Executive Director of Corporate Research Partnerships

Harvard University • Allston, MA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) seeks an entrepreneurial, externally oriented business development leader to serve as its inaugural Executive Director for Corporate Research Partnerships. Reporting to the Dean for Research, the Executive Director works closely with the Dean for Research and the Dean of SEAS to develop and execute the School’s corporate research partnership strategy. The role serves as SEAS’s principal external representative to industry and the corporate research community, identifying, cultivating, and advancing research partnerships that accelerate scientific discovery, strengthen interdisciplinary research, and increase external investment in Harvard SEAS. The first-year focus includes building a pipeline of prospective partners, with the longer-term goal of translating it into flagship, multi-year, multi-million-dollar alliances and measurable growth in industry-sponsored research funding.

The Executive Director develops and closes high-value research funding opportunities, builds relationships with corporate technical and research leaders, and aligns corporate priorities with faculty expertise. The role also advises School leadership on corporate R&D and technology trends, engages faculty in partnership development, and leads the Program Manager for Industry Partnerships. It represents SEAS on the University Corporate Engagement Council and collaborates with relevant Harvard research, technology development, and development offices.

The work is primarily in an on-campus office environment, with occasional local, national, and international travel potentially required. The position is hybrid; work schedule and location are determined by the department based on operational needs. The standard schedule is 35 hours per week, regularly four workdays per week on campus.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in engineering, computer science, physical sciences, life sciences, or a related technical field.
• Progressively responsible experience in business development, strategic partnerships, and/or research alliances within technical or scientific organizations: 15 years with a bachelor’s degree, 12 years with a master’s degree, or 10 years with a Ph.D.
• Demonstrated experience originating, developing, and closing significant research partnerships or collaborations involving industry, universities, research organizations, foundations, and/or government.
• Technical fluency and intellectual breadth to engage credibly with faculty across engineering and applied sciences and senior technical leaders in industry.
• Track record of closing strategic partnerships that resulted in significant research funding, investment, or collaborative research initiatives, rather than only managing existing relationships or administering sponsored research.
• Executive presence and credibility when interacting with senior technical leaders.
• Strong business development, relationship-building, negotiation, and influencing skills, with an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex research into compelling opportunities for sophisticated external audiences.
• Familiarity with sponsored research agreements, intellectual property considerations, and other structures commonly used in university-industry research collaborations.
• Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume to be considered.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute SEAS’s corporate research partnership strategy, including a prioritized portfolio of high-potential companies and aligned engagement plans.
• Originate, develop, and close high-value research funding opportunities, from initial engagement through multi-year research collaborations and alliances.
• Build trusted relationships with CTOs, Chief Scientists, Heads of Research, senior R&D executives, and other corporate leaders, representing Harvard SEAS and cultivating funded research opportunities.
• Develop alliance concepts and models that align corporate priorities with SEAS faculty expertise and create long-term mutual value.
• Advise the Dean for Research, Dean of SEAS, and School leadership on corporate R&D trends, emerging technologies, research investment, and strategic opportunities.
• Engage with philanthropic science foundations when their interests create meaningful opportunities to support SEAS research.
• Build relationships with SEAS faculty to understand emerging research directions and identify external collaboration opportunities.
• Translate leading-edge research into strategic narratives for corporate sponsors and, where appropriate, foundations and donors.
• Bring together faculty across disciplines to develop multi-investigator research collaborations in response to major external opportunities.
• Help faculty and external partners develop exploratory discussions into well-defined funded research collaborations with clear scientific and strategic value.
• Lead and manage the Program Manager for Industry Partnerships, providing direction, mentorship, and professional development.
• Represent SEAS on the University Corporate Engagement Council and collaborate with OVPR, OTD, University and school development offices, and other relevant partners to advance opportunities.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.
• Retirement plans with university contributions.
• Wellbeing and mental health resources.
• Support for families and caregivers.
• Professional development opportunities, including tuition assistance and reimbursement.
• Commuter benefits, discounts, and campus perks.

What This Job Offers

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