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The KU Center for Research is searching for a director of business relations and development, someone who will help the university strengthen its connections with the state and local business community. The goal is to provide a point of entry for persons seeking assistance from KU, while engaging us even more in the economic development efforts of Kansas and the Greater Kansas City area.
KU is doing a great deal in this area now, but we're probably not getting enough credit for it. We also need greater coordination of these efforts. The new director will report to me and will work out of Youngberg Hall, but will have a campuswide role. Funding for the new position is provided by the Office of the Provost, and we hope to have someone in place this fall.
The director will function as a navigator for businesses and organizations that don't always know how to take advantage of existing KU resources, such as faculty members, research capabilities, and programs. The person will have close relationships with KU academic units, as well as the Office of Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property, led by Jim Baxendale.
We intend to connect KU to business, not turn KU into a business. The fact is we have a lot to offer the business community and they have a lot to offer us. This new director can help organize and lead our efforts, but one person alone can't do everything. To be successful, we'll need commitment and support from the whole university. It's an exciting prospect.
The initial review of candidates begins June 16. For more information, go to the KU Employment page.
Jim Roberts
Vice Provost for Research
