Assistant Director for Corporate Partnerships

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

The Assistant Director for Corporate Partnerships is responsible for the creation, planning, development, and stewardship of mutually productive and beneficial partnerships between Caltech and the private sector. The Assistant Director works with major companies from across the globe to understand their research interests, technical challenges, and long-term business strategy to identify collaboration and funding opportunities of mutual benefit. The Assistant Director defines and articulates the value proposition of partnering with Caltech's divisions and departments, labs, centers, faculty members, and other researchers to established and potential corporate partners.

In one important aspect, this is an account management position. The Assistant Director is responsible for establishing and maintaining long-term relationships with the companies in their portfolio. They act as the interface between companies and the various Caltech departments, or offices concerned (Advancement and Alumni Relations, Office of Sponsored Research, Academic Divisions, etc.). The Assistant Director will develop high-level relationships with corporate executives, and deep knowledge about their portfolio companies, including the companies' core businesses, strategic goals, history of academic interactions, and will dynamically stay abreast of any changes effected by the companies.

The Assistant Director is also responsible for establishing trusting relationships with Caltech faculty and leadership, through developing a thorough understanding of the faculties and the Institute's research specialties, interests, and funding priorities.

The Assistant Director reports to the Director of Corporate Partnerships and works in close collaboration with the professional staff of the Office of Technology Transfer and Corporate Partnerships (OTTCP). The Assistant Director works independently and collaboratively to provide the highest level of services to both the companies and the faculty and achieve goals for new business development. The Assistant Director's ability to effectively and openly collaborate with Caltech faculty, administration, and peers in OTTCP is key to the success of the candidate.

• Lead, plan, and organize company visits and facilitate targeted meetings with appropriate faculty members, members of the higher administration, and, if appropriate, Caltech centers and facilities.
• Meet with faculty members to learn about and update their current research and industry relationships. Share knowledge with OTTCP staff through formal presentations. Assume responsibility for supporting selected faculty funding initiatives.
• Seek and engage in strong, collaborative relationships throughout the Institute and contribute to the advancement of the vibrant culture of excellence thriving in the Caltech community.
• Achieve corporate development goals by securing engagements and other funding of research grants, gifts, and other activities with the goal of having portfolio companies fund multi-$100K/year levels.
• Be detail-oriented and highly diplomatic in all written and verbal communications.
• Accomplish ongoing training activities as outlined in annual performance objectives.
• Take responsibility for other duties, projects, and OTTCP business in a collaborative and collegial way as opportunities are presented and as assigned by the Director.

• Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, or a technical field with a minimum of 7 years related experience.
• Ability to perform at a high level in a cross-cultural environment at the interface of industry and academia.
• Ability to foster and cultivate business partnerships for advancing research, technology, and innovation.
• A strong understanding of private industry and its role in research and development.
• Acute diplomatic skills and the ability to successfully operate in an environment with a large number of stakeholders, with sometimes conflicting interests.
• Proven ability to understand, communicate, and present complex technical information.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to travel 5% - 10% domestically.

• Master's degree in science, engineering, or a technical field with a minimum of 12 years of related experience; or, PhD in science, engineering, or a technical field with a minimum of 7 years of related experience.
• Previous experience in university or private sector research.
• Good understanding of science and engineering, both at the technical level and policy level.
• In-depth understanding of, and previous experience in, technology commercialization, intellectual property, and licensing.
• Experience negotiating industry-university partnerships such as master agreements, collaboration agreements, and sponsored research agreements.
• Knowledge of Institute policies and procedures.

• Resume.
• Cover Letter.