Corporate Business Development Consultant

Ohio State University - Columbus, OH

Full-time - Mid Level

Columbus, OH

Educational Services

About the position

The Corporate Business Development Consultant position at The Ohio State University is a pivotal role within the NSF Engineering Research Center, Hybrid Autonomous Manufacturing Moving from Evolution to Revolution (HAMMER-ERC). The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and maintaining strategic relationships with a diverse array of stakeholders, including industry partners, government entities, non-profits, and foundations within the manufacturing sector. This role requires a proactive approach to fostering industry connections and a strategic mindset to drive the growth of the HAMMER-ERC Innovation Ecosystem. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with a variety of stakeholders, demonstrating a commitment to advancing hybrid autonomous manufacturing research. In this role, the consultant will cultivate a robust network of business contacts, engaging with key players in the manufacturing sector and related organizations to promote and grow the HAMMER-ERC Innovation Ecosystem membership. The candidate will be expected to partner with external industry partners and develop strategic initiatives that align with the goals of the center. A strong background in translating new discoveries into practical innovations for the marketplace across a broad range of technologies is essential. The candidate must demonstrate outstanding organizational, technical, and communication skills, capable of fostering relationships between academic and industrial organizations across the U.S. and select international entities. The position demands an action-oriented individual who is adept at listening, consensus building, business development, and negotiation. Experience in establishing sponsored research projects between academic and industrial stakeholders is crucial, as is the ability to assimilate and synthesize broad-based academic research portfolios into valuable connections with industry, resulting in successful relationships and projects with organizations of all sizes and maturity levels.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with industry, government, non-profit, and foundation sponsors in the manufacturing sector.
• Foster industry connections and drive the growth of the HAMMER-ERC Innovation Ecosystem.
• Cultivate a robust network of business contacts in the manufacturing sector and related organizations.
• Partner with external industry partners to develop strategic initiatives.
• Translate new discoveries into practical innovations for the marketplace across a broad range of technologies.
• Establish sponsored research projects between academic and industrial stakeholders.
• Assimilate and synthesize broad-based academic research portfolios into valuable connections with industry.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Business Administration, Communication, or a related field.
• 6 years' experience in business development, product management, product development, or a related area.
• Deep expertise in developing high-value industry-university partnerships.
• Ability to facilitate opportunities for engagement between industry partners, faculty, students, and other university units.
• Metrics and results driven with the ability to work effectively in a complex environment.
• Outstanding verbal, written, and visual communication skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree or equivalent experience in engineering or the physical sciences.
• At least 6 years of manufacturing industry experience with executive level engagement.
• 8-12 years' experience in corporate relations, business development, or industry-university research.
• Experience working with faculty and researchers to generate interest in industry engagement.
• Extensive contacts in industry and the private sector.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Tuition assistance for employees and their dependents.
• State or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.