Director, External Partnerships and VITA Programs

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Director overseeing external partnerships and VITA Programs in research at Vanderbilt University. Building strategic relationships and leading initiatives in the School of Medicine Basic Sciences.

Posted 6/1/2026full-timeNashville • Tennessee • 🇺🇸 United StatesLeadWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Identify, initiate, and manage strategic partnerships with industry and innovation ecosystem organizations in collaboration with SOMBS faculty and leadership and the Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization (CTTC).
Collaborate with Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) when potential philanthropic prospects are identified through external partnership efforts, and in the communication and engagement of alumni and prospective donors for external partnership purposes.
Develop and execute a portfolio of external engagement activities—including industry site visits, lab tours, strategic meetings, and signature events—that create opportunities for translational collaboration and showcase SOMBS research.
Build and maintain relationships with regional and national biotech, pharma, and venture science organizations to strengthen SOMBS's presence in the innovation ecosystem.
In collaboration with SOMBS leadership, design and launch programs that extend SOMBS's reach and reputation.
Lead strategic communications efforts related to external partnerships, working in consultation with SOMBS leadership and communications team to ensure consistent, high-impact messaging.
Translate VITA's mission and strategic goals into actionable operational plans with clear milestones, timelines, and accountability structures in collaboration with the VITA Scientific Director and the VITA Steering Committee.
Oversee the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of VITA, including communications, meeting facilitation, project tracking, reporting, and program coordination.
Serve as the primary liaison to the VITA Steering Committee: prepare agendas and briefing materials, coordinate logistics, document meeting proceedings, and track and follow up on action items.
Develop and manage VITA-affiliated programs, including symposia, visiting scholar initiatives, and translational partnership activities.
Lead faculty engagement efforts, including town halls and educational forums, to build awareness of and participation in VITA's mission.
Partner with the Scientific Director to identify and pursue revenue-generating opportunities, ensuring that financial activities align with university policies and SOMBS standards.
Ensure coordination between VITA's external-facing activities, communications, and partnership development and the broader External Partnerships portfolio managed through this role.
Collaborate with DAR on partnerships and philanthropy.
This position reports directly to the Chief of Staff, School of Medicine Basic Sciences.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in partnership development, administration, program management, or a related field within an academic, research, or innovation-sector environment.
Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives or programs.
Proven ability to build and sustain relationships with senior leaders, faculty, and external partners.
Master's degree or advanced credential in a relevant field (e.g., business, public administration, life sciences, higher education administration) preferred.
Experience in academic-industry partnerships, technology transfer, or translational research programs preferred.
Familiarity with biotech, pharma, or venture science ecosystems preferred.
Experience in donor relations or development activities within a university or nonprofit setting preferred.
Knowledge of research compliance, sponsored programs, or industry contract processes preferred.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
Professional development opportunities

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

partnership developmentprogram managementproject trackingreportingadministration

Soft Skills

relationship buildingcommunicationcollaborationleadershiporganizational skills

Certifications

Bachelor's degreeMaster's degreeadvanced credential