Director of Industry Research Partnerships

Posting Information Posting Number: PG194787EP Internal Recruitment: No Working Title: Director of Industry Research Partnerships Anticipated Hiring Range: Commensurate with Experience Work Schedule: Monday - Friday / 8am - 5pm (additional nights and weekends as needed) Job Location: Raleigh, NC Department: Associate Dean and Director of NCARS About the Department: The primary function of the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service (NCARS) unit is to develop the knowledge and technology needed to improve productivity, profitability and sustainability of industries in agriculture and the life sciences; develop ways to conserve and improve the state's natural resources and environment; improve the health, well-being and quality of life of North Carolina's citizens; and provide the science base for academic and extension programs. Wolfpack Perks and Benefits As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone. What we offer: Medical, Dental, and Vision Flexible Spending Account Retirement Programs Disability Plans Life Insurance Accident Plan Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs 12 Holidays Each Year Tuition and Academic Assistance And so much more! Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered. Essential Job Duties The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at NC State University is seeking a Director of Industry Research Partnerships to lead the development and expansion of strategic collaborations between CALS researchers and industry partners. Reporting to the Associate Dean for Research and Director of the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service (NCARS), this position serves as a key connector between faculty, corporate partners, and university stakeholders to advance research, innovation, and workforce development. In this role, you'll cultivate relationships with organizations ranging from emerging start-ups to global corporations, helping transform groundbreaking research into meaningful partnerships that accelerate discovery and economic impact. You'll work across the university to identify opportunities, strengthen existing collaborations, and create new pathways for research, commercialization, student engagement, and industry investment in one of the nation's leading colleges of agriculture and life sciences. Key Responsibilities fall within the following functional areas: Strategic Partnership Development: Develop and grow long-term industry partnerships that support research, education, extension, and workforce development initiatives. Identify and cultivate new corporate partnerships, including emerging start-up companies, with an emphasis on opportunities supporting the North Carolina Food Animal Initiative (FAI). Create innovative partnership models, including sponsored research, grants, contracts, research centers, internships, co-location opportunities, and other collaborative initiatives. Stay informed of CALS research strengths and emerging industry priorities to proactively connect faculty with corporate partners. Create opportunities for faculty and students to engage with industry through meaningful collaborations and experiential learning. Corporate Relationship Management: Serve as the primary liaison between corporate partners and CALS, ensuring responsive communication and successful execution of partnership agreements. Build trusted, long-term relationships by delivering exceptional service and identifying opportunities to expand existing collaborations. Maintain a comprehensive inventory of corporate partnerships and establish best practices for partnership management. Collaborate with the Office of Sponsored Programs and Regulatory Compliance Services (SPARCS) to support research agreements and contracting processes. Help safeguard NC State's intellectual property by coordinating with the Office of Research Commercialization throughout partnership development. Campus Collaboration & Research Commercialization: Partner with CALS leadership, University Advancement, and university corporate engagement colleagues to develop coordinated strategies for industry engagement. Connect faculty with commercialization resources and licensing opportunities through the Office of Research Commercialization. Coach faculty and students in communicating the value and real-world applications of their research to industry partners. Plan and lead corporate visits, research showcases, and engagement events that strengthen relationships and promote CALS research excellence. Join a nationally recognized research college where your ability to build strategic partnerships will help accelerate innovation, expand research opportunities, and create lasting impact for agriculture, life sciences, and communities across North Carolina and beyond. If you're a collaborative relationship builder who enjoys connecting people, ideas, and industry to advance meaningful research, we encourage you to apply. Other Responsibilities In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department's operations. Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience PhD or equivalent degree in an Agriculture or Life Sciences discipline; or a Masters degree in a Agriculture and Life Sciences discipline and directly equivalent experience will be considered for exceptional candidates. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Other Required Qualifications Expertise managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and strategic initiatives. Skilled at translating complex research into compelling written and verbal communications, including proposals, presentations, and executive-level materials that engage academic, industry, and external stakeholders. Success collaborating within cross-functional teams to build consensus and achieve shared organizational goals. Experience partnering with faculty, researchers, or other academic stakeholders to advance research initiatives. Proven ability to convene multidisciplinary teams, cultivate innovative research concepts, and communicate the value of research programs to industry partners. Preferred Qualifications Experience in the corporate food animal, precision agriculture, or related industry sector, with an understanding of industry trends, partnership models, and stakeholder needs. Proven success cultivating, securing, and managing strategic corporate partnerships that support research, innovation, or organizational objectives. Established knowledge of the North Carolina corporate landscape, including the ability to identify and engage relevant industry partners and stakeholders. Working knowledge of intellectual property, patent law, and the ability to manage confidential information and situations. Understanding of NC State/CALS research strengths, with the ability to recognize synergies across faculty programs and translate them into value for corporate partners. Required License(s) or Certification(s) A valid NC Driver's License and the ability to obtain an NC Driver's License within 60 days of hire and must be maintained throughout employment. Valid NC Driver's License required Yes Commercial Driver's License required No Recruitment Dates Job Open Date: 08/03/2026 Anticipated Close Date: 8/14/2026 Position Details Position Number: 00103713 Position Type: EPS/SAAO Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week): 1.00 Appointment: 12 Month Recurring Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather: Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events: Non Mandatory - Emergency Event Department ID: 110301 - Administration - Research Services EEO NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact View phone number on click.appcast.io to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io . Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. #J-18808-Ljbffr North Carolina State University