A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
The Foundation Partnerships Lead works in Innovation Partnerships and reports to the Director of Corporate and Foundation Research Alliances. The position takes a faculty-centric approach to identifying and building strategic partnerships with foundations and nonprofit sponsors, particularly those with an emphasis on research translation and commercialization. The Foundation Partnerships Lead counsels U-M faculty on potential and existing foundations research partnerships, and identifies and cultivates opportunities for U-M faculty to pursue and establish sponsored research support from foundations and nonprofit sponsors. The Foundation Partnerships Lead works closely with the licensing and ventures teams within Innovation Partnerships as well as Corporate and Foundation Relations within the Office of University Development.
- (40%) Work with faculty and colleagues across Innovation Partnerships to identify and promote technologies and research programs for foundation support with an emphasis on therapeutics, biotech, and medtech-related U-M research programs and assets. Advise faculty on sponsor objectives and requirements and provide faculty support throughout the application process.
- (35%) Identify and pursue new opportunities and relationships with emerging foundations and nonprofit sponsors. Establish and maintain a deep understanding of sponsor research priorities and translate and convert those priorities into sponsored funding opportunities for faculty.
- (15%) Serve as liaison to Office of University Development Corporate and Foundation Relations to share knowledge of existing and emerging foundations that emphasize supporting research with translation and/or commercialization objectives, coordinate interactions with existing U-M foundation funding partners, vet Intellectual Property terms and coordinate processes for new RFPs and large-scale and limited submission opportunities, and share knowledge of Innovation Partnerships' pipeline of opportunities.
- (10%) Serve as foundation research support liaison to OVPR research centers/institutes and initiatives.
An advanced degree in a scientific discipline, and/or sufficient experience to understand the scientific terminology and trends in research; at least one year experience in nonprofit research or academic research commercialization or relevant industry setting; excellent interpersonal skills; written and verbal communication skills; ability to interact effectively in both academic and corporate cultures; ability to interact with scientists, research sponsors, industry representatives, early-stage investors; ability to work independently as well as in a team environment; ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines; interest or experience in contract negotiations, highly self-motivated professional with exceptional sales, marketing and negotiating skills; working knowledge of intellectual property rights, including but not limited to patent rights and copyrights for scholarly publications and software; high degree of energy and enthusiasm, and desire to function as an integral part of a joyous workplace.
Direct experience working within the nonprofit sector including grant making or other funding programming. PhD in the life sciences with an understanding of therapeutic development. Experience directly supporting faculty and/or researchers, especially in the pursuit of externally sponsored research.
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
