Director, Engineering Research Partnerships

This is a Director of Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship position focused on growing research and industry partnerships. The role involves developing strategic plans, fostering external relationships, and increasing research funding and commercialization opportunities. A Master's degree, 5-10 years of experience in research administration with a focus on commercialization and industry partnerships, and strong leadership and communication skills are required.

• Equity Statement The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples.
• Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.
• Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.
• The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff.
• The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees.
• The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion.
• doctoral degree, Master of Business Administration, or MBET (Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology) degree strongly preferred.
• 5-10 years in research administration, including experience in research commercialization and industry partnerships. Experience in an academic institution is preferred.
• Proven experience building relationships and establishing strong connections within local and international entrepreneurship ecosystems.
• Effective communication skills (both written and oral), including the ability to prepare and deliver presentations to large, diverse audiences.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, including the ability to manage both internal and external relationships.
• The incumbent must have the ability to move seamlessly within academic, business, industrial, and governmental communities, being equally comfortable with students, faculty researchers, senior executives from small, medium, and large, multinational corporations, and government officials.
• Strong managerial skills, including the ability to manage and motivate personnel.
• Proven leadership skills, including the ability to define and implement strategic plans for advancement of large programs, and to build collaborative research opportunities with diverse groups.
• Excellent analytical skills and business acumen, including the ability to identify and articulate significant trends affecting economic, social, and environmental priorities and how they will impact innovation and technologies development.
• Effective critical thinking and decision-making skills.
• Ability to prepare and manage a complex budget.
• Ability to balance competing demands on tight deadlines within a results-oriented environment.
• Advanced knowledge and proficiency in a Microsoft Office Environment.
• As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.