Director of Industry Engagement

LSU FOUNDATION • Baton Rouge, LA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Industry Engagement is an influential, externally facing role responsible for developing, managing, and growing strategic partnerships between Louisiana State University (LSU), the LSU Foundation, and industry. This individual serves as a critical bridge between corporate partners and the university’s academic, research, and workforce development ecosystem. The Director will lead a portfolio of industry relationships, identify opportunities for partnership across talent development, research collaboration, and strategic philanthropy, and drive measurable growth in industry-supported activities. This role requires a combination of business development expertise, relationship management, and a strong understanding of industry needs — ideally informed by prior private-sector experience or higher education industry engagement or fundraising experience, with preference for backgrounds in energy, construction, or related sectors. This role is responsible for supporting, promoting, and delivering industry support to academic and research initiatives across LSU. This individual will serve as a business contact for specific industry members and work in conjunction with, but not limited to, LSU Office of Innovation and Ecosystem Development, Office of Research and Economic Development, and the Olinde Career Center. The Director will also lead efforts to grow and diversify industry support through coordinated outreach, proposal development, and cross-campus collaboration, aligning corporate interests with LSU’s strengths and strategic priorities. The Office of Industry Engagement is responsible for holistic engagement efforts including, but not limited to, talent pipeline development, research collaboration, and strategic philanthropy, between companies and LSU. Annual metrics measure activities such as meetings with prospects, proposal solicitations, and dollars raised through philanthropic gifts and/or sponsored research.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Five years of experience in external-facing roles such as business development, fundraising, and/or external partnership development.
• Experience successfully communicating with all levels within an organization, from senior management to operational teams
• Proficient level in Microsoft Office Suite
• Proven success aligning corporate interests with programs to establish, secure and sustain valuable industry partnerships

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Prior experience in private sector roles such as business development or higher education roles such as industry engagement or fundraising, with preference for backgrounds in energy, construction, or related sectors.
• Demonstrated success in corporate fundraising and business development
• Five years of experience in economic development, corporate site selection, and/or corporate investment decision making
• The ability to set priorities, manage time, leverage limited resources, and meet deadlines
• Entrepreneurial instincts, intellectual curiosity, and an ability to work both independently and as a team member
• A team player comfortable with ambiguity as decisions or processes evolve over time and the ability to quickly refine strategies after receiving feedback from stakeholders
• Excellent interpersonal, administrative, and organizational skills

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage industry support activities within LSU consistent with applicable requirements and needs by developing and offering integrated and comprehensive support for specific business needs. These support services will be structured to help industry partners navigate the complexities of working within the LSU ecosystem, with a goal of removing barriers and growing funded activities at LSU.
• Develop and grow the industry engagement portfolio through new industry partners. Leverage stakeholder and partner networks to improve industry support participation and outcomes.
• Identify and market LSU assets and resources that could serve as a value-add to industry stakeholders.
• Improve outreach, develop relationships and coordination with industry partners. Work across the state with chambers, Louisiana Economic Development, and other support organizations to grow and develop industry support opportunities within LSU.
• Complete projects/reports as requested
• Serve on committees
• Attend relevant seminars or trainings

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director