A cover letter and resume are important submissions for the hiring team to get a sense of your experience and are required to be considered for this position. In the cover letter, please let us know how this role aligns with your career aspirations and skills. Submit both a cover letter and resume as one file (because of system limitations).

For questions about this role or accommodation requests, contact talent.acquisition@umich.edu.

The University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit (UMCI) will be a world-class research, education, and entrepreneurship center designed to advance innovation and talent-focused community development to foster city, region, and statewide job creation and inclusive economic growth. Anchored by a world-class research and education center, and operating as a direct extension of the university's Ann Arbor campus. The UMCI will operate on a compelling mixed model approach, including master's degrees and workforce development programs. We will bring U-M's focus on high-tech research, education, and innovation to downtown Detroit.

As the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Industry Relations you will lead strategic partnerships and industry relations.  You will also spearhead initiatives that enhance economic competitiveness and job creation in the Detroit region and throughout Michigan. You will report directly to the executive director of UMCI.

The position is designed as a hybrid role with a blend of remote and onsite responsibilities, requiring the presence of individuals for on-site engagement and collaboration with Detroit's community leaders and organizations a few days a week. There is also an expectation that candidates must live within a reasonable commuting distance from Detroit.
Link to full job description

Benefits at the University of Michigan
 

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

• Identify, convene, and collaborate with public, private, academic, and civic leaders to advance economic competitiveness and job creation.
• Pursue public and other funding to build ecosystem visibility and capacity.
• Leverage university and other research capabilities to explore policy solutions needed to grow the tech ecosystem.
• Support and/or lead the development and implementation of a multi-year strategic plan for emerging technology clusters.
• Facilitate corporate partnerships with university researchers and area startups.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration with other innovation district stakeholders in Detroit. Engage in innovation activities and align on innovation policy and tech equity strategies.
• Work closely with industry leaders to raise awareness of and promote UMCI's training and education offerings.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with corporate partners to meet their training, education, and workforce development needs.
• Tailor UMCI's programs and initiatives to address the specific needs of industry partners.
• Promote UMCI as a valuable resource for corporate innovation and talent development.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional work; preference for graduate degrees in nonprofit management, business administration, or public policy.
• Experience in project management, strategic partnerships, and complex initiatives.
• Extensive knowledge and networks within Michigan's industry and other partners; national and global networks.
• Understanding of technology trends and opportunities.
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with experience considering multiple community perspectives.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.