Director of External Partnerships and Translation

About Us:

The School of Data Science is a future-thinking institution dedicated to advancing education, and research and translating them into practice in the dynamic field of data science. As a fast-growing school at the University of Virginia, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative environment where faculty, staff, and students can grow and thrive.

The Opportunity:

As the research funding landscape evolves and universities are increasingly called upon to demonstrate public relevance and impact, the University of Virginia has renewed its commitment to ensuring that scholarship reaches broader audiences and drives meaningful societal outcomes. Within this context, the School of Data Science (SDS) is uniquely positioned to serve as a bridge between cutting-edge research, educational excellence, and real-world application.

SDS faculty and students are generating knowledge, tools, and approaches with significant potential to improve decision-making, strengthen institutions, and advance public well-being. The opportunity before us is to expand the reach and impact of this work by strengthening connections between the School and external partners who can benefit from, apply, and invest in SDS expertise. By doing so, the School can increase the visibility, adoption, and societal impact of SDS-generated knowledge while creating new pathways for sponsored research, executive and professional education, intellectual property development, and long-term strategic partnerships.

Ultimately, this work positions SDS not simply as a producer of knowledge, but as a trusted partner in helping organizations and communities apply data science to address real-world challenges, strengthening both the School's public impact and its long-term sustainability.

Position Overview:

The School of Data Science (SDS) at the University of Virginia seeks a Director of External Partnerships and Translation.

Primary Responsibilities:

* Develop and implement strategies that increase the visibility, adoption, and real-world application of SDS research, expertise, and intellectual assets.

* Connect faculty scholarship with opportunities for sponsored research, executive education, public engagement, licensing, commercialization, and other impact pathways.

* Partner with university units to identify and advance research outputs with potential for broader societal, economic, or organizational impact.

* Identify emerging organizational and workforce needs that can inform new educational and partnership initiatives.

* Closely support the SDS Industry Partners Program and related initiatives to strengthen external engagement and impact.

* Facilitate introductions and relationship-building activities that lead to externally funded collaborations.

* Support the development of interdisciplinary partnerships that increase research funding, visibility, and societal impact.

Administrative Responsibilities:

* Develop and maintain metrics that assess partnership development, research translation, external engagement, sponsored research growth, executive education participation, and societal impact.

* Prepare annual and quarterly reports for SDS leadership summarizing activities, outcomes, opportunities, and barriers.

* Develop and manage an annual operating budget.

Minimum Qualifications:

Candidates must demonstrate the following qualifications:

* Experience developing and managing strategic external partnerships.

* Experience supporting research translation, technology transfer, knowledge mobilization, community-engaged scholarship, sponsored research, or related activities.

* Knowledge of research administration, sponsored programs, or partnership development processes.

* Experience working across organizational boundaries to build collaborations and achieve shared goals.

* Excellent communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement skills.

* Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical or research concepts for diverse audiences.

Preferred Qualifications:

Candidates should demonstrate the following qualifications:

* Experience working in higher education, research organizations, government, nonprofit, or industry settings.

*…