HudsonAlpha - Strategic Partnerships Manager - Regional Research and Development Initiative

About HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is an innovative nonprofit research institute located in Huntsville's Cummings Research Park-one of the world's leading hubs for science and technology. Since 2008, HudsonAlpha has united world-class scientists, educators, and more than 45 life science companies to transform discoveries into tangible impact across health, agriculture, and the environment.

Through cutting-edge research, genomic innovation, and deep collaboration, we are driving sustainable economic growth and shaping the future of biotechnology.

About the Role

HudsonAlpha is preparing to launch a large-scale, regional innovation initiative to drive innovation from farm to lab to marketplace. This initiative seeks to drive rural economic development through the development of biobased products. The Manager of Strategic Partnerships will serve as a key connector and relationship builder within HudsonAlpha. This position is responsible for developing, managing, and strengthening partnerships across industry, academia, government, and nonprofit sectors, ensuring that all collaborations are impactful, aligned, and driving measurable value.

The ideal candidate is a proactive communicator and relationship strategist who thrives at the intersection of science, business, and community. You'll play a pivotal role in advancing mission-driven collaborations that translate scientific discoveries into real-world innovation.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement partnership and engagement strategies that align with institutional goals
• Manage relationships with a diverse portfolio of external partners across academia, industry, government, and community organizations
• Serve as the primary liaison to external collaborators-facilitating communication, engagement, and accountability
• Plan and execute events that connect researchers, innovators, and industry leaders, such as networking forums, workshops, and matchmaking events
• Oversee the development of partner engagement frameworks, tracking systems, and communication tools to ensure clarity and consistency
• Collaborate with internal teams to identify and advance strategic partnership opportunities
• Document partnership activities, measure outcomes, and share success stories across internal and external stakeholders
• Provide thoughtful insights and recommendations to leadership on partnership performance, opportunities, and strategic improvements
• Facilitate continuous improvement of engagement processes to enhance collaboration and visibility

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution required
• 3–5 years of experience in partnership management, stakeholder engagement, business development, or relationship strategy, ideally within the nonprofit or innovation ecosystem
• Proven experience managing relationships across multi-sector environments (academia, government, and industry)

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences
• Strong organizational and project management capabilities
• Skilled collaborator capable of building trusted, long-term relationships
• Understanding of communications, branding, and stakeholder engagement processes
• Proactive and solution-oriented approach with an eye for continuous improvement
• Comfortable navigating between scientific, business, and community contexts

Why Join HudsonAlpha?

At HudsonAlpha, you'll join a visionary organization where collaboration fuels innovation. This is your opportunity to help connect science, industry, and society-advancing programs that drive biotechnology forward and create meaningful, lasting impact.

Be part of something bigger. Grow with us as we shape the future of innovation.