At Ford, we are looking for a Director to lead engagement with local, national, and global companies across automotive, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and defense. Your mission is to grow Michigan Central's role as the center of gravity for industry innovation by building deep relationships that translate into investment, programming, pilots, and revenue-generating partnerships.
What You'll Do
- Lead the identification, engagement, and securing of strategic partnerships with major industry players, including OEMs, Tier 1s, robotics firms, contract manufacturers, and defense primes, to drive revenue and align with Michigan Central’s product offerings.
- Cultivate and maintain a robust pipeline of new industry prospects through direct outreach, ecosystem collaborations, and targeted events.
- Collaborate closely with Newlab and Michigan Central’s Platform, Network Experience, Marketing, and Programming teams to align opportunities across research, testing, talent, events, showcases, and thought leadership.
- Serve as Michigan Central’s primary industry liaison, representing the organization in key forums, conferences, and working groups, and building connections between startups, academia, and industry partners to accelerate technology commercialization.
- Strengthen partnerships with regional economic development organizations and national trade associations to amplify industry awareness.
- Contribute to the overall platform strategy for expanding Michigan Central's industry-facing capabilities and provide market intelligence on industry trends, investment patterns, and partnership models to inform leadership decisions.
- Track and report key metrics, including partnership revenue, engagement activity, and partner satisfaction.
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Economics, or a related technical field.
- 10+ years of experience in business development, industry engagement, or partnership management, ideally within mobility, manufacturing, or technology sectors.
- Deep understanding of the automotive and industrial innovation landscape, including OEMs, Tier 1s, and emerging tech suppliers.
- Strong network within Michigan and/or national industry circles, with a demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships.
- Experience in structuring partnership deals, managing cross-functional teams, and representing organizations externally.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to translate strategy into execution.
Nice to Have
- An MBA or other relevant advanced degree.
- Prior experience working within or closely with innovation hubs, incubators, accelerators, or research parks where multiple stakeholders collaborate.
- Demonstrated experience in engaging with and fostering partnerships involving early-stage technology companies or startups.
- Experience in developing and managing international partnerships.
- A foundational understanding or strong interest in technologies relevant to Michigan Central's focus areas.
- Proven ability to represent an organization effectively in public forums, deliver presentations, and contribute to thought leadership content.
- Experience interacting with government agencies or understanding policy landscapes.
- Proficiency with CRM software and other tools used for tracking partner engagement and pipeline management.
Technical Stack
- CRM software
Team & Environment
You will collaborate closely with Newlab and Michigan Central’s Platform, Network Experience, Marketing, and Programming teams.
Benefits & Compensation
- Compensation: $112,680 - $212,760
- Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
- Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
- Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
- Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
- Tuition assistance
- Established and active employee resource groups
- Paid time off for individual and team community service
- A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
- Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time
Work Mode
This role operates on a hybrid schedule and is based in Michigan.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status.
