CALs Director, Innovation and Engagement (Hybrid)

The Opportunity: 

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University seeks a dynamic and strategic Director of Innovation and Engagement to help translate world-class research into real-world impact. Reporting to the Associate Dean for Research and Innovation, this role serves as a key connector between faculty, students, industry, investors, and partners—advancing opportunities that bring CALS innovation to market and into communities. 

What You Will Do:

In this highly collaborative role, you will cultivate and grow relationships with corporate, government, and nonprofit partners; support the development of startups and commercialization pathways; and help position CALS as a leader in innovation across areas such as food systems, environmental sustainability, and life sciences. You will work closely with faculty and student innovators and cross-campus partners to identify opportunities, develop strategic initiatives, and manage programs that enhance the visibility, impact, and economic value of CALS research. 

Success in this role requires a blend of strategic thinking, relationship-building, and program execution, along with the ability to navigate a complex, matrixed environment. If you are energized by connecting ideas, people, and resources to drive innovation and societal impact, this is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of research and engagement at Cornell. 

You are considered competitive for this position if you can: 

• Build and sustain high-value partnerships with industry, government, investors, and other external stakeholders that advance CALS research, innovation, and translational impact. 

• Translate faculty research and emerging technologies into real-world impact by supporting technology transfer, licensing opportunities, and the development of startup companies. 

• Work effectively within a complex, matrixed university environment to align faculty, students, administrators, development teams, and innovation partners around shared goals and initiatives. 

•  Lead and manage innovation initiatives, corporate engagement programs, and strategic projects that expand CALS’ innovation portfolio, visibility, and economic impact. 

Department

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.  

What We Need 

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 to 7 years relevant work experience with a focus on strategy, operations, and program implementation or equivalent combination  

• Experience in organizing and facilitating multi-stakeholder workshops with C-suite executives and senior organizational leaders. 

• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work with diverse audiences in group and one-on-one settings; working effectively with advisory boards and committees, community and funding partners. 

• Ability to work within matrix organization and persuade stakeholders without formal reporting lines