Job Description

Staff - Non Union
Job Category M&P - AAPS
Job Profile AAPS Salaried - Business Development, Level C
Job Title Strategic Partnerships Manager
Department School of Biomedical Engineering | Faculty of Medicine | Provost and VP Academic
Compensation Range $6,677.33 - $10,433.50 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date August 20, 2022
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.
Job End Date
This position has the option of a hybrid work arrangement.
Job Summary
The School of Biomedical Engineering is a partnership between the Faculties of Medicine and Applied Science. The School is a nucleus for education and training, research, and innovation in biomedical engineering; creating new knowledge, new academic and training programs, and fostering translation and innovation. The School is currently responsible for 350+ undergraduate students, 140+ graduate students and 30+ faculty. Over time, the School will be responsible for as many as 400+ undergraduate students, 200+ graduate students and 40+ faculty.
The Strategic Partnerships Manager will build relationships and create opportunities between SBME stakeholders (faculty, student, staff and alumni) and external organizations (including industry, health care, government, and not-for-profits) and communities, across British Columbia, nationally and internationally. The incumbent will work with UBC partners at the Department, Faculty and Central levels (ex: Development, Co-op, Government Relations and Alumni UBC offices) as a connector to both SBME as well as current and potential external stakeholders. In addition, the Strategic Partnerships Manager will manage and grow the SBME-HATCH Life Incubator Space. Finally, the Strategic Partnerships Manager will be expected to strengthen new and existing relationships with key contacts in academic institutions, health research organizations, industry sponsors, and funding agencies.
Organizational Status
The Strategic Partnerships Manager reports to the School Director. The incumbent will act as a key liaison with external partners and work collaboratively with other managers in SBME, including the Research Manager and the Manager, Communications, Culture & Engagement.

Work Performed

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  Leverages domain expertise in the SBME to lead the relationship building between SBME researchers and collaborators from industry, government and the not-for-profit sector.
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  Develops strategies for expanding the opportunities for SBME stakeholders via partnerships with other UBC units and external partners locally, nationally and internationally.
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  Initiates, leads and evolves studies to identify partnership opportunities will improve business effectiveness.
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  Proactively connects SBME faculty with other relevant resources within Innovation UBC, the broader VPRI Portfolio and other UBC departments, Faculties and research centres.
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  Creates new and builds existing relationships with key local, national, and global organizations to increase awareness of opportunities for SBME researchers.
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  Forges relationships with companies and other partners that have research opportunities for SBME faculty; helps to maintain and build these relationships.
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  Supports the dialogue and decision making with SBME principal investigators that enables the prioritization, maintenance, growth of partnerships by understanding the strategic and tactical needs/expectations of both the School and the partner organization.
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  Lead and organize quarterly meetings of SBME’s Industry Advisory committee and its three subcommittees (education, partnerships, and commercialization), and liaise regularly with the committee’s co-chairs.
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  Works in conjunction with Research Manager and other UBC partner departments to plan the SBME Synergy summer research program.
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  Maintains relationships with business development directors and managers across the UBC campuses and at other top research institutions.
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  Supports the SBME Hatch Life Incubator offerings and policies, including serving as the point person for the onboarding ventures, liaising with e@UBC, HATCH, UBC UILO and other local, national and international stakeholders and attracting and interacting with industry partners.
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  Develops and delivers programs that orient SBME researchers to leading practices in partnership development, in collaboration with other portfolios such as External Relations and Development & Alumni Engagement.
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  Develops and delivers programs that guide SBME trainees career choices. Recruits and establishes a network of professionals across diverse careers who contribute to the program by sharing their career knowledge and experience with SBME trainees. Engages in outreach of SBME alumni for mentorship and career advice to current trainees.
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  Collaborates with Government Relations colleagues and others to ensure government stakeholders have a clear communication channel with the SBME leadership team and SBME faculty.
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  Forges relationships with companies and other partners that have co-op, internship and full-time job opportunities for the trainees in SBME.
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  Maintains relationship with the Faculty of Applied Science Co-op office, and assists in connecting industry and other partners for co-op placement opportunities for SBME undergraduate students, and internships and post-graduation job opportunities for SBME graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.
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  Works with various development teams at UBC on development or implementation of corporate and foundation grant seeking and fundraising.
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  Builds and maintains relationships with appropriate life sciences associations and alliances, such as Life Sciences BC and BIOTECanada.
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  Tracks appropriate metrics under this portfolio, providing summarized data at SBME leadership meetings, as part of SBME annual report and to other UBC partners.
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  Supports the planning, execution, and evaluation of large and complex initiatives that will contribute to the recently launched strategic plan of the School.
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  In collaboration with the Manager, Communications, Culture & Engagement proactively seeks out opportunities to highlight SBME’s innovation success stories to disseminate to a broad audience.
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  Develops and seeks out thorough partnerships professional development activities for SBME trainees, including undergraduate and graduate students and post-doctoral fellows, in partnership with the Manager, Communications, Culture & Engagement.
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  Carries out any other related duties as necessary.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
This role has a significant client-facing component, both internally and externally. The Strategic Partnerships Manager will be an ambassador the School of Biomedical Engineering and its internal stakeholders at UBC. The position is accountable for recommendations and decisions that can affect the economic viability and effectiveness of a range of partnership initiatives. Poor judgement or decision making can cause a reputational risk for the University, and may result in lost opportunities for researchers, students, staff and partners.

Supervision Received
The Strategic Partnerships Manager reports to the School Director and works closely with other School leadership including the Director of the Undergraduate Programs, the Director of the Graduate Programs and the Director of Research. Must be highly self-directed, take initiative, and work independently within policies and procedure. Work is reviewed by the assigned Director(s).

Supervision Given
At this time, there are no planned positions that will report into the Strategic Partnerships Manager. Over time, responsibilities for managing temp staff, and possibly students / interns may be added to this role.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of six years related experience in an appropriate business specialization, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

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  Post-graduate degree in molecular biology, microbiology, biochemical engineering, biomedical engineering, bioengineering or similar is considered an asset.
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  Excellent interpersonal skills and cross-cultural sensitivity.
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  Relevant experience working with scientists and administrators in an advanced research environment, and direct professional experience in business development in the life sciences sector.
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  Outstanding ability to speak and write clearly and persuasively.
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  Demonstrated success in creating and supporting multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral teams and facilitating connections.
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  Ability to be highly self-directed, taking initiative, and working independently under the general direction.
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  Ability to actively listen to partners and faculty, identify areas of common interest, and to create a compelling case for partnering with the SBME.
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  Exceptional organizational skills and ability to engage with and motivate a broad range of stakeholders.
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  Excellent analytical skills and ability to solve problems in a creative and efficient manner are essential.
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  Demonstrated experience in identifying and cultivating funded partnerships with academic and corporate organizations and research consortiums.
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  Significant experience in business development, marketing, strategic planning, or management consulting, with proven success in revenue generation.
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  Ability to exercise tact and discretion when handling sensitive and/or confidential matters.
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  Ability to travel to partners in the local ecosystem and to attend local and international conferences and events.