Associate Director for Corporate and Public Affairs

Job Summary
The Associate Director for Corporate and Public Affairs leads strategic partnership development, public affairs, communications, and research collaboration for the Institute for Energy Efficiency (IEE) and the Solid State Lighting and Energy Electronics Center (SSLEEC). The incumbent advances institutional goals through industry engagement, government relations, and outreach initiatives.

Responsibilities

Develop and sustain strategic partnerships with industry, government agencies, research organizations, donors, and other external stakeholders.

Serve as primary liaison for corporate affiliates, industry partners, advisory boards, sponsors, and external collaborators.

Identify and expand opportunities for collaborative research initiatives, sponsored projects, philanthropic support, and strategic alliances.

Manage industry affiliate and corporate membership programs, including partner communications, invoicing, renewals, and engagement activities.

Coordinate corporate visits, research reviews, workshops, conferences, seminars, and related meetings involving faculty, researchers, sponsors, and donors.

Coordinate outreach efforts and strategic communications that promote the institutes’ research strengths, innovation, partnerships, and impact.

Represent IEE and SSLEEC at conferences, workshops, industry meetings, and other public-facing events.

Support donor stewardship and development activities in coordination with institute leadership and campus development offices.

Assist in research development activities, including proposal coordination, strategic planning, and engagement with funding agencies.

Provide analytical and operational support related to research strategy, partnerships, and program development.

Lead and coordinate communications activities, overseeing institute communications materials, website content, newsletters, social media, and event coordination.

Support outreach activities that promote faculty achievements, research advancements, and institute initiatives.

Support coordination and administration related to intellectual property, research collaborations, confidentiality agreements, and related documentation.

Provide strategic and operational guidance to institute leadership on organizational priorities, partnership opportunities, communications, and program development.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field; or equivalent experience.

1–3 years of demonstrated experience in program management, research administration, industry engagement, external relations, communications, or partnership development.

Broad knowledge of university and industry research principles.

Strong communication, active listening, political acumen, and persuasive business development skills.

Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders at all organizational levels.

Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and industry‑specific software applications.

Ability to translate complex concepts into clear, accessible language.

Familiarity with sponsored research administration, industry‑academic partnerships, and technology commercialization processes.

Understanding of intellectual property, research compliance, and technology transfer procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s Degree or Ph.D. in a related field.

Experience in higher education, research institutes, or interdisciplinary research settings.

Experience supporting corporate relations, donor engagement, or strategic development initiatives.

Experience developing communications strategies, outreach initiatives, or public‑facing programs related to science, engineering, or technology research.

Special Conditions Of Employment

Satisfactory criminal history background check.

UCSB is a Tobacco‑Free environment.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement
Applicants must disclose any final administrative or judicial decisions within the past seven years that result in a finding of misconduct, or any appeal of such findings at a previous employer. “Misconduct” includes violations of policies governing sexual harassment, assault, discrimination, or other forms of workplace harassment.

Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Reasonable Accommodations
The University of California endeavors to make the application process accessible. For accommodation requests, contact Katherine Abad in Human Resources at 805‑893‑4664 or email katherine.abad@hr.ucsb.edu. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about application status.

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