Assoc VP, Strategic Research Partnerships

Associate Vice President For Business Development And Strategic Research Partnerships

The Associate Vice President (AVP) for Business Development and Strategic Research Partnerships is responsible for advancing the strategic growth of the University of Rochester's research mission through the development, cultivation, and management of high-impact partnerships and business development initiatives. Working collaboratively across research, academic, and administrative divisions, the AVP will identify and pursue strategic opportunities, build meaningful relationships with external partners (industry, government, non-profits), and support revenue-generating and mission-advancing projects aligned with the University's research priorities.

Job Location:

220 Hutchison Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14620

Worker Subtype:
Regular

Time Type:
Full time

Scheduled Weekly

Hours:

40

Department: 100017 Office of the VP for Research

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range: UR UR2 098

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a business development and research partnership strategy aligned with the University's mission, academic priorities, and research strengths.
• Monitor emerging trends across research, innovation and higher education ecosystems to proactively identify new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
• Collaborate with senior leadership, namely the Vice President for Research, Provost, and deans, to refine and evolve the University's external research alliance strategy, focusing on partnerships that advance research, academic, and workforce objectives.
• Conduct and synthesize market research, benchmarking, and competitive analyses to inform partnership priorities, new initiatives, and strategic decision-making.
• Track and analyze partner performance and partnership portfolio outcomes to identify insights, strengthen relationships, and guide future strategic investments.
• Champion strategies to diversify funding streams and build long-term financial sustainability through innovative partnership and revenue models.

Partnership Development & Deal Execution:

• Identify, evaluate, and cultivate new partnerships with corporations, government agencies, and non-profit and other industry organizations that expand and diversify the University's funding streams.
• Develop and lead partnerships with industry to foster innovation, technology transfer, workforce development, and collaborative research opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with other University partners (e.g., research, counsel, finance, technology transfer, and academic units) to design, negotiate, and execute partnership agreements, sponsored research projects, licensing arrangements, and joint ventures.
• Build strong external relationships and serve as the primary liaison and single point of contact for high-level corporate partners, as well as industry and business community leaders, acting as a trusted representative of the University's interests across the globe.
• Facilitate faculty-industry connections by identifying synergies between corporate needs and University expertise.
• Maintain an active portfolio of partnerships and ensure timely progression through each phase—from prospect identification through execution and renewal.

Execution & Revenue Delivery:

• Drive execution from agreement to implementation, ensuring partnerships deliver value consistent with institutional priorities, research integrity, and compliance standards.
• Work alongside General Counsel to develop deal frameworks, term sheets, and long-term value models, working cross-functionally with legal, finance, schools, and senior leadership.
• Track partnership performance and financial outcomes, identifying opportunities for optimization and expansion.
• Establish key performance indicators and metrics to track effectiveness of business development initiatives.
• Communicate progress and results to University leadership.
• Ensure that partnership activities align with University policies, risk management standards, and applicable regulations.

Team Collaboration & Representation:

• Work closely with academic leaders, faculty, and administrative offices to ensure partnerships align with internal…