Director, Business Development

About the role

The Director of Business Development will lead Texas A&M Innovation’s proactive industry engagement strategy. This senior position focuses on identifying external partners whose technology roadmaps align with the System’s research and intellectual property, driving licenses, sponsored research, joint development, and other commercial outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute an outbound outreach plan targeting companies in energy, agriculture, semiconductors, advanced electronics, advanced manufacturing, defense, life sciences, and digital technologies.
• Build and maintain a portfolio of corporate relationships across the System’s core research sectors.
• Collaborate closely with Licensing, New Ventures, and Strategic Partnerships teams to translate relationships into signed agreements.
• Lead negotiations for licensing, sponsored research, joint development, and other commercial engagements.
• Track and report on business development metrics and commercial outcomes.

Required profile

• Proven experience leading business development or partnership initiatives in technology‑focused environments.
• Strong understanding of university research commercialization and intellectual property.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills with senior industry executives.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally with licensing, venture creation, and strategic partnership teams.

Required skills

• Strategic market analysis
• Deal structuring and negotiation
• Relationship management
• Knowledge of technology transfer processes

What we offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive health benefits
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Retirement plans through the Teachers Retirement System of Texas and optional defined contribution options
• Tuition assistance and wellness programs