Associate Director for Corporate and Public Affairs

Position Number: 40035655

Payroll Title: INDUSTRY ALLNS SPEC 3 SV (004996)

Job Code: 004996

Job Open Date: 7/1/2026

Application Review Begins: 7/17/26

Department Code (Name): INEE (INSTITUTE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY)

Percentage of Time: 100

Union Code (Name): SV - Student Services and Advising Professionals

Employee Class (Appointment Type): Staff: Career

FLSA Status: Exempt

Classified Indicator Description (Personnel Program): PSS

Salary Grade: STEPS

Pay Rate/Range: The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $89,670-$105,000/year. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for this position is $89,670-$164,640/year.

Work Location: 1015 Henley Hall

Working Days and Hours: M-F, 8am to 5pm

Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits

Type of Remote or Hybrid Work Arrangement, if applicable: Hybrid

Special Instructions:

For full consideration, please include a resume and a cover letter as part of your application.

Department Marketing Statement:

The Institute for Energy Efficiency (IEE) is an interdisciplinary research institute dedicated to cutting-edge science and technologies that support an energy-efficient and sustainable future. IEE's research activities leverage the considerable expertise of UCSB's highly acclaimed faculty, scientists, engineers and researchers. By fostering collaborations, sponsoring research, and expediting the commercialization of new technologies, IEE is a key driver of significant advances in energy efficiency.

Benefits of Belonging

Working at UC means being part of this vibrant institution that shines a light on what is possible. People make UC great, and UC recognizes your contributions by making this a great place to work. Excellent retirement and health are just one of the rewards.

Brief Summary of Job Duties:

The Associate Director for Corporate and Public Affairs provides strategic leadership, partnership development, and operational oversight for the Institute for Energy Efficiency (IEE) and the Solid State Lighting and Energy Electronics Center (SSLEEC). Reporting directly to the Directors of IEE and SSLEEC, the Associate Director develops and manages corporate relations, public affairs, communications, research partnerships, and outreach initiatives that advance the institutes' missions and long-term strategic goals. Utilizing exceptional communication, relationship-building, and program management skills, combined with a comprehensive understanding of the institutes' research programs and priorities, the Associate Director serves as a primary representative to industry partners, government agencies, research organizations, donors, advisory boards, faculty, and campus leadership. The position is responsible for cultivating and expanding strategic partnerships, managing corporate affiliate and membership programs, supporting sponsored research and philanthropic initiatives, coordinating high-profile conferences, workshops, and advisory board activities, and leading communications efforts that promote the institutes' research, innovation, and impact. In collaboration with faculty and university stakeholders, the Associate Director also provides strategic guidance on research development, organizational planning, intellectual property coordination, technology transfer activities, and cross-campus initiatives, helping to strengthen the visibility, reputation, and growth of both organizations while fostering productive relationships that support research excellence and long-term sustainability.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-3 years Demonstrated experience in program management, research administration, industry engagement, external relations, communications, or partnership development.
• 1-3 years Experience coordinating programs, events, communications, or partnerships within a research, higher education, nonprofit, or technology-focused environment.
• Broad knowledge about University and industry research pertaining to specific industry alliance program.
• Strong communication skills including active listening and critical thinking. Highly developed political acumen skills and social perceptiveness. Skilled business development tactics to persuade and influence.
• Ability to work with a diverse group at all levels of the organization including faculty, staff, students, and industry partners. Strong sense of ethical conduct that will inspire confidence and motivation.
• Productive in work volume, speed, quality, and consistency. Ability to see projects through to completion on deadline and satisfy industry partner and University goals.
• Ability to perform all commonly applicable functions in the Microsoft Suite. Effectively uses software applications specific to industry alliance.
• Ability to break down complex concepts and communicate them in an understandable way.
• Familiarity with sponsored research administration, industry-academic partnerships, and technology commercialization processes.
• Understanding of intellectual property, research compliance, or technology transfer processes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree or PhD in a related field
• 1-3 years Experience working in higher education, research institutes, or interdisciplinary research environments.
• 1-3 years Experience supporting corporate relations, donor engagement, or strategic development initiatives.
• 1-3 years Experience developing communications strategies, outreach initiatives, or public-facing programs related to science, engineering, or technology research.

Special Conditions of Employment:

Satisfactory criminal history

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement:

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:





Job Functions and Percentages of Time:

• 30% Campus & Industry Partnerships - Develop and sustain strategic partnerships with industry, government agencies, research organizations, donors, and other external stakeholders to advance the mission and research priorities of IEE and SSLEEC. Serve as a primary liaison for corporate affiliates, industry partners, advisory boards, sponsors, and external collaborators. Identify and expand opportunities for collaborative research initiatives, sponsored projects, philanthropic support, and strategic alliances aligned with institute and campus priorities. Manage industry affiliate and corporate membership programs, including partner communications, invoicing coordination, renewals, and engagement activities. Coordinate corporate visits, research reviews, workshops, conferences, seminars, and related meetings involving faculty, researchers, sponsors, donors, and external partners. Coordinate outreach efforts and strategic communications that promote the institutes' research strengths, innovation, partnerships, and impact. Represent IEE and SSLEEC at conferences, workshops, industry meetings, and other public-facing events. Support donor stewardship and development activities in coordination with institute leadership and campus development offices.
• 25% Research Strategy & Program Support - Support institute leadership and affiliated faculty in advancing interdisciplinary research initiatives and collaborations. Assist with research development activities, including proposal coordination, strategic planning, and engagement with funding agencies and research sponsors. Provide analytical and operational support related to research strategy, partnerships, and program development. Coordinate activities that support faculty collaboration and visiting researchers across both institutes. Assist with the preparation and coordination of gift agreements, pledge documentation, funding-related correspondence, and related administrative processes. Maintain strong working relationships with campus and UC system offices involved in research partnerships, development, contracts, sponsored research, and industry alliances. Help develop and implement initiatives that strengthen the institutes' visibility, research impact, and leadership within the broader energy and technology communities.
• 25% Communications, Events & Public Affairs - Lead and coordinate communications activities that support the public visibility and strategic objectives of IEE and SSLEEC. Oversee institute communications materials, including website content, newsletters, announcements, digital communications, presentations, promotional materials, and social media content. Coordinate seminars, lectures, workshops, conferences, advisory board meetings, and other institute-sponsored events. Manage event logistics, timelines, communications, speaker coordination, agendas, and related materials for internal and external audiences. Collaborate with campus communications and public affairs offices to support media engagement, press materials, and institutional visibility initiatives. Support outreach activities that promote faculty achievements, research advancements, and institute initiatives.
• 15% Intellectual Property & Administrative Coordination - Support coordination and administration related to intellectual property, research collaborations, confidentiality agreements, and associated documentation, particularly within SSLEEC's industry partnership programs. Serve as a liaison with campus offices involved in technology transfer, industry alliances, research administration, and compliance activities. Assist faculty, researchers, and institute leadership in navigating administrative processes related to sponsored research and intellectual property matters. Maintain organized records, databases, and operational systems supporting institute activities, partnerships, communications, and reporting. Coordinate administrative processes related to onboarding, visitor support, shared systems, and institute documentation.
• 10% Executive Advising & Cross-Campus Collaboration - Provide strategic and operational guidance to institute leadership on organizational priorities, partnership opportunities, communications, and program development. Collaborate with deans, department leadership, faculty, research centers, and campus administrative units to advance institute initiatives and interdisciplinary engagement. Help develop processes, procedures, and operational practices that support effective institute management and long-term growth. Contribute to special projects, strategic initiatives, and executive-level activities as assigned by institute leadership.

UC Vaccination Programs Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California