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!

Carnegie Mellon University CyLab brings together experts from a variety of disciplines across the university to collaborate on cutting-edge research and educate the next generation of security and privacy professionals. Everything we do is fueled by our passion to create a world in which technology can be trusted.

Carnegie Mellon University’s CyLab is searching for an Assistant/Associate Director of Partnerships to join CyLab. As a Corporate & Government Relations Officer for Partnerships at CyLab you’ll be initiating and stewarding relationships with Carnegie Mellon partners. In this pivotal role, you’ll focus on building partnerships in cybersecurity, privacy, and blockchain research, as well as executive education. Your expertise in client relationship management will maintain and grow our collaborations with organizations. Additionally, you’ll actively contribute to the development of cutting-edge research initiatives and strategic approaches to prospect new partners.

This role will be based in Pittsburgh, with occasional regional, out-of-state, and international travel

Responsibilities:

Outreach and Collaboration

• Connect with existing partners at least quarterly to enhance the value derived from their partnership with CyLab and explore additional collaboration areas

• Identify and facilitate communication and collaboration opportunities between partners, faculty, and students

• Contribute to organizing and engaging with partners through the annual CyLab Partners Conference, weekly CyLab Seminars, and other CyLab events

• Manage the CyLab partner portal, enhancing its features to improve partner experience

• Act as a liaison for partner organizations interested in CMU recruitment activities

Prospective Partner Engagement

• Collaborate with team members to devise strategies that enhance faculty engagement with corporate and government entities

• Contribute to the development of strategic plans leading to innovative programs and partnerships

• Identify potential corporate and institutional partners; prioritize them based on alignment with CyLab’s objectives

• Engage targeted individuals through various outreach methods including emails, calls, meetings, events, and social media platforms

• Promote the CyLab Partner Program; navigate objections and contractual processes effectively

• Maintain an in-depth understanding of challenges faced by professionals in information security, privacy, and blockchain research, updating this knowledge regularly

Partner Relationship Management

• Foster relationships with faculty/students; stay informed on their research developments and needs

• Develop strategies that boost faculty engagement with partners; execute these strategies effectively

• Create/manage partner marketing materials in collaboration with the Director of Partnerships & Communications Manager.

• Represent CyLab at various internal/external meetings/events

• Assist in budgeting/tracking financials related to partnerships

• Utilize Salesforce database for data entry; generate insightful reports

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, technology, or related fields (master’s degree preferred).

• Corporate & Government Relations Officer I (Assistant Director of Partnerships): 3-5 years of fundraising, client relations, account management, business development, or strategic partnerships experience required.

• Corporate & Government Relations Officer II (Associate Director of Partnerships): 5-8+ years of fundraising, client relations, account management, business development, or strategic partnerships experience required.

• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Skills and Attributes:

• Excellent interpersonal skills for effective relationship management

• Strong client service orientation

• Comfortable engaging with diverse partners both within and outside CMU

• Ability to interact confidently with senior management and technical leadership in corporations and government agencies

• Proficiency in project management, team building, and community engagement

• Organizational skills with an ability to anticipate and solve problems

• Effective decision-making and analytical abilities

• Discretion and judgment when handling confidential information

• Exceptional written and verbal business communication skills

• Financial acumen

• Ability to plan new programs and successfully execute current projects

• Track record of keeping teams, projects, and deliverables on track to support larger strategic goals

• Self-motivated and proactive team player

• Set priorities effectively and coordinate multiple projects with competing demands.

• Deliver results aligned with strategic objectives

• Proficiency with enterprise business applications (e.g., Salesforce/CRM, Monday.com/project management tools) and the strategic application of AI tools for data analysis and proposal development.

Requirements:

• Successful background check