Details
Posted: 22-Mar-26
Location: Ithaca, New York
Type: Full-time
Internal Number: 3-104858
CALs Director, Innovation and Engagement (Hybrid)
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.
This is a one-year term appointment with benefits that is able to be extended dependent upon available work, available funding and successful performance.
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.
- 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
- Structured problem-solving approach to complex assignments.
- Operational experience in customer-facing roles with marketing or promotion leadership experience; strong business and investment acumen.
- Proven organizational and time-management skills.
- Strong leadership and teamwork skills.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint (can develop high-end presentations, geared toward C- suite executives and other senior leaders), and a good understanding and skill of AI technology and applications.
- Creativity, energy, motivation and positive enthusiasm.
- Ability to drive and travel for work.
- Experience working directly with people from various socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities.
- Experience working with inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing programs.
- Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.
- Ability to advocate for individuals from a broad range of backgrounds.
- Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
- Position requires some evening and weekend work.
If you have all those things, great! We have a few more things that we would prefer you to have, but it's ok if you don't.
- Master's degree in business management, Finance, Marketing or Operations
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
University Job Title:
External Relations Officer IV
Job Family:
Administration
Level:
G
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Pay Range:
$100,899.00 - $123,321.00
Remote Option Availability:
Hybrid
Company:
Contract College
Contact Name:
Freddie Salley
Contact Email:
fls55@cornell.edu
Job Titles and Pay Ranges:
Non-Union Positions
Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
Union Positions
Current Employees:
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Notice to Applicants:
EEO Statement:
Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
2026-03-19
