Executive Director of the Industry Solutions Launch Lab

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building: Morningside
• Salary Range: $180,000 - $192,000

Position Summary

The Executive Director of the Industry Solutions Launch Lab provides senior-level strategic and operational leadership for a flagship initiative that accelerates industry-engaged research and innovation at Columbia Engineering. This role is responsible for cultivating and managing high-impact industry partnerships, translating real-world challenges into applied research and pilot projects, and expanding sponsored research and educational collaborations involving SEAS faculty and students. The Executive Director will oversee the design, launch, and execution of short-term pilot projects with industry partners, with the goal of converting successful pilots into sustained, long-term sponsored research relationships and integrating outcomes into academic and executive education programs.
This role provides direct supervision to designated staff and strategically delegates operational, logistical, and administrative responsibilities to a shared staff resource, ensuring efficient execution of program activities while maintaining focus on high-level partnership development, strategy, and growth.

Responsibilities

Industry Engagement & Pilot Project Development (35%):
-Lead the Industry Solutions Launch Lab team in engaging industry partners through consultation, problem definition, and solution scoping.

-Design and structure short-term, solution-driven pilot projects aligned with SEAS research strengths and partner needs.

-Establish and meet an annual target of initiating 10 or more industry-sponsored pilot projects.

-Serve as a senior representative of SEAS in external industry relationships and strategic discussions.

Faculty & Student Recruitment and Project Execution (25%):
-Recruit, match, and support SEAS faculty and undergraduate/graduate students for participation in pilot projects.

-Oversee project execution to ensure timely delivery, high-quality outcomes, and partner satisfaction.

-Transition successful pilots into long-term sponsored research collaborations.

Research Partnerships & Funding Development (20%):
-Collaborate with SEAS research and industry outreach teams to promote SEAS research capabilities.

-Develop new strategic partnerships with corporate, nonprofit, and public-sector organizations.

-Identify and secure new funding opportunities to support SEAS research and innovation programs.

-Leverage delegated administrative support to prepare briefing materials, proposals, and partnership documentation.

Documentation, Case Studies & Knowledge Dissemination (10%):
-Document and publish results from pilot projects in collaboration with industry partners.

-Develop case studies and applied learning materials for integration into SEAS curricula and training programs.

-Share best practices across SEAS to strengthen industry-engaged research.

-Delegate research compilation, data collection, and formatting tasks to shared staff while retaining strategic oversight.

Executive Education & Program Integration (10%):
-Partner with the SEAS Executive Training team to recruit participants for Executive Education programs.

-Develop research and innovation collaborations with Executive Program partners.

-Align Launch Lab activities with SEAS professional education strategy.

-Coordinate event logistics, participant communications, and scheduling through shared staff resources.

Minimum Qualifications

-Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, public policy, data science, or a related field.
-Minimum of 8-10 years of progressively responsible experience in research development, innovation management, industry partnerships, or higher education administration.
-Demonstrated success in building and managing complex external partnerships.
-Experience leading high-performing teams and managing multi-stakeholder initiatives.
-Strong strategic planning, communication, and organizational leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

-PhD or terminal degree in a relevant discipline.
-Experience with sponsored research programs in a research university environment.
-Familiarity with AI, computing, and emerging technology ecosystems.
-Experience in executive education, professional training, or workforce development

Other Requirements

• NA

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.