Executive Director

Executive Director, Partnerships - College of Engineering & Computer Science (CECS)Have you got what it takes to succeed The following information should be read carefully by all candidates.University of Central Florida (UCF)Division: Advancement & PartnershipsLocation: Orlando, FLBe Part of the University for the FutureJoin our dynamic and growing Advancement & Partnerships team as we work together to build transformative, mutually beneficial partnerships and expand UCF's reputation as a national leader in engineering and technology.Your efforts will support UCF's strategic vision and strengthen its position as a top public research institution"”where innovation, industry collaboration, and student success converge.The OpportunityThe Executive Director, Partnerships - CECS is a high-impact, externally facing role responsible for identifying and growing corporate partnerships that align with UCF's College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS).This individual will work closely with industry leaders and faculty to co-develop strategic initiatives that expand UCF's reach across research, workforce development, and innovation ecosystems.This role will serve as a technical translator and relationship-builder"”someone who understands both the language of academia and the needs of engineering- and tech-driven industries.The Executive Director will lead and coordinate engagement across seven key corporate channels, with a focus on revenue generation and long-term partnership value:* Sponsored research* Industry-informed capstone projects* Corporate co-location* Executive and continuing education* Innovation and business collaborations* Talent development and recruitment* Philanthropic investmentKey Responsibilities* Build and execute strategic partnership plans that reflect UCF's research, workforce, and innovation goals, while aligning with CECS's academic and research priorities.* Develop relationships with senior industry leaders"”especially within high-tech, aerospace, defense, and energy sectors"”to uncover opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration.* Act as a strategic connector between CECS faculty and corporate R&D, helping shape research proposals, identify mutual interests, and translate technical expertise into scalable partnerships.* Collaborate with the Dean of CECS, Advancement leadership, and faculty on joint business development efforts targeting top-tier industry collaborators.* Create tailored engagement strategies for corporate partners and measure impact across research, workforce/talent outcomes, and funding channels.* Lead and coordinate cross-functional engagement teams across UCF to ensure companies have a streamlined, university-wide experience.* Track revenue growth and partnership KPIs, managing a portfolio of high-impact industry relationships.Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's or Master's degree and 6+ years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219. Click here for more informationPreferred Qualifications* Experience working in engineering, technology, or research-intensive industries (e.g., aerospace, energy, defense, or software/IT).* Prior experience building corporate-university partnerships, preferably within R1 institutions or innovation ecosystems.* Understanding of the technical language and challenges in engineering and computer science domains.* Strong business development skills, including experience with research funding, corporate sales, or enterprise account strategy.* Proven ability to lead collaborative, cross-functional teams and manage complex, long-term partnerships.* Strong executive communication and stakeholder management skills.Special Instructions to ApplicantsThe anticipated salary range for a well-qualified candidate is $117,747 - $140,000.Final compensation will be determined based on education, relevant experience, and alignment with both the position's requirements and the candidate's demonstrated success in similar roles.Job Type: ContractPay: $117,000.00 - $140,000.00 per yearBenefits:* Dental insurance* Health insurance* Vision insuranceSchedule:* 8 hour shift* Day shift* Monday to FridayWork Location: In person

Created: 2025-10-01