Executive Director of Corporate Research Partnerships

Harvard University • Allston, MA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) seeks an entrepreneurial and 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 in close partnership with the Dean for Research and the Dean of SEAS to develop and execute the School's strategy for corporate research partnerships. The Executive Director serves as SEAS's principal external representative to industry and the corporate research community. Working closely with School leadership and faculty, the Executive Director will identify, cultivate, and advance transformative research partnerships that accelerate scientific discovery, strengthen interdisciplinary research, and increase external investment in Harvard SEAS. This is a highly external-facing leadership role requiring executive presence, technical fluency, strategic judgment, and strong relationship-building skills. In the first year, the Executive Director will be expected to build a strong pipeline of prospective partners and, over time, translate that pipeline into flagship alliances (multi-year, multi-million-dollar) and measurable growth in industry sponsored research funding.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in engineering, computer science, the physical sciences, life sciences, or a related technical field required.
• 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.
• Applicants must submit a cover letter and a resume to be considered for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Technical fluency and intellectual breadth, with the ability to engage credibly with faculty across engineering and applied sciences and with senior technical leaders in industry.
• Track record of closing strategic partnerships that resulted in significant research funding, investment, or collaborative research initiatives (as distinct from managing existing relationships or administering sponsored research).
• Executive presence and credibility 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute SEAS's corporate research partnership strategy, including a prioritized portfolio of high-potential companies and engagement plans aligned with the School's research strengths and faculty interests.
• 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 new funded research opportunities.
• Develop compelling alliance concepts and models that align corporate priorities with SEAS faculty expertise and create mutual long-term value.
• Advise the Dean for Research, the Dean of SEAS, and School leadership on trends in corporate R&D, emerging technologies, research investment, and strategic opportunities.
• Engage with philanthropic science foundations when their interests create meaningful opportunities to support SEAS research.
• Build strong relationships with SEAS faculty to understand emerging research directions and identify opportunities for external collaboration.
• Translate leading-edge research into compelling strategic narratives for corporate sponsors and, where appropriate, foundations and donors.
• Bring together faculty across disciplines to develop ambitious, multi-investigator research collaborations in response to major external opportunities.
• Help faculty and external partners move from exploratory conversations to 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.
• Serve as SEAS's representative on the University Corporate Engagement Council and collaborate closely with the Office of the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR), the Office of Technology Development (OTD), and University and school development offices to advance major opportunities efficiently.

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
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree