About The Role

The Director of Economic Development Strategic Partnerships reports to the Vice President for Research and Innovation and leads the development of strategic partnerships and economic development initiatives that advance Bowie State University's institutional priorities, research enterprise, workforce development goals, innovation ecosystem, and regional impact.

The Director works across the University and with corporations, educational institutions, government agencies, economic development organizations, community-based organizations, and other external partners to create sustainable collaborations, attract investment and resources, expand workforce and experiential learning opportunities, and advance innovation and commercialization.

The position provides strategic leadership for partnership development, economic development strategy, stakeholder engagement, grant and resource development, and performance reporting while ensuring that collaborative initiatives are appropriately reviewed, documented, and aligned with the University's mission, vision, core values, and long-term viability.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Partnership Development

Work closely with the Vice President for Research and Innovation, along with key internal stakeholders in Academic Affairs, Institutional Advancement, Administration and Finance, and Legal and Government Affairs, to develop innovative partnerships with corporations, educational institutions, local and state government agencies, and community-based organizations that support the University's strategic priorities.
Identify and pursue opportunities for collaboration that align with institutional strategic priorities and economic development goals.
Serve as the primary divisional liaison for external partners seeking engagement in research, workforce development, innovation, and community initiatives.
Negotiate and coordinate partnership agreements, memoranda of understanding, and collaborative initiatives.
Work with the Vice President for Research and Innovation to create a model and infrastructure that advance short- and long-term strategies supporting the University's long-term viability.
Work with University Relations and Marketing to develop key messages in support of economic development goals.

Economic Development Strategy

Lead the development and execution of economic development initiatives that support regional competitiveness, innovation ecosystems, and business growth.
Work with the Vice President for Research and Innovation to establish and chair the Economic Development Advisory Council.
Identify emerging industry sectors and market opportunities for investment and collaboration.
Facilitate initiatives that attract corporate investment, innovation hubs, business incubators, and entrepreneurship programs.
Support initiatives that align with state and federal economic competitiveness agendas.

Innovation and Commercialization

Work with the Vice President and Associate Vice President for Research and Innovation, the Executive Director of the Economic Innovation Center, and the Office of Technology Transfer to advance strategies for technology transfer, commercialization, and startup development.
Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and industry to identify translational research opportunities.
Support innovation ecosystems through accelerator programs, research parks, and venture partnerships.
Work with the Technology Transfer and Innovation Office to promote intellectual property development and industry-sponsored research.

Workforce and Talent Development

Build partnerships that strengthen workforce pipelines, internships, apprenticeships, and experiential learning opportunities.
Work with Academic Affairs to align academic and training programs with workforce demands and labor market trends.
Collaborate with employers to identify skill gaps and workforce development solutions.

Grant and Resource Development

Identify funding opportunities from federal, state, and private sources to support economic development and workforce initiatives.
Assist in developing proposals for economic development, innovation, and workforce programs.
Manage budgets and resources associated with strategic initiatives.

Stakeholder Engagement

Represent the University at economic development councils, industry associations, chambers of commerce, and community meetings.
Work with the Vice President for Research and Innovation and Government Relations to build strong relationships with policymakers, elected officials, and regional development organizations.
Convene internal and external stakeholders to advance collaborative projects.
Work with key areas of Research and Innovation and the University to ensure all necessary review and memorialization of partnership agreements.

Data Analysis and Reporting

Track and report key performance indicators related to partnerships, economic impact, workforce outcomes, and innovation metrics.
Analyze economic trends, labor market data, and industry needs to inform strategic decisions.
Prepare reports and presentations for executive leadership and governing bodies.

Other Duties

Perform other duties as assigned to support the divisional and University mission and goals.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Superior interpersonal skills and the ability to inspire others and work collaboratively with colleagues.
Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to attract business and industry.
Strong project management and organizational skills and an entrepreneurial mindset.
Detail-oriented, with the ability to complete tasks thoroughly, accurately, and timely; strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
Strong sense of personal accountability.
Self-starter with vision and the ability to create innovative strategies for achieving goals and objectives.
Excellent judgment, diplomacy, and tact.
Ability to successfully manage multiple projects, prioritize responsibilities, and adjust quickly to change.
Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to write clearly and concisely and present to individuals and groups of varying sizes.
Ability to articulate compelling cases for engagement with the University.
Commitment to the mission, vision, and core values of Bowie State University.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.

MINIMUM TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

Education: Master's degree in economic development, urban planning, public administration, marketing, or a related field is required.

Experience: Five (5) years of experience in economic development, public-private partnerships, or a related field; experience in business development and/or partnership development; and experience developing and managing successful partnerships with public, private, and institutional stakeholders.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background check required. Evening work and local travel may be required.

Additional Job Information

Benefits include medical, dental, prescription, long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment insurance and life insurance; paid time for paid sick leave, annual leave, and personal leave; 12 paid holidays per year, tuition remission; employer-funded pension and supplemental retirement accounts.

Bowie State University shall not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, marital status or veteran status. All policies, programs, and activities of Bowie State University are and shall be in conformity with all pertinent Federal and state laws of nondiscrimination including, but not limited to: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Age Discrimination Act, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Federal Executive Order No. 11375, and Article 49B of the Annotated Code of Maryland. This commitment applies in all areas and embraces faculty, staff, and students.

Equal opportunity of access to academic and related programs shall be extended to all persons. Bowie State University shall have as its firm objective equal opportunity in recruitment and hiring, rate of pay, all other promotions, training, retention and dismissals, for all employees and applicants for employment. The University will stress equal access for employees and applicants for employment to all programs and services provided by the University both on and off campus. The University will also provide equal opportunity and an atmosphere of nondiscrimination with respect to women and members of minority groups in all its operations. In addition, the University shall promote equal opportunity and equal treatment through a positive and continuing Affirmative Action Program.

The University makes, and will continue to make, reasonable accommodations to promote the employment of qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the University's business.

In addition, employees and applicants will not be subjected to harassment, intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination because they have engaged in, or may have engaged in, activities such as filing a complaint, assisting or participating in an investigation, compliance review or hearing, or opposing any act or practice made unlawful, or exercising any other right protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended or the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended.