Industry & Business Development Officer

Industry And Business Development Officer

The Industry and Business Development Officer serves as a bridge between the university and external microelectronic/semiconductor business community. The role fosters strong industry partnerships, enhances university engagement, helps drive economic development initiatives, and enhances the university's impact on the local, regional, and national landscape. This position resides within the Microelectronics Education and Research Center and will work closely with the Division of Research and Economic Development, Office of Technology Transfer, Research Enterprise Services, Center for Research and Creative Activity, President's Office, College of Engineering, Advancement, Academic Colleges and all participating members of the National Network for Microelectronics Education Partnership (NNME) and Pacific Intermountain Network for Education in Semiconductors (PINES).

This position will be in person with 1-2 days remote/hybrid schedule. This is a temporary position with an expected duration through July 2027. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

The Microelectronics Education and Research Center (MERC) is the hub for microelectronics innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development in Idaho. Organized within Boise State's College of Engineering, MERC centralizes and coordinates opportunities for all students in essential career preparation and unique research opportunities alongside expert faculty. Several workforce development grants have become the signature programs for MERC coming from state, federal, and other funding sources.

The goals of each is to bolster microelectronics career pathways for students across the region through K-12 outreach and recruiting, curriculum updates across the university and with other institutions, development of new experiential learning programs, and through external partnerships. The workforce development grants currently housed within MERC establish Boise State as a nationwide leader in semiconductor education and research, while significantly enhancing opportunities for the next generation of professionals entering the workforce.

• Identify, develop, and secure new business opportunities, including mutually beneficial master agreements and associated industry-sponsored projects and IP commercialization agreements.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national microelectronic/semiconductor businesses.
• Facilitate collaborations among faculty, staff, students, and industry partners on research and creativity projects, IP commercialization initiatives, facility use agreements, and core facility services.
• Conduct industry needs assessments and market research to identify emerging trends and opportunities.
• Build relationships with government agencies, industry associations, foundations, and external collaborators.
• Support marketing and media efforts to showcase the university’s research and industry partnerships.
• Track metrics and KPIs to evaluate performance toward university’s industry partnership objectives.
• Raise awareness within the university community about microelectronic industry needs and opportunities.
• Coordinate and host events, workshops, and seminars connecting faculty and students with industry representatives.
• Assist in consolidating university resources to better serve industry needs and bring in sponsored projects.
• Grow the Boise State University Research Foundation and promote entrepreneurship across the university.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and presentation skills. Highly organized self-starter. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Working knowledge of local, national, and international industry partners.

Bachelor's degree or equivalent plus 5 years experience. Experience in business development, outside sales, economic development, or a related field. Proven track record of success in growing revenues and building and maintaining strong microelectronics industry relationships. Master’s degree in a business, higher education, microelectronics/semiconductors, or STEM preferred. Experience…