Business Development Manager

The Business Development Manager builds and manages partnerships that maximize the impact of NRRI's research for business and industry. Reporting to the Director of Partnership Development, this role connects NRRI's research expertise with external organizations to solve real-world challenges and create commercial and societal value. The position helps identify, cultivate, and manage relationships throughout the full partnership life cycle-from opportunity discovery to project execution-ensuring strong alignment between partner needs and NRRI capabilities.

Location and Work Environment:

• Campus: University of Minnesota Duluth.
• Work Environment: Office environment with no specific or unusual physical demands.

Primary Responsibilities:

50% Build and Manage Strategic Partnerships

• Identify, develop, and sustain relationships with external businesses and business-focused organizations aligned with NRRI's mission.
• Build trust with clients by understanding their needs and matching them with NRRI's unique value propositions.
• Identify the right subject matter experts to address incoming opportunities in conjunction with the Director of Research and the Director of Partnership Development.
• Lead and facilitate meetings between NRRI researchers and potential partners to explore collaborative research and commercial opportunities.
• Grow contract revenue at NRRI by managing partnerships from initial contact through project award, feeding into the project management framework, while maintaining consistent communication and accountability.
• With the Director of Research, build connections with UMN faculty, researchers, and technologies that complement NRRI's applied research priorities.
• Promote funding opportunities and facilitate conversations that connect industry, government, and research interests.
• Contribute to outreach by maintaining accurate, engaging content for NRRI's Partnership Development web presence.
• Utilize and help administrate customer relationship management (CRM) at NRRI and champion its use across the institute.

25% Catalyze and Evaluate Strategic Opportunities

• Present new partnership or commercialization opportunities to the Opportunity Review Board for strategic assessment.
• Gather and analyze customer feedback to inform NRRI research and commercialization strategies.
• Work with NRRI research teams to evaluate the commercial potential of emerging technologies and identify pathways to impact.
• Conduct market intelligence research (market size, competitors, regulatory factors) and prepare business cases to guide investment decisions.
• Troubleshoot stalled partnership or commercialization efforts and identify new pathways for intellectual property development.
• Support Technology Portfolio Managers in evaluating invention protectability, market fit, and commercial readiness.

15% Promote NRRI, Support Trade Shows and Conferences

• Promote NRRI's research capabilities, impact, and partnership opportunities at trade shows, conferences, and professional events.
• Coordinate logistics and staffing for NRRI's participation in trade and professional symposia in collaboration with NRRI External Affairs.
• Collaborate with NRRI's External Affairs to develop materials, messaging, and displays that effectively convey NRRI's value.

10% Other Duties as Assigned

• Support NRRI's entrepreneurial and partnership-building initiatives throughout Minnesota.
• Build and maintain relationships with business-focused state and federal agencies in collaboration with NRRI External Affairs.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of Partnership Development processes, tools, and best practices.
• Help forecast income from business and industry contracts.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or Business
• At least 6 years of experience with solid results in a business development, sales, or marketing role
• Experience with developing strong partnerships with stakeholders
• Experience with leading by influence
• Experience with reading and negotiating legal contracts
• Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software
• Intellectual Property protection and commercialization experience
• Demonstrated ability to be a quick learner with complicated scientific technologies
• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Science, Engineering, or Business
• Familiarity with collaborative strategic planning
• Ability to navigate complex relationships and project opportunities
• Experience working with natural resources
• Entrepreneurship experience

NRRI (Natural Resources Research Institute) is a unit of the University of Minnesota Duluth. The department focuses on delivering research solutions that balance the environment and the economy by connecting research expertise with industry and government partners.

Pay Range: $86,768.46 to $105,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

• NOTE: You are required to attach a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.

The application review will begin on January 5, 2026.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).