Job Description

Virginia Alliance for Semiconductor Technology (VAST) is a Commonwealth of Virginia initiative to innovate Virginia's semiconductor, microelectronics, and nanotechnology ecosystem. VAST will establish an alliance of institutions of higher education to coordinate the semiconductor and nanofabrication cleanrooms, nano-characterization facilities, and advanced packaging and microelectronics centers across member institutions; to accelerate the development of a qualified workforce through a new Fast Track to Semiconductor Career program; and to market and promote the assets and infrastructure that supports the industry in the Commonwealth. VAST website will serve as the gateway to semiconductor and nanotechnology excellence in the Commonwealth. The VAST Headquarters will be at Virginia Tech Research Center (VTRC) in Arlington, and founding members of the alliance are: George Mason University (GMU), Virginia Tech (VT), University of Virginia (UVA), Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Norfolk State University (NSU). Each member may have more than one cleanroom or facility that participates in the network. Northern Virginia Community College will be a strategic partner for the workforce development and the Fast Track to Semiconductor Career programs.
Reporting to VAST Director, the Associate Director of Partnerships will play an instrumental role in establishing and nurturing strategic relationships with semiconductor companies, universities, and state agencies as they relate to key strategic activities of VAST including research and development, commercialization, and workforce development. The Associate Director will act as a liaison to partner organizations by building strong relationships with key stakeholders. By facilitating strategic conversations and establishing innovative partnerships with stakeholders across the semiconductor industry, the Associate Director will ensure VAST strengthens the industry in the Commonwealth, and that those partnerships benefit Alliance members in turn.
The Associate Director of Partnerships will serve as a key advisor to the VAST director and VAST Operations Committee to help shape programs that best fit the needs of VAST partners. They will help envision, develop, and execute VAST programs, including those that develop opportunities for the Commonwealth of Virginia students and adult learners to participate in experiential learning programs with corporations, federal agencies, and non-profits in the semiconductor industry. They will work closely with industry engagement and tech transfer offices at VAST universities to promote intellectual properties and inventions in chips, semiconductors, and nanotechnology and to establish pathways for commercialization through a partnership with the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC).
The specific responsibilities of the Associate Director of Partnerships include:
develop and execute a comprehensive semiconductor partnership strategy
monitor and evaluate partnership performance and drive continuous improvement
assist in crafting grant applications, proposals, white papers, status reports and corporate report cards
stay up-to-date with industry trends and public funding opportunities, and identify new partnership opportunities
develop an inventory of companies in semiconductor, microelectronics, and biochips/instrumentations within the Commonwealth of Virginia and map out the sector's workforce development and entrepreneurial needs
conduct market research and needs assessments to identify education and training opportunities to address corporate, government, and community learning needs in semiconductor and chips manufacturing and R&D
develop intelligence around and connections to University faculty and research interests, capabilities, and activities connections, identifying opportunities that have industry/market relevance, organize working sessions, and effectively connect and shepherd the relationships
Foster relationships with the economic development organizations and industry associations to promote VAST facilities and resources and to promote the growth of the semiconductor's business community in the Commonwealth of Virginia

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or higher
Experience in business development and/or semiconductor partnerships
Proven track record of successfully establishing and managing strategic partnerships
Knowledge of semiconductor technologies and market trends
Strong negotiation, communication, and presentation skills
Ability to think strategically and drive results
Excellent project management and organizational skills
Collaborative team player with the ability to work cross-functionally
Ability to analyze data (e.g., market, technical, customer) and lend technical expertise to establish priorities, and develop and implement strategies with increasing complexity
Evidence as a self-starter who can work independently, as well as be a team contributor in a complex and fast-paced organization
High degree of emotional intelligence
Ability to work with high-level administrators, executives, and professionals

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with Experience

Review Date

07/24/2023

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight , a , a college, , and . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous and . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.