Assoc VP, Strategic Research Partnerships

University of Rochester•Rochester, NY

About The Position

The Associate Vice President (AVP) for Business Development and Strategic Research Partnerships is responsible for advancing the strategic growth of the University of Rochester’s research mission through the development, cultivation, and management of high-impact partnerships and business development initiatives. Working collaboratively across research, academic, and administrative divisions, the AVP will identify and pursue strategic opportunities, build meaningful relationships with external partners (industry, government, non-profits), and support revenue-generating and mission-advancing projects aligned with the University’s research priorities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, management, higher education administration, or a related field required.
Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in business development, strategic partnerships, or related roles required.
Proven track record of initiating, negotiating, and implementing strategic partnerships or business development initiatives with measurable impact required.
Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and decision-making skills; ability to translate institutional strategy into actionable partnership programs required.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships across internal and external stakeholders, including senior executives, academic leaders, and industry partners required.
Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills required.
Experience leading or managing teams, fostering collaboration, driving results, and managing multiple projects simultaneously required.
Knowledge of the research enterprise, including sponsored programs, intellectual property, technology commercialization, licensing, or related topics required.
Understanding of philanthropic, grant, or contract-funding environments required.
Familiarity with metrics for tracking partnership performance (ROI, strategic value, risk exposure) required.

Responsibilities

Strategic Research Leadership & Market Intelligence Develop and implement a business development and research partnership strategy aligned with the University’s mission, academic priorities, and research strengths.
Monitor emerging trends across research, innovation and higher education ecosystems to proactively identify new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Collaborate with senior leadership, namely the Vice President for Research, Provost, and deans, to refine and evolve the University’s external research alliance strategy, focusing on partnerships that advance research, academic, and workforce objectives.
Conduct and synthesize market research, benchmarking, and competitive analyses to inform partnership priorities, new initiatives, and strategic decision-making.
Track and analyze partner performance and partnership portfolio outcomes to identify insights, strengthen relationships, and guide future strategic investments.
Champion strategies to diversify funding streams and build long-term financial sustainability through innovative partnership and revenue models.
Partnership Development & Deal Execution Identify, evaluate, and cultivate new partnerships with corporations, government agencies, and non-profit and other industry organizations that expand and diversify the University’s funding streams.
Develop and lead partnerships with industry to foster innovation, technology transfer, workforce development, and collaborative research opportunities.
Work collaboratively with other University partners (e.g., research, counsel, finance, technology transfer, and academic units) to design, negotiate, and execute partnership agreements, sponsored research projects, licensing arrangements, and joint ventures.
Build strong external relationships and serve as the primary liaison and single point of contact for high-level corporate partners, as well as industry and business community leaders, acting as a trusted representative of the University’s interests across the globe.
Facilitate faculty-industry connections by identifying synergies between corporate needs and University expertise.
Maintain an active portfolio of partnerships and ensure timely progression through each phase—from prospect identification through execution and renewal.
Execution & Revenue Delivery Drive execution from agreement to implementation, ensuring partnerships deliver value consistent with institutional priorities, research integrity, and compliance standards.
Work alongside General Counsel to develop deal frameworks, term sheets, and long-term value models, working cross-functionally with legal, finance, schools, and senior leadership.
Track partnership performance and financial outcomes, identifying opportunities for optimization and expansion.
Establish key performance indicators and metrics to track effectiveness of business development initiatives.
Communicate progress and results to University leadership.
Ensure that partnership activities align with University policies, risk management standards, and applicable regulations.
Team Collaboration & Representation Work closely with academic leaders, faculty, and administrative offices to ensure partnerships align with internal capabilities and enhance the University’s reputation and reach.
Serve as a strategic advisor to academic leaders, faculty, and senior administrators regarding opportunities for external partnership and industry engagement.
Collaborate closely with internal offices—including research, Advancement, Technology Transfer, Global Engagement, Government Relations, and Marketing & Communications—to coordinate outreach and relationship management and maximize institutional benefit.
Build effective internal communication channels as well as resources that help faculty and staff identify, pursue, and manage partnership opportunities.
Represent the University externally at conferences, corporate or industry forums to position URochester as a preferred partner in research, innovation, and societal impact.
Build, supervise, and mentor a team of business development and partnership professionals; promote a collaborative and service-oriented culture.
Serve as a key connector between internal and external stakeholders, fostering trust, transparency, and shared success in all partnership activities.