The posting
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
- CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
- 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 Scanning: Monitor sponsor priorities, technology trends, market developments, and peer activities to identify strategic opportunities. Support responses to requests for information, evaluate proposal opportunities, and leverage AI-enabled tools, when appropriate, to support research, planning, and opportunity assessment while independently validating findings.
- Track Metrics and Coordinate University Engagement: Maintain metrics related to partnerships, sponsored research activity, and engagement outcomes to support planning and reporting. Collaborate across Penn State units to coordinate outreach, share information, and strengthen institutional partner stewardship.
Preferred Experience
- Experience in industry relations, sponsor engagement, research development, or partnership cultivation within higher education, research, government, nonprofit, or technology-focused organizations.
- Experience engaging with defense research organizations, military or national security stakeholders, industry partners, research consortia, or companies in national security-related sectors.
- Demonstrated ability to build strategic relationships and translate research or technical capabilities into partnership opportunities.
- Experience representing an organization through conferences, workshops, exhibitions, and external engagement activities.
- Strong presentation, public speaking, networking, and written communication skills.
- Experience conducting market research, benchmarking, or environmental scanning.
- Demonstrated ability to use AI-enabled tools to support research, communications, analysis, or workflow efficiency while validating information and exercising sound professional judgment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies
- Research partnership and stakeholder management
- Relationship development and external engagement
- Event planning and facilitation
- Presentation development and public speaking
- Market research, benchmarking, and environmental scanning
- Consulting and collaborative problem-solving
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to use AI-enabled tools effectively and responsibly
- Ability to validate AI-assisted outputs, assess source quality, and ensure factual accuracy
Compliance and Information Access Requirements
This position requires work with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and may involve access to export-controlled information or other sensitive information in support of institute activities. The successful candidate must be able to satisfy and maintain all Penn State, sponsor, and project-specific requirements related to accessing, handling, safeguarding, and protecting such information. Depending on project, sponsor, or regulatory requirements, this position may be restricted to U.S. persons (U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and/or other protected individuals) as defined under applicable U.S. export control regulations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all required background checks and any additional role-specific verifications required by Penn State, applicable law, or sponsor/contracting partner agreements.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Industry Relations Coordinator - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None
If filled as Industry Relations Coordinator - Senior Professional, this position requires: Master's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $72,300.00 - $137,280.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
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