Executive Director of Industry Engagement

Company: Lsu Foundation
Location: Baton Rouge
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Reporting to and working in conjunction with the Vice President of Development, the Executive Director of Industry Engagement is responsible for setting the vision and strategic direction for the LSU Foundation’s Office of Industry Engagement (OIE) team and for developing industry partnerships that achieve mutually beneficial outcomes for LSU and its corporate partners. This role leads holistic engagement efforts including, but not limited to, talent pipeline development, research collaboration, and strategic philanthropy. The position plays a critical role in identifying and advancing key opportunities across LSU, as well as cultivating and soliciting industry partners for funding. As the leader of the Industry Engagement team, this role drives funding success, models productivity, and fosters a culture of accountability. In support of these efforts, the role collaborates closely with key stakeholders across LSU, including leadership in the Office of Academic Affairs and the Office of Research and Economic Development (ORED). Success in this role is achieved by aligning corporate funding interests with university priorities and establishing, securing, and sustaining long-term industry partnerships. Essential Duties & Responsibilities (45%) Build and maintain a portfolio of new and long-term partnerships with industry that advance the mission and stated priorities of LSU. Meet or exceed metrics goals for funding (20%) Partner with academic deans, unit leads, and development staff to architect solutions to industry challenges toward mutually beneficial outcomes (20%) Oversee and direct the activities and performance of OIE staff and its efforts related to industry engagement across the state (10%) Initiate opportunities for faculty, administrators, and deans to interact with industry prospects and interpret/translate industry interests to university constituencies (5%) Collaborate with LSU Foundation Marketing and Communications and Prospect Strategy and Engagement teams to support and steward the university’s strategic partners Marginal Duties & Responsibilities Complete projects/reports as requested Serve on relevant committees as directed by the VP of Development Attend relevant seminars or training Requirements Required level/type of experience Proven success managing a portfolio of prospective partners, clients, or donors for an organization Proven success securing significant partnerships, agreements, or gifts between organizations Experience directing and managing a results-oriented team while maintaining best practices, mutual respect, and shared accountability Experience with donor or customer databases Proficient level in Microsoft Office Suite Experience successfully communicating with all levels within an organization, from senior management to operational teams Preferred level/type of experience Strong relationships with industry leaders in Louisiana and the gulf south region. Demonstrated success in securing industry funding in a university setting Preferred abilities Entrepreneurial instincts, intellectual curiosity, and an ability to work both independently and as a team member A team player comfortable with ambiguity as decisions or processes evolve over time and the ability to quickly refine strategies after receiving feedback from stakeholders Excellent communication skills (oral, written, and listening) The ability to set priorities, manage time, leverage limited resources, and meet deadlines Required education Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university Preferred education Master’s degree from an accredited college or university Desired Competencies Critical Thinking: Practices objective rather than subjective modes of reasoning and action. Maintains perspective when assessing qualitative and quantitative information. Appropriately challenges and questions common beliefs. Relationship Building: Develops, maintains, and strengthens relationships with others outside of the organization. Tenacity: Achieves a desired outcome in the face of setbacks, obstacles, or challenging circumstances. Attention to Detail/Accuracy: Focuses on paying attention to all details and aspects of a job or process to avoid substandard outputs. Supervisory Responsibilities This position has supervisory responsibilities and is responsible for staff performance management. Work Environment Requirements May be required to work extended workdays, evenings, and weekends to meet deadlines May be required to travel 10% of the time

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