Lead, Industry Programs-Information Science

The University of Arizona's College of Information Science invites you to apply to the role of Lead, Industrial Program. The University of Arizona College of Information Science focuses on the intersection of people, data, and technology, offering innovative programs in information science, data science, cybersecurity, game design, and immersive technologies. Established in 2023 and expanded in 2025, the college provides STEM-designated undergraduate and master's degrees, and a PhD. in Information. With nationally ranked programs such as the #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity, #4 Best Master's in Data Science, and #10 Global Ranking of Library an Information Science Programs, we emphasize computational thinking, ethical reasoning, and multicultural communication while driving research and partnerships such as Arizona Cybersecurity Academy, AI Core, Gaming and Virtual Worlds, Human -Centered Computing, and many other areas of research.

This role reports to the Director of Strategic Partnerships and External Relations to deliver high-quality client-based learning and industry-immersive education experiences for students, faculty and staff, and external partners. The role will focus on supporting both credit-bearing and non-credit programs including, but not limited to, client-based course projects, partnership agreements, professional microcredentials, sponsored hackathons or similar events, and management of communication with internal and external community members.

This position offers a unique opportunity to help build and shape a new industrial engagement program for the College of Information Science. The Lead will develop foundational processes, partnerships and materials that connect industry collaborators with faculty and students, strengthening experiential learning and real-world application of information science research and education.

This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, combining on-site work at the University of Arizona campus with remote work flexibility. This position requires periodic travel within Arizona, approximately once per month, to represent the College of Information Science at industry events.

Academic Program Operations

• Develop, facilitate, and/or support industry-immersive learning programs- course-based and co-curricular (capstones, consulting projects, hackathons, microcredentials, game jams).
• Coordinate with faculty to ensure deliverables relative to key learning outcomes.
• Support faculty as strategic advisor and connector when integrating client-based or industry-sponsored projects, materials, or data sets in their courses, ensuring academic alignment and providing operational support.
• Assist faculty in supporting learners as needed.
• Ensure alignment of programs with accreditation standards and academic policies.
• Develop project plans, timelines, and communication strategies to support the execution of industry initiatives.
• Oversee staff or student workers supporting program operations.

Industry Partnerships & Relationship Management

• Initiate relationships with industry partners, exploring ideas and implementing educational programs that support the college with career outcomes, and help students to gain valuable skills.
• Recruit, maintain, and grow external partnerships; manage key corporate/community partnerships.
• Collaborate with clients to identify appropriate and preferred programs or avenues (e.g., capstone support, camp sponsorships, hackathons) for engagement.
• Create a future donor pipeline and implement future expansion of program.
• Scope new projects with partners, helping them iterate ideas to generate opportunities that fit student learning.
• Coordinate with colleagues across the college (faculty, career center, Cyber Academy) to deepen partner engagements and foster relationships.

Contracts & Resource Coordination

• Evaluate program costs and make recommendations about financial agreements.
• Draft contracts, MOUs, and proposals for industry-led funding that can be secured for the College.
• Engage in cost/benefit analyses tied to industry-led academic programs.
• Facilitate sponsor agreements for capstones, client-based projects, and various types of industry support for students.
• Communicate and coordinate with internal and external constituents about the acquisition and allocation of resources.
• Bring industry awareness to negotiations and related meetings, engaging with organizational leaders professionally and confidently.

Marketing, Communications & Community Engagement

• Maintain industry-facing websites, collateral, forms, and guides in coordination with the College marketing team.
• Support industry, community, and alumni events & programs (e.g., iShowcase, iAlliance events, cybersecurity clinics), managing elements like judging/awards and learner support during camps.

Data Evaluation & Reporting

• Assist with the evaluation of programs through collection, analysis, and reporting of key metrics around student outcomes, industry engagement/satisfaction, and ROI.
• Create and provide data and reports as requested by College leadership and for reports/surveys tied to academic rankings of degree programs.
• Contribute to developing and maintaining systems for tracking project progress, relationships, and outcomes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of industry practices relevant to Information Science.
• Knowledge of academic policy and standards.
• Knowledge with program design and facilitation.
• Project management skills.
• Ability to anticipate operational needs and interpret actionable items for program.
• Ability to build rapport and trust and grow relationships with various stakeholders.
• Ability to create deep community partnerships.
• Effective communication skills.
• Understanding of contract practices.
• Contextual knowledge of higher education.
• Knowledge of experiential learning models.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• Demonstrated history of established industry partnerships in higher ed (either research,employer engagement, fundraising or sponsorships).
• Experience with relationship, business development, or account management.