Job Description

The Business Development Manager builds and manages partnerships that maximize the impact of NRRI's research for business and industry. Reporting to the Director of Partnership Development, this role connects NRRI's research expertise with external organizations to solve real-world challenges and create commercial and societal value. The position helps identify, cultivate, and manage relationships throughout the full partnership life cycle—from opportunity discovery to project execution—ensuring strong alignment between partner needs and NRRI capabilities.

Location and Work Environment:

Campus: University of Minnesota Duluth, specifically at the NRRI location
Work Environment: Hybrid office environment with at least 3 days a week in-office and some occasional travel.
Primary Responsibilities:

50% Build and Manage Strategic Partnerships

Identify, develop, and sustain relationships with external businesses and business-focused organizations aligned with NRRI’s mission.
Build trust with clients by understanding their needs and matching them with NRRI’s unique value propositions.
Identify the right subject matter experts to address incoming opportunities in conjunction with the Director of Research and the Director of Partnership Development.
Lead and facilitate meetings between NRRI researchers and potential partners to explore collaborative research and commercial opportunities.
Grow contract revenue at NRRI by managing partnerships from initial contact through project award, feeding into the project management framework, while maintaining consistent communication and accountability.
With the Director of Research, build connections with UMN faculty, researchers, and technologies that complement NRRI’s applied research priorities.
Promote funding opportunities and facilitate conversations that connect industry, government, and research interests.
Contribute to outreach by maintaining accurate, engaging content for NRRI’s Partnership Development web presence.
Utilize and help administrate customer relationship management (CRM) at NRRI and champion its use across the institute.
25% Catalyze and Evaluate Strategic Opportunities

Present new partnership or commercialization opportunities to the Opportunity Review Board for strategic assessment.
Gather and analyze customer feedback to inform NRRI research and commercialization strategies.
Work with NRRI research teams to evaluate the commercial potential of emerging technologies and identify pathways to impact.
Conduct market intelligence research (market size, competitors, regulatory factors) and prepare business cases to guide investment decisions.
Troubleshoot stalled partnership or commercialization efforts and identify new pathways for intellectual property development.
Support Technology Portfolio Managers in evaluating invention protectability, market fit, and commercial readiness.
15% Promote NRRI, Support Trade Shows and Conferences

Promote NRRI’s research capabilities, impact, and partnership opportunities at trade shows, conferences, and professional events.
Coordinate logistics and staffing for NRRI’s participation in trade and professional symposia in collaboration with NRRI External Affairs.
Collaborate with NRRI's External Affairs to develop materials, messaging, and displays that effectively convey NRRI's value.
10% Other Duties as Assigned

Support NRRI’s entrepreneurial and partnership-building initiatives throughout Minnesota.
Build and maintain relationships with business-focused state and federal agencies in collaboration with NRRI External Affairs.
Contribute to continuous improvement of Partnership Development processes, tools, and best practices.
Help forecast income from business and industry contracts.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, or Business
At least 6 years of experience with solid results in a business development, sales, or marketing role
Experience with developing strong partnerships with stakeholders
Experience with leading by influence
Experience with reading and negotiating legal contracts
Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software
Intellectual Property protection and commercialization experience
Demonstrated ability to be a quick learner with complicated scientific technologies
Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree in Science, Engineering, or Business
Familiarity with collaborative strategic planning
Ability to navigate complex relationships and project opportunities
Experience working with natural resources
Entrepreneurship experience
About the Department
NRRI (Natural Resources Research Institute) is a unit of the University of Minnesota Duluth. The department focuses on delivering research solutions that balance the environment and the economy by connecting research expertise with industry and government partners.