Specialist, Partnerships and Sustainability (RI NSF EPSCoR)

The University of Rhode Island seeks a Specialist in Partnerships and Sustainability for the RII NSF EPSCoR project. This full-time role involves managing partnerships and sustainability efforts, engaging various stakeholders to support project goals. The position is based in South Kingstown, RI, and requires collaboration with multiple institutions and organizations. The salary range is $53,393 - $65,000, and the job is grant-funded with a limited duration until August 29, 2025.
Position Information

Posting Number

SF01928

Job Title

Specialist, Partnerships and Sustainability (RI NSF EPSCoR)

Position Number

106128

FTE

1.00

FLSA

Exempt

Position Type

Professional Staff

Union

PSA/NEA - Professional Staff Assoc

Pay Grade Level

Grade Level: 9

Pay Grade Range

Salary Range: $53,393 - $65,000

Status

Calendar Year, Full-time, Limited

Department Information

Department

Research Office

Contact(s)

Please note: Job applications must be submitted directly online only at: (https://jobs.uri.edu)

Contact Phone/Extension

Contact Email

Physical Demands

Campus Location

Kingston

Grant Funded

Yes

Extension Contingency Notes

This is a full-time, calendar year position limited to August 29, 2025 with anticipated renewal.

Job Description Summary

About URI:

The University of Rhode Island enrolls approximately 17,000 students across its graduate and undergraduate programs and is the State’s flagship public research university, as well as the land grant and sea grant university, for the state of Rhode Island. The main campus is located in the historic village of Kingston and is close to the ocean and major beaches in a beautiful coastal community. The campus is just 30 minutes from Providence, RI and within easy reach of Newport, Boston, and New York City.


The search will remain open until the position has been filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by January 31, 2025. Applications received after January 31, 2025, may be reviewed depending on search progress and needs, but are not guaranteed full consideration.


BASIC FUNCTION:

Manage all aspects of partnership building and sustainability for the Rhode Island Inclusive Network for Excellence in Science and Technology (RII-NEST) Project, which is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Engage private, community, higher education, tribal, and government partners for the purpose of developing partnerships and collaborations that help sustain RII-NEST goals and activities. Maintain big picture, strategic alliance, and engagement with community, cross-sector, and industry groups to ensure the activities of the project are coordinated and aligned in a way that maximizes strategic opportunity and builds pathways for future progress. Collaborate closely with the RII-NEST management entity partners at the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, Brown University, and Roger Williams University, as well as other key partners, including the Narragansett Indian Tribe, the URI Research Foundation, RI Commerce Corporation, and the Community College of Rhode Island.

Duties and Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Co-develop and implement a partnership and sustainability plan for the RII-NEST project.

Forge innovative partnerships with local businesses and industry partners, trade and professional organizations, tribal partners, research groups and universities, local communities, governments and agencies, and other stakeholders.

Connect researchers with industry and community partners by facilitating networking, listening sessions, and one-on-one meetings.

Coordinate with existing workforce development programs and industry partnership platforms to create connections that enable industry and community partners to buy into RII Nest core activities, such as the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program.

Support the development of multi-institutional research partnerships that align with the State of Rhode Island Science and Technology Plan, such as focusing on the Blue Economy.

Serve as a key contributor on RII-NEST’s Management Entity and collaborate closely with activity team leads to support planning and implementation as needed.

Support the organization of science and technology diversity networking events.

Support the administration of seed grant programs.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform additional duties as needed.

LICENSES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT:

Personal computers, printers; word processing, database management, social media. MS Office, Google Workspace, Adobe Acrobat, WordPress.

Required Qualifications

REQUIRED:

1. Bachelor’s degree.

2. Minimum of three years of professional experience in marketing, business, or related field.

3. Demonstrated experience in partnership/strategic alliance building and stakeholder management.

4. Demonstrated experience and dedication to integrating issues of inclusion, equity, social justice and accessibility in your work.

5. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations.

6. Demonstrated experience in project management, strategic planning, and data analysis.

7. Demonstrated problem solving skills.

8. Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple projects on competing deadlines.

9. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

10. Demonstrated strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills.

11. Demonstrated proficiency in written communication skills.

12. Demonstrated experience with social media platforms, marketing and publicity tools.

13. Demonstrated computer experience (i.e., MS Office, Google Workspace, Adobe Acrobat.)

Preferred Qualifications

PREFERRED:

1. Demonstrated experience developing strategic industry-higher education partnerships in Rhode Island or the New England region.

2. Demonstrated knowledge of the Rhode Island science and technology ecosystem.

3. Demonstrated experience in branding and marketing strategy.

4. Demonstrated experience with evaluation of communication activities.

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ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.

Environmental Conditions

This position is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Posting Date

01/09/2025

Closing Date

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please attach the following 4 (PDF) documents to your online Employment Application:
(#1) Cover letter.
(#2) Resume.
(#3) “Other Document-References” – the names and contact information of three professional references. (Note: this document is required even though references may be listed on the application).
(#4) “Other Document” – Diversity Statement (200 word maximum)

Quicklink for Posting

https://jobs.uri.edu/postings/14585

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Resume
• Other Document - References
• Diversity Statement - (justice, equity, diversity and inclusion)

Optional Documents