Research Business Engagement Director

Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $74,200 - Midpoint: $100,200 (Salaried E12)

Department/Organization: 214101 - Dean's Office - Engineering

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Job Summary: The Research Business Engagement Director serves as a key advisor in driving effective business engagement, communication, and implementation of division initiatives and priorities to raise research and economic development visibility and enhance the UA research reputation. Facilitates business engagement and research communication with external partners for purposes of developing strategy to identify, cultivate, and coordinate sponsored research opportunities, especially in terms of corporate engagement.

Additional Department Summary: Serves as the liaison between the College of Engineering and its industrial partners, with a mission to expand and deepen collaborations that enhance research, innovation, and workforce development. Identifies and cultivates corporate relationships that lead to sponsored research, technology partnerships, experiential learning opportunities, and when appropriate, philanthropic investments. Plays a central role in aligning the College’s research and educational strengths with the evolving needs of industry, ensuring that the University of Alabama remains a preferred partner for corporate R&D engagement at the regional and national levels.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and four (4) years of experience; OR master's degree and two (2) years of experience.

Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Must have valid U.S. driver's license. Must be at least 19 years of age at time of hire and have an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report that is in compliance with University policies. Applicants under the age of 21 will have some driving restrictions.

Skills and Knowledge: Demonstrated success in developing and managing strategic relationships between corporations and research institutions. Strong understanding of the industrial research and development process, including technology transfer and intellectual property considerations. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills. Proven ability to work collaboratively with academic leadership, faculty, and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications: Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in engineering, business administration, or a closely related discipline. Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in corporate relations, a major research university (R1 Carnegie Classifications), national laboratory, research administration, business development, or R&D partnership management. Familiarity with federal and state research funding mechanisms and industry-university contracting processes. Experience establishing or managing master research agreements and multi-partner collaborations.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.