MIT’s Quest for Intelligence imagines a world in which our understanding of natural intelligence is advanced by tightly coupled scientific enquiry and rigorous engineering to address real-world problems that are beyond current machine capabilities. To achieve this vision, we must treat the study of natural intelligence and efforts to build intelligent systems as two interlocked aspects of the same grand challenge, with neuroscientists and cognitive scientists working alongside computer scientists and software engineers.
Position Overview
The Corporate Engagement Manager will manage interactions and engagements with industrial partners, external organizations, and others under The Quest for Intelligence. In collaboration with the Senior Development Officer (SDO) and Executive Director (ED), the Program Manager will be responsible for continuing to build and run The Quest for Intelligence’s corporate partnership program.
This position will be performed hybrid in The Quest office and offsite, with onsite presence required at all-staff events. Timely coordination may necessitate off-hour communication. Occasional evening and weekend work is required. Position requires occasional domestic travel.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
- Research prospective companies concerning their internal structure, industry, and research interests.
- Strategically plan, develop, and oversee implementation of a new member/prospect pipeline. Manage prospect pipeline, maintain contact and cultivate relationships with prospective members and facilitate commitment.
- Maximize operational efficiency, enhance engagement opportunities, and work collaboratively with the SDO and ED to grow the Corporate Partners Program to drive revenue for the Quest.
- Monitor, analyze, and review the progress of corporate partners’ contracts, identify opportunities for engagement, negotiate and problem-solve when appropriate, and communicate membership expectations to reach satisfactory conclusions.
- Serve as a point-of-contact for corporate partners and maintain a portfolio of 5-8 corporate partners with the object of identifying opportunities for engagement, further collaboration, and funding the Quest’s work. Responsible for Program member satisfaction and retention.
- Maintaining a thorough knowledge of Quest members’ research activities and accurately matching them to the needs of the member companies;
- Conducting new member processing, orientation, and onboarding;
- Ensuring proactive outreach by maintaining ongoing interactions with members to discuss beneficial activities and opportunities to grow the relationship with the Quest’s priorities
- Develop agendas for meetings with sponsors, and for sponsor-related workshops;
- Arranging for appropriate member follow-up and debriefs.
- Prepare for and arrange all aspects of customized sponsors/prospective corporate partner visits; coordinate visits for special guests, individuals, and corporate members including planning meetings with faculty, preparing content, and identifying research updates that align with both parties.
- Work with other DLCI(s) and internal partners across MIT to cultivate relationships with companies and individuals.
- Work with alumni, corporate sponsors, communications, and events staff to organize events/corporate meetings that provide timely updates and encourage growing support of the Quest.
- Coordinate with MIT Industrial Liaison Program (ILP), as required, to support corporate research sponsors.
- Work closely with the Quest leadership on special projects and others as required.
Qualifications & Skills:
Required
- Bachelor’s degree is required with a minimum 5 years of experience working in program management.
- Work professionally and effectively across all levels of higher education, senior leadership, and senior executives.
- Track record of increased responsibility, takes initiative and follow through.
- Diplomatic, polished, professional
- Comfortable in a start-up environment
- Role will grow and shift, willingness and ability to be flexible
- Strong program management skills and problem-solving skills
- Proven ability to communication the mission, vision, and work of the organization to external and internal audiences
- Excellent interpersonal, relationship management, and client service skills with a professional demeanor that promotes collaboration and cooperation
- Excellent written, verbal, and oral presentation communication skills
- Must be self-motivated, proactive and able to work well under pressure with limited supervision
- High level of proficiency in the use of personal computers including spreadsheet, word processing, and ability to create and prepare presentations
- Ability to deal with confidential information and/or issues using discretion and judgment.
- Requires the flexibility and ability to attend evening and/or weekend meetings and/or events as well as travel domestically, and potentially internationally, up to 10% time when necessary.
Preferred:
- Master’s degree or MBA.
- Experience in higher education/academia