Director - Strategic Partnerships (Technology—AI frontier labs, major technology)

Director – Strategic Partnerships (Technology - AI Frontier Labs, Major Technology) Position Summary: The Director will lead the strategic technology partnership function in North Carolina, acting as the primary executive relationship anchor for AI frontier labs and major technology companies. You will identify, engage, negotiate, and manage institutional-scale agreements that align partner needs with the university’s research capabilities, faculty expertise, talent pipeline, and innovation infrastructure. You will work with the Director of Strategic Partnerships, academic units, and the Partnership Success Managers to move partnership cycles from initial outreach to signed agreements and ongoing renewal. Office of Strategic Partnerships The Office operates a hub-and-spoke concierge model that centralizes intake, triage, and orchestration of industry partnerships, delivering a single front door for partners while enabling campus experts to lead delivery. Minimum Education & Experience Requirements Master’s or Bachelor’s degree and 0-2 years of experience; or an equivalent combination of related education and experience. Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience Bachelor’s degree and 10 years of specific industry experience, or a Master’s degree and 5 years of specific industry experience. Deep, current industry experience and contacts in the relevant vertical; an active personal network of senior leaders that can be reached directly. Proficiency with frontier AI tools; demonstrated use of AI for research, drafting, analysis, and accelerating work. Self-directed, autonomous work style; ability to set own pace and deliver high-quality outcomes independently. Track record of building trusted relationships with senior leaders across business, government, and academia, translating complex needs into executable solutions. Excellent written, verbal, and executive-level communication skills with credibility to represent the university to C-suite audiences. Ability to collaborate across a matrixed institution with other Directors of Strategic Partnerships, deans, faculty, development, legal counsel, and Partnership Success Managers; strong skill in relationship building across diverse backgrounds. Creative, strategic, results-oriented work style and genuine commitment to public service and the university’s mission. Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience Track record of sourcing and closing $25M+ in cumulative partnerships, including at least one institutional-scale agreement with a Fortune 1000 or comparable organization. Day-one access to leaders of at least five marquee firms in the relevant domain, with the ability to reach VP-level and above decision makers directly. 10+ years of direct experience inside or selling into the technology and frontier-AI sector. Ability to translate complex university capabilities into customized value propositions and deliver written proposals in 30 days or less. Experience negotiating partnership agreements in coordination with legal counsel, executive leadership, faculty, and operating partners. CRM proficiency (Salesforce or comparable); fluency in pipeline management, opportunity forecasting, and deal-stage discipline. Familiarity with the university research enterprise, technology transfer, sponsored research administration, or higher-education industry engagement. Willingness and ability to travel within North Carolina and nationally as needed. Other Information The role reports directly to the Vice Chancellor for Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Economic Development and works closely with Directors of Strategic Partnerships, academic units, and the Partnership Success Managers throughout the lifecycle of each partnership. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill