Director of Strategic Relations - College of Engineering - Information Networking Institute

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

The Information Networking Institute (INI) at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) educates and develops engineers through technical, interdisciplinary master’s degree programs in information networking, security and mobile and IoT engineering that incorporate business and policy perspectives.

The INI Director of Strategic Relations position is crucial to the INI’s long-term mission success and financial resilience. We seek a dedicated leader to drive alternative programming, industry sponsorships and scholarship and research opportunities.

The INI Director of Strategic Relations leads efforts to expand revenue streams beyond traditional graduate tuition through innovative university and industry partnerships, as well as non-traditional educational offerings, such as distributed and stackable certificates, online bridge programming, and executive education opportunities for domestic and professional learners. The person in this role works closely with the INI faculty and staff to identify and develop new market opportunities for the INI globally, in the U.S. and in the Pittsburgh region. In addition, the Director of Strategic Relations identifies and cultivates scholarship opportunities for the INI students.

Core Responsibilities:

• Partnership Development: Cultivate strategic relationships with external partners to secure sponsorships for INI initiatives, including the Practicum, student projects, research collaborations, and other priorities. This involves identifying sponsors for projects in Pittsburgh and Silicon Valley, aligning industry needs with INI’s academic goals, and facilitating smooth hand-offs to faculty
• Engagement Models: Design and implement frameworks for collaborative partnerships with universities and industry that enable innovative educational models—such as distributed and stackable certificates, online bridge programs, and executive education—while addressing key considerations like intellectual property, tiered engagement, and mutual value creation.
• Industry and Government Relations: Expand INI’s long-standing engagement industry partners and government agencies through offerings aligned with global market and emerging technology needs.
• Regional Strategy: Collaborate with faculty and staff to implement INI’s Pittsburgh strategy, strengthening brand awareness and fostering relationships with local industry, government, and organizations.

The Director will work collaboratively across the organization to advance INI’s mission through strategic initiatives, deliver exceptional service to all stakeholders, and contribute to the institute’s overall success. Additional projects may be assigned as needed. This position requires flexibility for some evening and weekend hours and domestic travel. Occasional international travel may be required.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

• Background, education and experience in Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science or another related area.
• 3-5 years of fundraising experience
• M.B.A. or a master’s degree in a related field and equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated project management experience.
• Experience in higher education is preferred.
• Driver's License - Department of Motor Vehicles
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Proven ability to develop partnerships and close sponsorship agreements.
• Strong network of existing relationships and ability to cultivate new ones.
• Technical acumen to effectively describe the INI’s academic programs and research priorities (Information Networking, Information Security, IoT & Mobile Engineering, AI Engineering in Security).
• Skilled at identifying high-value opportunities and aligning them with INI’s strategic goals.
• Experience in higher education and familiarity with intellectual property and
  open-source agreements preferred.

Requirements:

• Successful background check

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Corporate and Foundation Relations

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information: