Executive Director of Corporate Relations, Office of Strategic Alliances and Technology Transfer

Executive Director
Office of Corporate Relations

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, Massachusetts

THE SEARCH

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) seeks an experienced, collaborative, and entrepreneurial leader to serve as the Executive Director of Corporate Relations. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to lead the world’s largest and oldest university corporate relations office, contribute to the future of research and innovation at one of the preeminent higher education institutions, and engage with international corporate partners focused on contributing to a better world. The Executive Director will collaborate with MIT leadership to advance President Sally Kornbluth’s vision for “the people of MIT to come together in meaningful ways to meet the great challenges of our time,” and “make Greater Boston the hub of the next biotech revolution.”

The Office of Corporate Relations (OCR) is part of the larger Office of Strategic Alliances and Technology Transfer (OSATT) at MIT, which plays a key role in a team-based approach to faculty-centric development and execution of sponsored research, collaboration, and related agreements. Reporting to the Associate Provost, the Executive Director provides strategic leadership for OCR in support of the Institute’s mission through multiple programs to aid and direct companies interested in multidisciplinary involvement with the Institute. The Office of Corporate Relations offers industry access to MIT through two major integrated programs including the MIT Industrial Liaison Program (ILP) and the MIT Startup Exchange (STEX). Expert staff within OCR work with MIT senior administration, faculty, and company executives to structure and define individualized alliances that mutually benefit the company and MIT. The Executive Director is responsible for building strategic partnerships and relationships with business, government, and entrepreneurial leaders across the globe to collaborate and build relationships with MIT faculty, departments, labs, and centers.

The Executive Director works in close coordination with the Technology Licensing Office and OSATT Core teams to ensure relationships with external sponsors are collaborative, forward-looking, and built on strong, consistent communications from “one MIT.” Outside of OSATT, the Executive Director will work with key stakeholders across the Institute to support faculty-driven alliances in sponsored research, education, or capacity-building from non-federal sponsors. To succeed in the future, the Executive Director will strategically grow ILP membership, ensure OCR provides exceptional service and support to MIT faculty, and promote partnership opportunities between startups and corporate executives through the MIT Startup Exchange, all while leading a dedicated and highly capable group of expert staff.

MIT has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm to assist in this recruitment. Nominations, inquiries, and applications, including a letter of interest describing the individual’s qualifications for the position and curriculum vitae, should be sent electronically and in confidence to:

Micah Pierce, Partner
Alexandra Lolavar, Associate
Isaacson, Miller
https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/massachusetts-institute-technology/executive-director-corporate-relations-office

MIT is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin. MIT values diversity and inclusion and seeks to build and maintain a community and culture that celebrates and values diverse backgrounds, identities, and perspectives.