Partnership Development Director - NSF Energy Storage Engine

Location: Vestal, NY Category: Professional & Support Staff Job Type: Full-time Posted On: Mon Jun 1 2026 Job Description:

The NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York is seeking a dynamic, experienced leader to serve as its Partnership Development Director. The Energy Storage Engine, led by Binghamton University with core partners Cornell University, RIT, Syracuse University, Griffiss Institute, NY-BEST and Launch NY, brings together premier R&D universities, industry, and government agencies to grow a leading battery technology ecosystem in Upstate New York. The Engine's mission is to accelerate American battery innovation; its ten-year vision is to establish Upstate New York as America's Battery Tech Capital. Reporting to the CEO, this role drives the Engine's partnership development activities with particular emphasis on corporate and defense sectors, and in support of the Engines RD&T, workforce development and financial sustainability goals. We seek a strategic, entrepreneurial, relationship-driven leader with a demonstrated track record of closing high-value partnerships and building the public-private alliances necessary to sustain and scale the Engine's regional impact.

Responsibilities

• Partnership Development

• Grow the Engine's portfolio of over 70 active partners. In particular,

• Corporate Partnership Development: Lead the Engine's effort to convert existing industry relationships into formal, funded partnerships with large regional and national corporations. Develop and execute a business development strategy to expand partnerships in battery manufacturing, supplier and downstream industries including electrified transportation, power and energy management and data centers. Promote Engine's existing industry engagement models and identify new services and engagement models to support evolving corporate partner needs. Participate in discussions regarding partnership agreements, MoUs, sponsored research arrangements, and co-investment frameworks in collaboration with the Engine's leadership team.

• Defense Sector and National Security Partnerships: In collaboration with the Engine leadership team and Engine partners including the Griffiss Institute, build and implement an engagement strategy targeting Department of Defense agencies (e.g. AFWERX, OUSD R&E, ARL etc.), defense contractors, and regional defense industrial base companies. Align the Engine's national security priorities (e.g. domestic supply chain resilience, advanced battery manufacturing, and defense-critical energy storage systems) with relevant federal programs and procurement channels. Identify new programs and engagement models to support department of defense needs.

• Partnership Portfolio Management and Coordination: With support from the Engine's Partnership Coordinator, ensure partner engagement and agreements are managed consistently. Track pipeline and outcomes to inform NSF reporting and governance board updates, prioritizing growth of investing and contributing partners to support long-term financial sustainability.

• Promoting Engine Products and Services: In collaboration with the Engine's Technology translation team, promote Engine developed products and services and expand customer base and utilization. Identify opportunities for new products and services aligned with Engine's mission.

• Ecosystem Positioning and Stakeholder Communications: Support the CEO, COO and the Engine leadership team in engaging with corporate, investor and philanthropic audiences. Represent the Engine at industry events and policy forums. Support the development of compelling narratives about the Engine's value and impact to attract new partners and investment and collaborate with the communications team on partner-facing materials, case studies, and impact reports.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in business, policy, engineering, or a related field

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in partnership development, business development, and corporate relations with demonstrated success building complex, multi-stakeholder partnerships.

• Proven track record of closing high-value corporate partnerships and/or sponsored research agreements.

• Strong understanding of the US battery, energy storage, or advanced manufacturing industry landscape and related policy environment.

• Demonstrated ability to work in a complex, fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

• Exceptional relationship-building, negotiation, and communication skills with the ability to engage effectively at the executive level across industry, government, and academia.

Preferred

• Advanced degree (MBA, JD, or equivalent)

• Existing network of relationships with large corporations, defense contractors, or institutional investors active in energy storage or advanced manufacturing.

• Familiarity with federal and state innovation programs, including NSF, EDA, DOE, or DOD funded initiatives.

• Prior experience working in or with a federally funded Engine, Hub, or similar place-based innovation program.

• Experience working with regional economic development organizations, state agencies, innovation programs, or public-private partnerships.

Additional Information:

Salary: $200,000 annually based on education and experience. This is a grant-funded position, with potential for renewal based on the progress and growth of the NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York The ideal candidate will be instrumental in driving the development and success of the organization, with the opportunity to transition into a longer-term role if key milestones are met.

Travel will be required on a regular basis across New York State for engaging with active and prospective partners. Travel outside New York State and within the United States will be required as needs arise.

Research Foundation Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity

As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer, The Research Foundation for SUNY will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy-related conditions, reproductive health decisions, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, familial status, citizenship, physical and mental disability, prior arrest or conviction record, genetic characteristics/genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, military status or service, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under federal, state or local law. The Company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

The Company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

The Research Foundation for SUNY is a private, not for profit corporation and is a separate employer from SUNY and the State of New York and offers separate compensation and benefit plans.

Binghamton University is a tobacco-free campus.