Director, Industry Partnerships

Michigan Central is where founders, industry, researchers, and government come together to test, build, and scale technologies that will define the future of how we build and move in the future.

We’re seeking a Director of Industry Partnerships to lead engagement with local, national, and global companies across automotive, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and defense. This person will be responsible for growing Michigan Central’s role as the center of gravity for industry innovation, building deep relationships that translate into investment, programming, pilots, and revenue-generating partnerships.

What you'll do...

• Lead the identification, engagement, and securing of strategic partnerships with major industry players, including OEMs, Tier 1s, robotics firms, contract manufacturers, and defense primes, to drive revenue and align with Michigan Central’s product offerings.
• Cultivate and maintain a robust pipeline of new industry prospects through direct outreach, ecosystem collaborations, and targeted events.
• Collaborate closely with Newlab and Michigan Central’s Platform, Network Experience, Marketing, and Programming teams to align opportunities across research, testing, talent, events, showcases, and thought leadership.
• Serve as Michigan Central’s primary industry liaison, representing the organization in key forums, conferences, and working groups, and building connections between startups, academia, and industry partners to accelerate technology commercialization.
• Strengthen partnerships with regional economic development organizations (e.g., Detroit Regional Chamber, Detroit Regional Partnership, Michigan Economic Development Corporation) and national trade associations to amplify industry awareness.
•  Contribute to the overall platform strategy for expanding Michigan Central's industry-facing capabilities and provide market intelligence on industry trends, investment patterns, and partnership models to inform leadership decisions.
• Track and report key metrics, including partnership revenue, engagement activity, and partner satisfaction.

You'll have...

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Economics, or related technical field.
• 10+ years of experience in business development, industry engagement, or partnership management, ideally within mobility, manufacturing, or technology sectors.
• Deep understanding of the automotive and industrial innovation landscape, including OEMs, Tier 1s, and emerging tech suppliers.
• Strong network within Michigan and/or national industry circles, with a demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships.
• Experience in structuring partnership deals, managing cross-functional teams, and representing organizations externally.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to translate strategy into execution.

Even better, if you have...

• An MBA or other relevant advanced degree could be beneficial, particularly if it focused on business strategy, technology management, or international business.
• Prior experience working within or closely with innovation hubs, incubators, accelerators, or research parks where multiple stakeholders (startups, academia, industry, government) collaborate.
• Demonstrated experience in engaging with and fostering partnerships involving early-stage technology companies or startups, especially in areas like mobility, robotics, or advanced manufacturing.
• Global Business Development: Experience in developing and managing international partnerships, given Ford's global presence and the mention of "global companies."
• Technical Acumen: A foundational understanding or strong interest in the specific technologies relevant to Michigan Central's focus areas (e.g., electric vehicles, autonomous systems, robotics, advanced materials, AI).
• Proven ability to represent an organization effectively in public forums, deliver presentations, and contribute to thought leadership content.
• Experience interacting with government agencies or understanding policy landscapes related to technology, manufacturing, or mobility.
• Proficiency with CRM software and other tools used for tracking partner engagement, pipeline management, and reporting.

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a s