Executive Director of Industry Engagement

General Summary of Position:

The Executive Director of Industry Engagement will serve as a senior leader responsible for expanding UMass Lowell's corporate partnerships and workforce development initiatives, with special attention to our STEM-focused partners, particularly in emerging technologies such as AI, robotics, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and clean energy. This role will help develop and oversee the university's corporate engagement strategy, lead the matrixed team of staff across the university involved in corporate engagement, and strengthen strategic relationships across industries and state economic and workforce development offices to support university priorities in technological innovation, workforce development, research partnerships, and philanthropic investment aligned with national competitiveness and the future of work.

The Executive Director will play a central role in advancing the region's economic ecosystem through robust corporate collaboration and workforce development initiatives. This includes creating industry-sector collaborations and coordination with state quasi's such as MassTech, MassCEC, MLSC, MASS-TF, etc. In addition, the Executive Director will guide efforts to meet regional and national labor market demands-especially in advanced manufacturing, STEM fields, and onshoring-while fostering educational pathways for nontraditional learners, career changers, and individuals without a four-year degree. The position will champion UMass Lowell's leadership in stackable microcredentials, certificate-based programs, and corporate training partnerships while leading efforts to secure grants and external funding that drive innovation and access for lifelong learners.

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

• Minimum Master's Degree in STEM programs, PhD preferred in order to gain the trust and respect of the corporate community and academic partners.
• At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education, corporate relations, workforce development, or economic development.
• Proven experience managing complex partnerships across industry, government, and academia.
• Strong understanding of the federal and corporate landscape for STEM workforce development, manufacturing, and innovation funding.
• Success in identifying and generating public funding support.
• Demonstrated ability to work across academic, corporate, and government sectors to catalyze STEM-based economic development and regional innovation hubs.
• Exceptional strategic planning, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience managing teams and overseeing multi-faceted programs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience leading corporate engagement initiatives and driving philanthropic or research investments.
• Knowledge of credentialing ecosystems, stackable learning models, and corporate training frameworks.
• Familiarity with labor market data analysis and its application to workforce strategy.
• Background in grant development and corporate philanthropy.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. However, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications is received.

This is a Non-Unit, Professional position, P25.

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process.