Executive Director

Brooksource • Orlando, FL, United States

30+ days ago

Job type

Full-time

Job description

Executive Director, Partnerships – College of Engineering & Computer Science (CECS)

Have you got what it takes to succeed The following information should be read carefully by all candidates.

University of Central Florida (UCF)

Division : Advancement & Partnerships

Location : Orlando, FL

Be Part of the University for the Future

Join our dynamic and growing Advancement & Partnerships team as we work together to build transformative, mutually beneficial partnerships and expand UCF's reputation as a national leader in engineering and technology.

Your efforts will support UCF’s strategic vision and strengthen its position as a top public research institution—where innovation, industry collaboration, and student success converge.

The Opportunity

The Executive Director, Partnerships – CECS is a high-impact, externally facing role responsible for identifying and growing corporate partnerships that align with UCF’s College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS).

This individual will work closely with industry leaders and faculty to co-develop strategic initiatives that expand UCF’s reach across research, workforce development, and innovation ecosystems.

This role will serve as a technical translator and relationship-builder—someone who understands both the language of academia and the needs of engineering- and tech-driven industries.

The Executive Director will lead and coordinate engagement across seven key corporate channels, with a focus on revenue generation and long-term partnership value :

Sponsored research
Industry-informed capstone projects
Corporate co-location
Executive and continuing education
Innovation and business collaborations
Talent development and recruitment
Philanthropic investment

Key Responsibilities

Build and execute strategic partnership plans that reflect UCF’s research, workforce, and innovation goals, while aligning with CECS’s academic and research priorities.

Develop relationships with senior industry leaders—especially within high-tech, aerospace, defense, and energy sectors—to uncover opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Act as a strategic connector between CECS faculty and corporate R&D, helping shape research proposals, identify mutual interests, and translate technical expertise into scalable partnerships.

Collaborate with the Dean of CECS, Advancement leadership, and faculty on joint business development efforts targeting top-tier industry collaborators.

Create tailored engagement strategies for corporate partners and measure impact across research, workforce / talent outcomes, and funding channels.

Lead and coordinate cross-functional engagement teams across UCF to ensure companies have a streamlined, university-wide experience.

Track revenue growth and partnership KPIs, managing a portfolio of high-impact industry relationships.

Minimum Qualifications :

Bachelor's or Master's degree and 6+ years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219.  Click here for more information

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in engineering, technology, or research-intensive industries (e.g., aerospace, energy, defense, or software / IT).

Prior experience building corporate-university partnerships, preferably within R1 institutions or innovation ecosystems.

Understanding of the technical language and challenges in engineering and computer science domains.

Strong business development skills, including experience with research funding, corporate sales, or enterprise account strategy.

Proven ability to lead collaborative, cross-functional teams and manage complex, long-term partnerships.

Strong executive communication and stakeholder management skills.

Special Instructions to Applicants

The anticipated salary range for a well-qualified candidate is $117,747 – $140,000.

Final compensation will be determined based on education, relevant experience, and alignment with both the position’s requirements and the candidate's demonstrated success in similar roles.

Job Type : Contract

Pay : $117,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits :

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Schedule :

8 hour shift

Day shift

Monday to Friday

Work Location : In person

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Executive Director • Orlando, FL, United States