with corporate partners', civic partners', or donors' interests, personal interests and/or background, and effectively introduces on-the-spot ideas for programs and activities that might be of interest to the donor/sponsor/partner. Performs other complex projects within scope of description.

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training. Advanced degree in public policy, research operations, business administration, preferred.

• Demonstrated expertise in building partnerships with industry, entrepreneurs, community business organizations, industry membership groups and corporate associations. Experience developing and implementing successful outreach strategies and programming geared to a specialized audience.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Excellent persuasive ability to establish rapport and express the mission of an organization and its interest.

• Ability to break down complex concepts and tailor communication to industry partner unique needs and interests.

• Skilled communicator: includes verbal and written, active listening, critical thinking, persuasiveness, advising and counseling skills. Ability to use discretion and respect confidentiality.

• Demonstrated experience administering programs, including budgeting, fiscal management, marketing/promoting, program revision/expansion and evaluation.

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills to establish and maintain working relationships with colleagues, faculty, donors, and industry partners, with an emphasis on collaboration, tact, diplomacy, flexibility, professionalism, and discretion.

• Advanced organizational and project management skills. Ability to lead a team, prioritize personal and team tasks and see projects through from inception to completion on schedule.

• Ability to perform all commonly applicable functions in the Microsoft Suite. Advanced knowledge of software applications specific to industry alliance programs. Ability to teach others.

• Strong demonstrated experience researching grant opportunities and/or other funding to fund not-for-profit activities, and strong experience writing successful grant applications and grant requests for similar activities, initiatives, or programs. Experience with the details of grant writing and submission: text, format, sequence, organization, development of theme, promotion of home institution's strengths, uniqueness, quality, reputation, etc.

• Proven superior ability to develop and implement persuasive cultivation ideas and techniques, and provide critical analysis, using sound judgment with realistic expectations.

• Deep understanding of faculty and programmatic research interests within the University. Understanding of partnership agreements, patent law, licensing and commercialization.

• Excellent ability to build bridges with partner organizations, individuals across the University, and in other outside communities. Ability to interact appropriately and with sensitivity in a culturally diverse environment.

• Job offer is contingent on clear Background Check.

• This is a 1 year Contract position.

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.