Strategic Partnerships Lead

Strategic Partnerships Lead The Precourt Institute for Energy is seeking exceptional candidates to serve as the Strategic Partnerships Lead. This role falls primarily in the scouting function of STEER—a critical function of the organization to maintain relevance with industry and ensure STEER is asking and answering the right questions. The role will be focused on business development, responsible for scouting, developing, and maintaining industry connections, identifying key white spaces, developing analysis prospectuses and white papers, and organizing strategic executive convenings to obtain industry feedback. The role will also manage the scouting and onboarding of industry partners as members of the Industrial Affiliates Program (IAP) associated with STEER, assist in fundraising efforts, and act as a liaison for industry feedback as new working groups are launched. Key Responsibilities Industry Scouting & Business Development Identify and develop relationships with industry leaders. Develop and maintain a CRM/database of prospective/current partners and industry participants, including engagement history and opportunity pipelines. Identify emerging technology interests, policy developments, and market shifts to inform STEER’s strategic priorities. Strategic Development & White Space Identification Manage strategic identification of “white spaces” ripe for STEER’s analytical value proposition, such as identifying intersectional nodes between horizontals and technology verticals. Develop strategic landscaping white papers and other framing documents to position STEER for new areas of analysis or convening. Activate STEER’s Analysis & Strategy Staff to translate qualitative market signals into actionable analytical products. Partnership Management & Fundraising Manage sourcing and development of new Industrial Affiliates Program (IAP) members. Maintain regular communication with partners to ensure alignment between technical workstreams and stakeholder needs. Strategic Liaison & Industry Feedback Integration Connect STEER’s analytical staff with industry partners to integrate real‑world feedback into ongoing research. Manage strategic planning and reporting cycles across STEER’s working groups. Translate complex technical findings into actionable insights for diverse audiences. Program & Convening Leadership Design and manage high‑level executive convenings (e.g., roundtables, forums, summits) that engage industry and government leaders around key technology challenges. Translate outcomes from convenings into executive summaries, internal strategy documents, and external briefings. Represent Stanford and STEER in high‑level external settings with credibility and diplomacy. Core Duties Lead the planning and operations for programs with significant business, regulatory, and technical challenges requiring subject‑matter expertise. Evaluate programs or functions, policies, and procedures; identify issues and develop alternative solutions. Review and analyze trends to advise and develop recommendations to achieve or modify the goals of the program or function. Represent the program or function within the department, unit, or school by committing resources and providing information and training. Represent the program or function at the university level and/or to external/internal stakeholders. Manage outreach strategy that may include relationship development, communications, and compliance. Develop and oversee budgets; manage finances including monitoring, analyzing, forecasting, and reporting. Assess training needs and develop associated training. Direct or supervise staff as required. Other duties may be assigned according to department or program needs. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant experience. Demonstrated ability to establish priorities, manage shifting priorities, and handle numerous time‑sensitive projects with multiple deadlines. Ability to accomplish goals working through formal and informal channels, with diplomacy and tactfulness. Demonstrated creativity, problem solving, critical analysis, initiative, judgment, and decision‑making skills. Demonstrated ability to develop and meet budget goals. Solid planning and organizational skills. Experienced working independently and as part of a team. Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills. Strong relevant subject‑matter knowledge. Ability to direct the work of others if the role requires supervision. Desired Qualifications Ability to identify and cultivate strategic partnerships across academia, industry, and government. Strong understanding of the energy technology ecosystem, including domains such as energy storage, nuclear, hydrogen, geothermal, and carbon management. Experience in developing thought leadership materials such as white papers, prospectuses, or strategic frameworks. Proven ability to organize and manage high‑level executive events or cross‑sector initiatives. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey technical and strategic ideas to diverse audiences. Strategic thinker capable of connecting technological innovation with economic and policy considerations. Enthusiasm for working with students and supporting their development of connections within the energy ecosystem. Ability to build and nurture relationships across Stanford’s energy ecosystem and external partners. Ability to serve as a mentor to students, connecting them to resources and opportunities. Desired Experience Bachelor’s degree in engineering, energy systems, economics, business, or related field. Master’s degree or equivalent experience strongly preferred (e.g., MBA, MS in Energy Resources Engineering, or MS in Management Science & Engineering). Prior experience in research institutes, think tanks, or technology commercialization environments highly desirable. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Strategic Acumen: Recognize cross‑sector trends and translate them into actionable program opportunities. Communication: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, engaging executives, researchers, and policymakers. Project Management: Manage multiple concurrent initiatives, deadlines, and stakeholder expectations. Analytical Thinking: Synthesizing both qualitative and quantitative information into clear insights. Collaboration: Work across multidisciplinary teams and bridge technical and non‑technical perspectives. Entrepreneurial Mindset: Self‑starter identifying opportunities, building partnerships, and driving initiatives to completion. Enrollment of reasonable accommodations is provided to applicants and employees with disabilities. Compensation The expected pay range for this position is $120,038 to $153,486 per annum. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Benefits information is available on the Cardinal at Work website: Additional details about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process. Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Stanford University