Strategic Partnerships and Industry Relations Lead

Strategic Partnerships and Industry Relations Lead

The Strategic Partnerships and Industry Relations Lead works with the senior leadership at QCORE and across MSU to create high-impact relationships with external partners in industry and government to advance opportunities for faculty, staff, and students. Building relationships with industry and government work to achieve QCORE's mission, strengthen Montana's quantum ecosystem, and expand opportunities for research, funding, and faculty-student collaboration.

Position Number - 4C0081

Department
- Physics

Division
- College of Letters & Science

Appointment Type
- Professional

Contract Term
- Fiscal Year

Semester

FLSA
- Exempt

Union Affiliation
- Exempt from Collective Bargaining

FTE - 1.0

Benefits Eligible
- Eligible

Salary
- Starting at $90,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications

Contract Type - LOA

Reporting to the QCORE Revenue Development and Facility Manager, the Strategic Partnerships and Industry Relations Lead will lead the development of an external engagement strategy with corporate, industry, and government stakeholders. This position will work to foster collaborations, coordinate opportunities for sponsored research programs and workforce pipelines, and help sustain long-term relationships with key stakeholders. The successful candidate will serve as the primary entry point for industry and government partners, driving mutually beneficial partnerships that enhance the center's scientific and financial impact.

Develop and execute QCORE's external engagement strategy, advancing support and relationships for research, innovation, and external collaboration that benefit MSU's faculty, staff, and students.

Work with QCORE leadership to identify, cultivate, and steward strategic alliances with private sector partners to accelerate opportunities for students and faculty across the university.

Serve as a primary entry point for external contacts, creating sustained relationships with industry, government, and foundation partners.

Negotiate and coordinate partnership agreements in collaboration with MSU legal, sponsored research, and research security offices.

Establish opportunities for research funding through targeted engagement with industry, government, foundation, and ecosystem partners.

Strengthen faculty-partner collaborations to create student experiential learning (e.g., capstone projects), placements, and industry engagement pathways.

Organize and host industry-facing symposiums, networking events, and lab showcases to highlight the center's research capabilities and capabilities in coordination with the Strategic Communications & Engagement Manager.

Track partnership ROI, and university success measures (e.g., grant acquisitions and student engagement metrics), reporting directly to QCORE leadership on market trends and industry needs.

Oversee QCORE communications strategy and activities and coordinate with MSU Communications and the Strategic Communications & Engagement Manager.

Bachelor's degree and three years of progressively responsible professional experience in strategic partnerships and engagement within higher education, research institutions, foundations, or mission-driven organizations, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

Demonstrated ability to translate research capabilities into partnership strategies and resource opportunities.

Demonstrated ability to operate in a fast-paced environment and support multiple strategic initiatives simultaneously.

Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment and apply analytical thinking to solve complex operational challenges.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Possess the ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information.

Possess the ability to establish and maintain strong and effective working relations with senior leaders, staff, faculty, students, and external stakeholders.

Possess the ability to represent QCORE and Montana State University in a professional and courteous manner.

This position is contingent upon continued grant funding. This…