Director of Industry Alliances

Company Description
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Company Description
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?
The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard's undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard's Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description
Job Summary:
The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) at Harvard University seeks an innovative, collaborative, and entrepreneurial

Director of Industry Alliances

to lead the development and strategic management of relationships between the Sciences Division and industry partners. Reporting directly to the Dean of Science, the Director will build relationships with companies, foundations, investors, and other external organizations to advance research collaborations, educational initiatives, talent development, technology translation, and other strategic opportunities. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted bridge between Harvard faculty industry partners, and where appropriate the Office of Technology and Development. The Director will identify areas of shared interest and create partnerships that support scientific discovery, innovation, and societal impact. The Director will work across disciplines and Harvard administrative units, including research administration, technology transfer, corporate relations, development, sponsored programs, communications, all in close collaboration with academic leadership. This position requires exceptional relationship-building skills, sound judgment, strategic vision, and the ability to operate effectively in a complex, highly collaborative academic environment.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Faculty and Researcher Engagement

Serve as a primary point of contact for faculty and researchers seeking to explore or expand industry relationships

Learn and communicate the research strengths, capabilities, and priorities of the Sciences Division to prospective partners

Facilitate introductions and conversations between faculty and industry representatives

Help translate scientific research and academic priorities into compelling partnership concepts for external audiences

Support the development of proposals, briefing materials, presentations, and partnership agreements in collaboration with relevant University offices

Promote interdisciplinary opportunities that bring together faculty and researchers from multiple scientific fields

Industry Strategy and Partnership Development

Develop and implement a comprehensive industry engagement strategy for the Division of Science aligned with academic, research, and institutional priorities

Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with companies and industry leaders across relevant sectors, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, energy, climate technology, advanced materials, artificial intelligence, computing, and other emerging fields

Identify opportunities for mutually beneficial collaborations involving faculty, researchers, students, laboratories, centers, and academic programs

Develop partnership models that may include sponsored research, collaborative research programs, strategic gifts, fellowships, internships, executive education, student recruitment, equipment support, and innovation initiatives

Build a strong pipeline of prospective industry partners and maintain accurate records of relationship activity, opportunities, and outcomes

Advise academic leaders and faculty on effective approaches to industry engagement and partnership development

Partnership Management and Stewardship

Build and manage a portfolio of high-value industry relationships from initial engagement through implementation and renewal

Establish clear goals, deliverables, timelines, and success measures for strategic partnerships

Coordinate internal stakeholders to ensure effective communication and execution of partnership commitments

Monitor partnership performance and prepare regular reports and recommendations for academic and administrative leadership

Develop stewardship and engagement plans that deepen relationships and support long-term collaboration

Represent the Sciences Division at industry conferences, scientific meetings, corporate events, and University functions

Cross-Campus Collaboration

Collaborate with Harvard offices and units responsible for sponsored research, technology licensing and transfer, corporate relations, development, research compliance, intellectual property, communications, and legal affairs

Coordinate with relevant schools, institutes, centers, and laboratories across Harvard to identify opportunities for cross-school and University-wide engagement

Help ensure that industry partnerships are developed and managed in accordance with Harvard policies and applicable legal, ethical, research, and conflict-of-interest requirements

Participate in University-wide initiatives related to innovation, entrepreneurship, research translation, and external engagement

Innovation and External Engagement

Monitor trends in science, technology, investment, and industry to identify emerging partnership opportunities

Develop forums, roundtables, symposia, workshops, and other programs that connect faculty and students with industry leaders

Support opportunities for student engagement, including internships, mentoring, experiential learning, career pathways, and industry-sponsored projects

Contribute to efforts that advance the translation of scientific discoveries into practical applications and broader societal impact

Represent the Division of Science with professionalism, credibility, and discretion in external settings

Working Conditions:
Work is performed in an office setting; this is a hybrid position requiring three (3) days on campus (minimum)

Physical Requirements:
Sitting and using near vision for reading and computer work for extended periods of time

Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, business, public policy, communications, or a related field.

Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in industry relations, research partnerships, business development, corporate engagement, technology commercialization, scientific program management, or a related area.

Demonstrated experience developing and managing relationships with corporate, scientific, philanthropic, or other external partners.

Experience working with scientists, researchers, academic leaders, or technical professionals in a complex organization.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

MBA or other advanced degree in a scientific, engineering, business, policy, or related discipline strongly preferred

Experience in higher education, research institutions, life sciences, biotechnology, healthcare, climate and environmental science, advanced technology, or a related sector

Understanding of sponsored research, intellectual property, technology transfer, research compliance, and university-industry collaboration

Demonstrated ability to understand and communicate complex scientific concepts to both technical and nontechnical audiences

Experience structuring or supporting multidisciplinary, multi-party partnerships

Knowledge of the venture capital, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, technology, energy, or nonprofit research ecosystems

Experience working within a large, decentralized, or matrixed organization

Skills And Competencies

Exceptional relationship-building, listening, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

Strategic and entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities and turn them into actionable partnerships.

Excellent written, oral, and presentation skills.

Ability to communicate credibly with faculty, scientists, executives, investors, government representatives, and students.

Strong project-management skills and attention to detail.

Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders with sound judgment.

Demonstrated discretion and ability to handle confidential or sensitive information.

Commitment to collaboration, inclusion, academic excellence, and ethical engagement.

Comfort working independently while contributing effectively to a team-oriented environment.

Additional Information

Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

Other Information: All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University's Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 060. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Generous paid time off including parental leave

Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one

Retirement plans with university contributions

Wellbeing and mental health resources

Support for families and caregivers

Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement

Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

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