Director of Business Development

About the role

The Director of Business Development leads Texas A&M Innovation’s proactive outreach to industry partners. Working from the System Offices in College Station, the role identifies companies whose technology roadmaps align with the university system’s research and intellectual property, creating opportunities for licensing, sponsored research, joint development and new ventures.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute an outbound industry engagement strategy across core research sectors such as energy, agriculture, semiconductors, advanced electronics, advanced manufacturing, defense, life sciences and digital technologies.
• Build and maintain a portfolio of corporate relationships, identifying strategic gaps and R&D priorities that match system‑generated IP.
• Collaborate closely with Licensing, New Ventures and Strategic Partnerships teams to translate relationships into signed agreements and commercial outcomes.
• Lead negotiations for licenses, sponsored research agreements, joint development projects and other commercial engagements.
• Track market trends and report on pipeline health, revenue potential and partnership performance.

Required profile

• Proven senior‑level experience in business development, technology transfer or corporate partnership roles, preferably within a research‑intensive environment.
• Demonstrated ability to engage C‑level executives and influence strategic decision‑making.
• Strong understanding of the innovation ecosystem and experience navigating university‑industry collaborations.

Required skills

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 supporting work‑life balance.