APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
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CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .
This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Penn State National Security Institute (NSI) seeks qualified candidates for the inaugural position of Director of Industry and Federal Partnerships .
The Director of Partnerships advances NSI's external engagement strategy by developing and managing relationships with industry, federal sponsors, and other strategic partners that support Penn State's research and outreach missions. Serving as a key connector between external stakeholders and Penn State faculty, capabilities, facilities, and programs, this position helps expand sponsored research, translational opportunities, and strategic partnerships in national and economic security.
Reporting to the NSI Director, the Director of Partnerships develops and executes engagement strategies across the University; represents NSI through conferences, meetings, workshops, site visits, and hosted events; communicates Penn State's research strengths and institute accomplishments to external audiences; and conducts market research and environmental scanning to identify emerging opportunities for collaboration and growth.
The position works closely with Government and Community Relations, Federal Agency Relations, Corporate Engagement, Sponsored Programs, academic colleges, and research institutes to align outreach efforts, coordinate engagement activities, and ensure effective stewardship of external relationships.
The successful candidate will use AI-enabled tools appropriately to support market intelligence, research trend analysis, communications, and planning activities while exercising professional judgment to validate information, confirm data accuracy, assess source quality, and ensure reliable decision-making.
Representative Responsibilities:
Develop and Cultivate Strategic Partnerships : Identify, evaluate, and manage relationships with industry, federal sponsors, and other research partners to advance NSI priorities. Connect prospective sponsors with Penn State expertise, facilities, and capabilities, and advise faculty and staff on industry engagement and sponsored research opportunities.
Lead Outreach and Engagement Activities : Plan and participate in conferences, workshops, roundtables, site visits, exhibitions, university days, and other events that increase NSI visibility, strengthen partner relationships, and expand awareness of Penn State's research capabilities.
Promote NSI and Penn State Capabilities : Develop presentations, briefing materials, and partner-facing communications in collaboration with relevant University offices. Communicate research strengths, facilities, accomplishments, and translational impact, while supporting follow-up activities that foster long-term engagement.
Maintain Institutional Knowledge and Support Engagement : Develop and maintain information on faculty expertise, facilities, programs, and resources relevant to NSI priorities. Facilitate connections between external needs and appropriate University capabilities and advise on effective engagement pathways.
Conduct Market Research and Environmental…