University of Michigan

Executive Director

Business Engagement Center

Working Title

: 

Executive Director

Posting Number

: 

72838

Job Category

: 

Fundraising - Director of Development

Salary

: 

$135,000 - $175,000

Experience Range

: 

7 to 10 Years

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume as one document on the University of Michigan Careers at the U site.

If you are unable to apply via the U-M Jobs site, please submit your cover letter and resume to dev.careers@umich.edu. In the subject line, please type in the Job ID# for which you are applying.

For questions about the U-M application process, please refer to the FAQ page

Applications and nominations are invited for the position of Executive Director of the Business Engagement Center (BEC). The BEC was established at the University of Michigan in 2007 to strengthen the University's ties to industry and community partners, and to help revitalize and diversify the state of Michigan's economy. The BEC is sponsored jointly by the U-M Office of the Vice President for Research and the Office of University Development.

The BEC provides companies with a single gateway to the University of Michigan, one of the nation's leading research and higher-education institutions. Through the BEC, companies can maximize the growth potential of their businesses by identifying and accessing the University's vast resources, including research discoveries, new technology, high-tech facilities, student and alumni talent, continuing education programs, and strategic giving opportunities.

Position Description

The Executive Director of the BEC is responsible for the leadership, management, planning, and oversight of the unit charged with being the "front door" of the university for business, industry, and community groups. The Executive Director oversees the campus -wide corporate research and philanthropy programs and works collaboratively with school and college-based corporate relations staff and leadership to improve the quality of services and opportunities for current and potential partners.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

- Coordinate the University's relationships with businesses, industry associations, national organizations and other entities wishing to access U-M resources and forge research and philanthropic partnerships.
- Assess, improve, and guide campus wide efforts to create successful relationships between business and the university.
- Lead and coordinate the efforts of schools, colleges, and service units to ensure that relationships with external entities are efficient and collaborative. 
- Assist faculty and units in securing participation of industry partners in research & development, technology transfer, recruitment, executive education, student project, internship, and advisory activities. Assist faculty units in securing philanthropic support that complements and broadens industrial interactions with the university.
- Oversee the budget, administration, and personnel of the BEC.
- Develop and manage programs, funding opportunities, and competitions that advance and develop the relationships between U-M and its industrial community. 
- Lead a team of Relationship Management Professionals in identifying prospects, developing and proposing strategies for the cultivation of major corporations. Coordinate university-wide efforts in attracting philanthropic support and research funding from potential partners. 
- Provide advice and counsel to Executive Officers and deans regarding relationships with industry.

Required Qualifications

- A bachelor's degree or higher is required, preferably in a related discipline.
- Responsible senior leadership experience in one or more of the following: university engagement, including corporate relations, research administration, technology transfer, philanthropy, industry outreach, and education. 
- Demonstrated ability to develop strategic plans, implement programs, organize, initiate, and motivate staff, and interact successfully with faculty and academic leaders.
- Evidence of national leadership in one or more of the areas listed above.
- The ability to interact with high-level individuals and corporations, and the ability to maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality. 
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills, and collaboration skills, with the ability to work with colleagues in a team environment. 
- Knowledge of university-industry research contracts, technology licenses, gift agreements, government-industry consortia development, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

- Master's degree or PhD in an appropriate discipline.
- 10+ years of progressively responsible experience encompassing work in both university-based research and corporate relations directly related to research engagement.
- Experience managing a professional organization including personnel and fiscal management.
- 5+ years of experience working in industry.

Mission Statement

The Office of University Development maximizes private support for the University of Michigan through high-quality collaboration with the development programs of schools, colleges, and units. We also provide fundraising leadership through the stimulation and facilitation of healthy, productive and life-long relationships with our colleagues, alumni, friends, foundations and corporations.

U-M EEO/AA Statement: The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.