Mechanical Engineering External Relations & Capstone Manager

Mechanical Engineering External Relations & Capstone Manager

Are you energized by building meaningful industry partnerships, mentoring future engineers, and helping innovative ideas become reality? The External Relations Manager serves as a key connector between the Mechanical Engineering Department, industry partners, and the Capstone Program. This highly collaborative role combines relationship management, student mentorship, program leadership, and strategic communications to create exceptional learning experiences and strengthen engagement with industry partners.

What you'll do in this position:

Industry Partnerships & Capstone Leadership

• Cultivate and expand relationships with industry partners to secure high-quality, industry-sponsored Capstone projects.
• Serve as the primary liaison for sponsoring organizations, ensuring a positive and productive experience from project initiation through completion.
• Collaborate with faculty, sponsors, and program leadership to scope projects and align them with educational objectives.
• Coordinate key program activities and events, including sponsor onboarding, project launches, final presentations, and Design Fair participation.

Student Success & Professional Development

• Mentor students, project teams, and coaches to foster professionalism, leadership, and project success.
• Support student growth through workshops and training focused on project management, communication, teamwork, and professional skills.
• Partner with faculty and instructors to enhance student learning experiences and support team development.
• Encourage and support opportunities for students to showcase their work through competitions, conferences, and industry engagements.

External Relations, Marketing & Communications

• Build and maintain strong relationships with industry leaders, alumni, university stakeholders, and strategic partners.
• Promote the accomplishments and impact of the Mechanical Engineering Department and Capstone Program through effective communications and outreach.
• Manage and enhance the department's external presence through website content, marketing materials, and promotional initiatives.
• Collaborate with advisory councils, advancement teams, career services, and other campus partners to strengthen engagement and opportunities for students.

Program Operations & Strategic Support

• Oversee sponsor agreements, intellectual property processes, and related documentation in partnership with university offices.
• Ensure program activities are administered effectively and in accordance with university policies and sponsor expectations.
• Support assessment, reporting, and continuous improvement efforts that contribute to the long-term success of the Capstone Program.
• Provide operational leadership and coordination to help deliver high-quality experiences for students, faculty, coaches, and industry sponsors.

What qualifies you for this role:

Required

• A firm commitment to the mission of BYU.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related discipline
• Significant engineering or engineering management experience
• 5 years of industry experience, including significant experience as a leader, manager, mentor or facilitator
• Extensive experience in dealing with intellectual property issues, manufacturing, quality, marketing, customer service, project management, contract negotiations, product and process design, financial planning, and public relations

Preferred

• Master's degree in engineering or a business-related field
• Demonstrated record of increasing leadership abilities in fundraising or sales
• Experience in teaching, facilitating workshops, mentoring students; familiarity with website content management and publication/media production.

Application Documents Required: Please attach a cover letter and resume to your application

Application Deadline: Please apply by Sunday, August 2 at 11:59 PM

What we offer in return:

• 401k. BYU automatically contributes 8% at no cost to you. Additionally, if you contribute 5%, BYU adds an additional 4% (Rehires may qualify for different retirement plans)
• Excellent work-life balance: 13 paid holidays + 22 days paid vacation + 12 sick days, accrued annually
• Employee assistance program, available to the employee and all members of their household
• Tuition benefits for employees and eligible family members
• Access to athletic facilities
• Excellent medical/dental benefits
• Short/long-term disability benefits
• Paid parental and maternity leave
• Wellness Program
• Free on-campus parking
• Free UTA passes for employees, spouses, and qualified dependents
• Discounts at the BYU Store and for many events at BYU

Pay Grade: 55

Typical Starting Pay:$92,000.00 to $119,000.00/annually

Required Documents:

All Staff positions require a resume.

Refer to the Job Posting for any additional required documents.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend.

Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

Brigham Young University (BYU) is widely recognized not just for its world-class education, but for its deep commitment to inspired religious values. Gathered together in a Christ-centered atmosphere, BYU employees are a vital part of a community of belonging, where we value the experiences, perspectives, and talents of each individual. If you share in our devotion to faith and to excellence, we have a place for you here at BYU!