Job Details

Strategic Partnerships Manager

Position Number: 7129351
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Economic and Business Development

Strategic Partnerships Manager

Job Summary

Oversee the identification, evaluation, and pursuit of new national security-related partnerships and business opportunities that deliver long-term value and fuel the university's research growth. Oversee the creation of strategic opportunities to grow supporters, markets, and relationships. Stay knowledgeable about the current national security funding market and effectively target opportunities for growth. Define target audiences to understand which solutions/features interest them. Define strategic initiatives and activities to reach university's goals and create value for the organization and customers. Leverage analysis of national security markets and competitive intelligence to define growth strategies. The Strategic Partnerships Manager advances the University of Utah's research mission by supporting national security-aligned innovation in biomedical, engineering, and dual use technology fields. The position develops and manages strategic research funding opportunity partnerships, strengthens translational and technology transition pathways, and supports operational systems that enable faculty to pursue complex, mission driven research initiatives. The Manager works closely with internal research support units and external partners to expand sponsored research activity and enhance the University's role in the national security innovation ecosystem. This is not an out of state position.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu
The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain strategic relationships with relevant federal agencies, national laboratories, DoW internal labs, DHA, the Services, and mission-aligned partners to expand sponsored research and collaborative opportunities.
Identify and support research initiatives aligned with university strengths, including biomedical countermeasures, medical technology, digital health, defense modernization, advanced engineering, and energy/climate resilience.
Strengthen dual use and technology transition pathways in coordination with the Technology Licensing Office (TLO), Sorenson Center for Medical Innovation (SCMI), corporate engagement teams, and entrepreneurship programs.
Support operational systems that facilitate large scale, multi investigator, federally aligned research proposals and projects.
Provide leadership for core research operations functions in collaboration with experienced administrative teams.
Contribute to operationalizing the use of secure research environments by university investigators.
Supervise and mentor staff, promoting a collaborative, service oriented, and mission focused work environment.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:
Senior Manager:Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 8 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related work experience.
Associate Director: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 10 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 8 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

Master's degree in business, science/engineering, public administration, or a related field, or equivalency.
Demonstrated experience in business development, federal partnerships, or national security innovation within biomedical, engineering, or technology sectors.
Experience working with federal agencies such as NIH, BARDA, DoD, DARPA, DOE, or DHS, or with national laboratories or federally funded research programs.
Ability to develop partnerships and secure mission aligned collaborations or funded opportunities.
Strong communication and relationship building skills with academic, industry, and government stakeholders.
Leadership experience managing teams or cross functional initiatives.
Experience in a research intensive or innovation driven environment (university, national laboratory, corporate R&D, or similar).

Special Instructions
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
* Standard office environment.
* Occasional travel to federal agencies, national laboratories, and partner sites may be required.
* Ability to work effectively in a fast paced, deadline driven environment.

Requisition Number: PRN44770B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: 9-5 M-F Must work in office 3x per week minimum.
Department: 00639 - VP for Research
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $120,000 - $150,000
Close Date: 5/15/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/201094