Research Parks Director

Job Description

• Develop and execute comprehensive business development strategies, integrating the needs of the academic, research & development, corporate tenants, and community spaces.  Specifically,
  • Analyze market trends, competitive landscapes, and emerging opportunities to provide insights and recommendations for strategic direction.  Engage outside marketing firms, as needed, to develop and/or evaluate marketing strategies for park properties and sites.
•  Collaborate closely with UVA’s Office of Economic Development, and with regional economic development community leaders and organizations to develop a succinct and synchronized target market strategy focused on the regions’ assets and value proposition for future economic growth and vitality.
•  Collaborate closely with UVA’s Office of the Vice President for Research.  Help to foster collaborative opportunities between industrial and federal agencies/contractors, located in the research parks, and UVA faculty, and assist in creating mutually beneficial relationships between these entities and the University.
• Collaborate closely with economic development professionals/partners to attract development opportunities to the research parks:  Albemarle County, Central VA Partnership for Economic Development (CVPED), Defense Affairs Committee (DAC) of the Chamber of Commerce, and Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP).
• Collaborate with UVA’s Real Estate and Leasing department and staff on projects and leasing in the parks.
• Lead the identification and pursuit of new business opportunities, including potential development sites within the research parks, public-private partnerships (PPP), joint ventures, and other innovative development structures/partnerships that benefit the Foundation’s research parks, the University and region.  Specifically,
•  Design and implement a detailed mission-based business development plan, to attract local, regional, national and international companies/organizations to, or looking to expand, within the parks.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including the University, developers, institutional investors, local government agencies, tenants, brokers, and community leaders.
• Work to establish the parks as viable sites for business attraction.  
• Identify and build relationships with leading site selection consultants and organizations. 
• Establish and maintain relationships within and outside the region to generate qualified prospects and assist with prospect management.

• Oversee the leasing pipeline, in collaboration with the asset management and finance teams, from initial negotiations to Letter of Intent execution. Ensure all potential opportunities are vetted, structured, and aligned with Foundation financial and operational goals.
• Oversee leasing brokerage relationships and activities.
• Oversee prospective tenant management activities.  Ensure the highest level of service and the greatest probability of securing a successful location/expansion in the parks.
• Collaborate with real estate development, asset management and finance teams to:
• Evaluate feasibility and risks related to potential development projects, 
• Ensure that projects align with market demand, 
• Consider and help to structure joint venture agreements and other partnership models, and 
• Evaluate strategies for development/re-development of research park assets 
• Act as a liaison with external stakeholders to ensure timely and successful execution of business development initiatives.
• Oversee programmatic development for companies and tenants, entrepreneurs, innovators and community users of the parks.
  
  

• Lead and mentor the research parks marketing team.  Provide guidance, support, and professional development to ensure service and organizational excellence.
• Collaborate with senior leadership.  Ensure alignment of business development initiatives with Foundation objectives, resources, and capabilities.
• Provide strategic input during the project planning and design phases.  Assist with business model development, ensuring project models support long-term profitability and growth.
• As Staff Liaison, work closely with the Chair of the Board’s Research Parks Committee.  Prepare for committee and board meetings, develop agendas, talking points, meeting materials, and make formal presentations as appropriate.  Support the Board’s strategic planning activities related to the research parks.

• Monitor industry trends, regulatory changes, and competitive activity to maintain an up-to-date understanding of the market and identify emerging opportunities.
• Produce regular reports and presentations to the executive team on the status of leasing activities, market trends, and the pipeline of potential opportunities.

• Represent the Foundation at industry conferences (AURP, ULI, BIO, etc.), networking events, and community meetings to promote and build the research park’s profile and attract new business opportunities.
• Work with the local community, municipal governments, and other stakeholders to ensure that projects reflect the University’s commitment to community engagement, sustainability, and positive social impact.
• Build positive relationships with University faculty, staff, students, and alumni to generate support for research park initiatives.

• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent work experience) in Real Estate, Business Administration, Marketing & Communications or related field preferred. 
• 7+ years previous experience in commercial real estate or economic development related fields, and strong negotiating skills preferred.  
• Previous strategic planning experience with an understanding of academic environments, a plus. 
• Energetic self-starter, with strong leadership skills, work ethic and high level of integrity and emotional intelligence [the ability to recognize and use emotional information to help guide thinking and behavior].
• Highly effective oral, written, analytical and interpersonal skills.
• At least 5 years supervising and managing staff. 
• Excellent client orientation; team interaction/effectiveness; decision-making skills. 
• Ability to organize and prioritize work and meet deadlines; exercise good and cautious judgment while effectively interfacing with all types of people diplomatically
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.