The RoleSyracuse University seeks an experienced and collaborative leader to serve as the inaugural Vice President for Economic & Business Development and lead Syracuse University's newly created Office of Economic & Business Development.Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation and working closely with the Chancellor and President, the Vice President will be responsible for fostering and driving economic growth and innovation within the university and the broader community and oversee the development and implementation of strategic initiatives that leverage the university's resources, research, and expertise to support local, regional, and national economic development. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in advancing the University's regional economic engagement activities, including coordinating the University's partnership with Micron Technology, Inc. and other stakeholders across Central New York's emerging semiconductor and advanced manufacturing ecosystem. The Vice President will work daily to foster innovation and entrepreneurship on campus and across the region, and act to bridge the University's research capabilities and human capital to public- and private-sector stakeholders locally, nationally, and globally.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and supervise the newly established Syracuse University Office of Economic & Business Development, including the university's efforts in technology transfer, commercialization, and entrepreneurship.
- Develop and execute a comprehensive economic development strategy that aligns with the university's mission and goals.
- Support activities of the Chancellor's Industry Advisory Council and serve as key member of the Syracuse University Economic Development Steering Committee.
- Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with industry, government, and community organizations to enhance economic opportunities.
- Coordinate and oversee Syracuse University's corporate relationships related to local and regional economic development initiatives.
- In partnership with the Vice President for Research, promote Syracuse University's research and technology capabilities to industry and lead efforts to secure external funding to grow the University's programs related to economic development.
- Develop and implement long term plans, near term operating practices, and policy initiatives intended to foster industry collaboration, technology commercialization, licensing of intellectual property, and technology-based economic development endeavors throughout the region as led by the University.
- Identify gaps in University programs based on industry demands and work with internal stakeholders to develop and implement initiatives in response to demand including programs that build research expertise in areas of interest to industry.
- In partnership with Academic Affairs and the Office of Research, collaborate with academic departments and research centers to leverage university resources for economic growth.
- In coordination with the Office of Government and Community Relations, support engagement with government officials and community partners in support of Syracuse University's economic development goals.
- Identify and pursue opportunities for university-industry collaborations, particularly in the semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, and defense-related industries, both directly and through Syracuse University's leadership of the Collaboration and Commercialization Center of the NY SMART I-Corridor Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs.
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national business leaders.
- Represent Syracuse University in economic development forums, conferences, and committees.
- Develop metrics and reporting systems to track and communicate the impact and return on Syracuse University's economic development initiatives.
Education and Experience- Bachelor's degree required and advanced degree in a STEM discipline, business administration, public administration, public policy, or a related area preferred.
- Minimum of 12 years of experience in economic development, corporate relations, or a related field. Eight years of increasingly progressive management experience.
- Proven track record of successful leadership in economic development initiatives.
- Strong understanding of higher education's role in economic development.
- Demonstrated ability to build and manage high-performing, cross-functional teams.
- Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including senior University leadership.
- Experience in grant writing and managing complex budgets.
- Familiarity with the semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, and defense industries is highly preferred.
Skills and Knowledge- Experience working with or within higher education institutions.
- Knowledge of Central New York's economic landscape and key industries.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
- Demonstrated success leading teams in pursuit of corporate and federal funding opportunities.
- Proven success in securing funding for economic development initiatives.
- Familiarity with technology transfer and commercialization of university research.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Compensation DetailsCompensation includes base salary and discretionary bonuses. The anticipated base salary range for this role is $350,000 to $450,000, and may vary based on factors such as skill, experience, and qualifications for the role. Total package provides additional benefits including access to health coverage and time off.Korn Ferry shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified candidates, and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis.