Director of Economic Development Strategic Partnerships

Job Posting:

JR102071 Director of Economic Development Strategic Partnerships (Open)

BSU Research and Innovation, PM

Regular

08-31-2026

$120,000 - $130,000

The Director of Economic Development Strategic Partnerships reports to the Vice President for Research and Innovation and leads the development of strategic partnerships and economic development initiatives that advance Bowie State University's institutional priorities, research enterprise, workforce development goals, innovation ecosystem, and regional impact.

The Director works across the University and with corporations, educational institutions, government agencies, economic development organizations, community-based organizations, and other external partners to create sustainable collaborations, attract investment and resources, expand workforce and experiential learning opportunities, and advance innovation and commercialization.

The position provides strategic leadership for partnership development, economic development strategy, stakeholder engagement, grant and resource development, and performance reporting while ensuring that collaborative initiatives are appropriately reviewed, documented, and aligned with the University's mission, vision, core values, and long-term viability.

• Work closely with the Vice President for Research and Innovation, along with key internal stakeholders in Academic Affairs, Institutional Advancement, Administration and Finance, and Legal and Government Affairs, to develop innovative partnerships with corporations, educational institutions, local and state government agencies, and community-based organizations that support the University's strategic priorities.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for collaboration that align with institutional strategic priorities and economic development goals.
• Serve as the primary divisional liaison for external partners seeking engagement in research, workforce development, innovation, and community initiatives.
• Negotiate and coordinate partnership agreements, memoranda of understanding, and collaborative initiatives.
• Work with the Vice President for Research and Innovation to create a model and infrastructure that advance short- and long-term strategies supporting the University's long-term viability.
• Work with University Relations and Marketing to develop key messages in support of economic development goals.

• Lead the development and execution of economic development initiatives that support regional competitiveness, innovation ecosystems, and business growth.
• Work with the Vice President for Research and Innovation to establish and chair the Economic Development Advisory Council.
• Identify emerging industry sectors and market opportunities for investment and collaboration.
• Facilitate initiatives that attract corporate investment, innovation hubs, business incubators, and entrepreneurship programs.
• Support initiatives that align with state and federal economic competitiveness agendas.

• Work with the Vice President and Associate Vice President for Research and Innovation, the Executive Director of the Economic Innovation Center, and the Office of Technology Transfer to advance strategies for technology transfer, commercialization, and startup development.
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and industry to identify translational research opportunities.
• Support innovation ecosystems through accelerator programs, research parks, and venture partnerships.
• Work with the Technology Transfer and Innovation Office to promote intellectual property development and industry-sponsored research.

• Build partnerships that strengthen workforce pipelines, internships, apprenticeships, and experiential learning opportunities.
• Work with Academic Affairs to align academic and training programs with workforce demands and labor market trends.
• Collaborate with employers to identify skill gaps and workforce development solutions.

• Identify funding opportunities from federal,…