The Director of Industrial Partnership and Research Engagement (position no. 123200) is a full-time position with the University of West Florida in Pensacola, FL. The senior-level position supports the university’s research administration through fostering industrial partnerships, facilitating the development of IP and their commercialization, and promoting innovative initiatives at University of West Florida (UWF). The responsibilities include managing Sustainable Economic Development Initiative (SEDI), working closely with the program’s Agreement Managers/Principal Investigators, ensuring compliance of program execution, and developing collaborative projects funded by industries and private sectors. Employing strong leadership, strategic, and interpersonal skills, the director will work with UWF’s Associate Vice President of Research (AVP-Research) to oversee the programs funded by the Industrial Resilience and Diversification Fund (IRDF), develop new programs in collaboration with regional industries, military service providers, and economic development organizations. Additionally, this role will serve as a liaison among Research Administration & Engagement (RAE), other UWF’s departments and external entities in contract negotiations for projects supported or funded by industries and private sponsors. Additionally, the Director implements policies related to intellectual property (IP) and technology commercialization and transfer, including facilitating SBIR/STTR grant activities and patent and copyright applications. The position will also serve as a liaison between RAE and the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) in reviewing industrial collaborative agreements and contracts.
Minimum Qualifications: Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and six years of appropriate experience; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and eight years of appropriate experience.
Position Qualifications:
Experience in higher education institutions specializing in research administration, industrial partnerships, innovation, and commercialization, and/or advanced manufacturing, including the management of industrial contracts, economic development initiatives, communications planning, budget development, policy development and implementation, and leadership. Experience in communications planning and budget development. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential.
Preferred Qualifications:
An understanding of grants and finance administration in publicly funded institutions of higher education. Creative and reliable problem-solver with a history of developing and implementing programs and processes to accomplish institutional goals. An understanding of the Department of Defense-funded projects and military experience is a plus. Strong communication skills and the ability to effectively organize a heavy workload and meet deadlines in a team environment are required. An understanding of intellectual property (IP) and its commercialization is desired. Familiarity with federal, state, and local regulations governing areas of university operations is preferred. Experience in work environments where confidentiality and ethical behaviors are emphasized is preferred.
Salary Range: Commensurate with education and experience.
Applications are continuously accepted until the position is filled but the preferred response date is 07/27/2025.
Candidates must apply online through the University of West Florida website: https://careers.uwf.edu. Applicants are required to attach a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references.
*References will be contacted upon submission of this application. An opportunity to upload these documents will be provided during the application process. For assistance, please contact Human Resources at 850-474-2694 or email jobs@uwf.edu.
The University of West Florida is an Equal Opportunity/Access/Disabled/Veteran employer. Any individual requiring special accommodation to apply is requested to advise UWF by contacting UWF Human Resources at 850.474.2694 (voice) or 850.857.6158 (TTY). A criminal background check is required for successful candidates. E-Verify is required for employment. All applications for employment at the University are subject to the Florida public records.