Director of External Partnerships and Translation

About Us:

The School of Data Science is a future-thinking institution dedicated to advancing education, and research and translating them into practice in the dynamic field of data science. As a fast-growing school at the University of Virginia, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative environment where faculty, staff, and students can grow and thrive.

The Opportunity:

As the research funding landscape evolves and universities are increasingly called upon to demonstrate public relevance and impact, the University of Virginia has renewed its commitment to ensuring that scholarship reaches broader audiences and drives meaningful societal outcomes. Within this context, the School of Data Science (SDS) is uniquely positioned to serve as a bridge between cutting-edge research, educational excellence, and real-world application.

SDS faculty and students are generating knowledge, tools, and approaches with significant potential to improve decision-making, strengthen institutions, and advance public well-being. The opportunity before us is to expand the reach and impact of this work by strengthening connections between the School and external partners who can benefit from, apply, and invest in SDS expertise. By doing so, the School can increase the visibility, adoption, and societal impact of SDS-generated knowledge while creating new pathways for sponsored research, executive and professional education, intellectual property development, and long-term strategic partnerships.

Ultimately, this work positions SDS not simply as a producer of knowledge, but as a trusted partner in helping organizations and communities apply data science to address real-world challenges, strengthening both the School's public impact and its long-term sustainability.

Position Overview: The School of Data Science (SDS) at the University of Virginia seeks a Director of External Partnerships and Translation.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement strategies that increase the visibility, adoption, and real-world application of SDS research, expertise, and intellectual assets.
• Connect faculty scholarship with opportunities for sponsored research, executive education, public engagement, licensing, commercialization, and other impact pathways.
• Partner with university units to identify and advance research outputs with potential for broader societal, economic, or organizational impact.
• Identify emerging organizational and workforce needs that can inform new educational and partnership initiatives.
• Closely support the SDS Industry Partners Program and related initiatives to strengthen external engagement and impact.
• Facilitate introductions and relationship-building activities that lead to externally funded collaborations.
• Support the development of interdisciplinary partnerships that increase research funding, visibility, and societal impact.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain metrics that assess partnership development, research translation, external engagement, sponsored research growth, executive education participation, and societal impact.
• Prepare annual and quarterly reports for SDS leadership summarizing activities, outcomes, opportunities, and barriers.
• Develop and manage an annual operating budget.

Minimum Qualifications:

Candidates must demonstrate the following qualifications:

• Experience developing and managing strategic external partnerships.
• Experience supporting research translation, technology transfer, knowledge mobilization, community-engaged scholarship, sponsored research, or related activities.
• Knowledge of research administration, sponsored programs, or partnership development processes.
• Experience working across organizational boundaries to build collaborations and achieve shared goals.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical or research concepts for diverse audiences.

Preferred Qualifications:

Candidates should demonstrate the following qualifications:

• Experience working in higher education, research organizations, government, nonprofit, or industry settings.
• Experience developing sponsored research partnerships or externally funded collaborations.
• Familiarity with intellectual property, licensing, commercialization, or venture development processes.
• Experience designing executive education, workforce development, or professional learning initiatives.
• Working knowledge of data science, artificial intelligence, analytics, or related fields.
• Experience supporting interdisciplinary research and collaboration.
• Ability to work effectively with faculty, university leadership, and external stakeholders.

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please submit the following items as individual files:

• Cover letter including a statement that outlines your philosophy on cultivating an environment of entrepreneurship and innovation across disciplines and disparate environment - (no more than 250 words).
• Curriculum vitae.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. 

Salary of $100k - $107k based on education and experience, plus performance based incentive plan tbd with hiring manager.

For questions about the application process please contact Daniel Strong, Senior Recruiter at das6zb@virgnia.edu

This is an Exempt level, benefited position. The University will perform background checks on all hires (if required) prior to employment. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. For this role, the University will not sponsor or consider candidates requiring sponsorship for employment visas now or in the future. This is a Restricted (term limited) position.

Base salary commensurate with experience and education, with supplemental performance-based incentive package.

Please apply through the University job board, Careers at UVA, and search for R0077656. 

Applicants must complete an application online with the following documents: a resume and cover letter.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Bachelor's degree required.

Experience: 7+ years of relevant professional experience required.

Licensure: None.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.