Director Of Partnerships & Economic Engagement- Coll of Emerging & Collaborative Studies

Director of Partnerships and Economic Engagement

College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies

The University of Tennessee College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS) invites applications for the position of Director of Partnerships and Economic Engagement. Under the direction of the Dean, the Director will develop partnerships with key stakeholders which includes industry partners, local community organizations, and statewide economic development leaders, and government agencies. This position will be responsible for the advancement of these partnerships to foster additional opportunities across CECS offerings, including research and internship opportunities for CECS students, outreach, and educational programs. By fostering these relationships, the Director will enrich CECS students’ educational journey by providing opportunities such as expanding educationally relevant paid research, co-op and/or internship positions, to increase retention and enable student success. The Director is responsible for providing strategy, advice and assistance on industry relations matters to areas across the university, in particular to those that are spearheaded by CECS and for identifying opportunities to strengthen industry partnerships and engage industry stakeholders. The Director will act as the primary relationship manager and will be the connection point between CECS, University of Tennessee Research Office and existing top-tier private sector partners - developing and growing mutually beneficial relationships which lead to increased collaboration opportunities.

There are three major thrusts for this role. Leadership and engagement, strategic planning and relationship management.

Leadership and Engagement:

This position will focus on community strengthening initiatives that support UTK’s and particularly CECS’ capacity to realize off campus operational needs. It will have a broad programmatic responsibility to manage economic development actions and establish strong networks both across the University and externally. The Director will work closely with CECS leadership, UT Research Office staff, industry, and community members to forge collaborations that benefit CECS, University, and local and state economy. The director will be the main point of contact to liaise with local, regional, and national economic development organizations and businesses to encourage industry collaborations, and support CECS student success by expanding educationally relevant opportunities such as internships, co-op and employment upo graduation. The director is expected to gradually build a team that they will lead at the direction of the Dean.

Strategic Planning:

The Director will assist with CECS development opportunities and establish and maintain the strategic direction in collaboration with stakeholders. They will lead accountability meetings, identify gaps in partnering with stakeholders, analyze data to track progress, provide leadership for research and internship programs, and regularly review and update engagement strategies.

Relationship Management:

The Director will be primarily responsible for stewardship and fulfillment activities, including on-campus visits by corporate leaders and coordination activities with individuals covering a broad area. They will act as the primary relationship manager for assigned relationships, allocate time to support company needs, and help with milestones, meeting schedules, engagement teams, and contracting. This role will also engage with Center for Career Development stakeholders to ensure the working conditions meet academic goals.

The College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies is one of UTK’s newest colleges recently launched to address the rapidly changing landscape of future careers and how higher education can meet them. As a land-grant, flagship, R-1 research institution, UTK maintains a vision for “a world enriched by our ideas, improved through action, and inspired by the Volunteer Spirit of service and leadership.” (https://chancellor.utk.edu/vision/). CECS has been created to move this vision forward. Under the dynamic leadership of Interim Vice Provost of Academic Affairs and Dean, our senior leadership team will deepen UTK impact as researchers and scholars on the future of higher education. CECS will be a unique and innovative model for creating and launching new courses and programs on emerging, interdisciplinary programs by leveraging expertise across all colleges on campus.

Knoxville is the third largest city in the state with a metropolitan statistical area population of over 850,000 people. The region is a hub for research and design with a focus on environmental research, urban studies, and advanced technologies such as additive manufacturing technology and advanced fiber composites. East Tennessee benefits from collaborative synergies with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee Valley Authority, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Innovative companies are headquartered in the area including Branch Technology (architectural scale additive manufacturing). Downtown Knoxville boasts an effervescent nightlife with theater, film, art, music, and well-recognized events and festivals like Big Ears, a vibrant live music scene across all genres, excellent restaurants, minority-heritage celebration events, farmers’ markets, and community gardens. Unique and walkable residential and business districts include Knoxville's historic Market Square and Old City, North and South Waterfronts, and the Urban Wilderness recreational area. Knoxville and the surrounding region also benefit from the energy and advocacy of civic, business, maker, cultural, religious, neighborhood, minority communities, and organizations invested in local quality of life. Within a fifteen-minute commute of campus, Knoxville offers a diverse range of housing from downtown lofts to homes in historic tree-lined neighborhoods. The city and county offer strong public and private K-12 educational options including public international baccalaureate, art and science magnet programs, as well as private, religious, and Montessori schools. Knoxville's neighborhoods benefit from easy access to parks and multi-use trail systems. The nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park and TVA reservoir-lakes provide stellar outdoor recreation including biking, water sports, climbing, and hiking.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree. A minimum of five years’ experience in economic development, community fundraising, academic advancement, sales, marketing, communications, grants administration, entrepreneurial activities, or other similar fields. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision and the ability to ask for and close agreements. Willingness to travel as necessary. Demonstrated ability to build and manage stakeholder relationships and engage with industry leaders and groups.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree preferred. Ten years’ experience in economic development, community fundraising, academic advancement, sales, marketing, communications, grants administration, entrepreneurial activities, or other similar fields. Experience in economic development or industry partnerships role, and knowledge of space-based recruitment and growth strategies including best practices related to alignment with university/organizational missions. A proven track-record with collaboration at a high level, and the ability to develop large public-private-partnerships. Demonstrated understanding of the intersections between research, applied science, and industry.

Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position has been filled. For full consideration, interested individuals should provide a cover letter addressing professional experience relevant to the required minimum qualifications, a resume, and complete contact information for three professional references. Priority will be given to applications received by May 29th.

The salary for this position will be commensurate with experience. The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including reduced tuition for employee’s dependents that attend college in the University of Tennessee system.

Job: Other Professional
Primary Location: US-Tennessee-Knoxville
Organization: College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies
Schedule: Full-time