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External Director Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Novartis

$185K - $344K/yr

As a key marketing leader and National Director, External Expert Engagement, Neuroscience, you will translate insights from the healthcare landscape into innovative engagement strategies that advance ...

PMAA Inc.

Director of Tax

Norfolk, VA · On-site

The Director will also provide leadership, technical expertise, and strategic direction to both internal teams and external advisors, ensuring that all tax and treasury functions operate efficiently ...

Somatus, Inc.

Tax Director

Mclean, VA · On-site

Somatus is seeking an experienced Tax Director to lead company's tax function in support of a ... Partner with external auditors on tax-related matters and support audit requests, technical ...

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External Director information

How does an external director typically collaborate with internal executives and board members to influence company strategy?

An External Director plays a crucial role in providing independent oversight and fresh perspectives to the company's board. They collaborate closely with internal executives and fellow board members through regular board meetings, committee assignments, and strategy sessions. By asking challenging questions and drawing on their outside experience, External Directors help guide strategic decisions and ensure governance best practices. This collaboration fosters a balanced approach to risk management and long-term planning, making open communication and strong relationship-building skills essential for success in the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an external director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an External Director, you need strong governance knowledge, strategic leadership, and business acumen, typically supported by executive experience and relevant board or industry qualifications. Familiarity with regulatory compliance systems, financial reporting tools, and governance frameworks such as the Corporate Governance Code is common. Excellent communication, independent judgment, and integrity are vital soft skills for providing objective oversight and building trust with stakeholders. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring effective board performance, ethical decision-making, and organizational success.

What is the difference between External Director vs Internal Director?

AspectExternal DirectorInternal Director
CredentialsMay require corporate governance experience, board certificationsOften has company-specific experience, internal knowledge
Work EnvironmentBoard meetings, strategic oversight, external perspectiveOperational management, internal decision-making
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in corporate boards across industriesCompany executives, internal management teams
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for governance roles, board compositionCompared for leadership, management roles

External Directors are members of a company's board who provide independent oversight and strategic guidance without being involved in daily operations. Internal Directors are typically company executives or managers involved in daily management. Both roles are essential for corporate governance but differ mainly in their level of internal involvement and independence.

What is an external director?

External Directors, also known as independent directors, are members of a company's board who are not part of the company's executive team and do not have any significant relationship with the company that could affect their judgment. Their primary role is to provide unbiased oversight, contribute independent perspectives to board decisions, and protect the interests of shareholders. By being separate from daily management, External Directors help ensure that the company adheres to good governance practices and ethical standards.
What are the most commonly searched types of External jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of External jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to External Director jobs in Virginia? For External Director jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching External Director jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for External Director jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for External Director jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most External Director job openings:
External Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various External Director job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Director of External Partnerships and Translation

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

208th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

About Us:
The School of Data Science is a future-thinking institution dedicated to advancing education, and research and translating them into practice in the dynamic field of data science. As a fast-growing school at the University of Virginia, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative environment where faculty, staff, and students can grow and thrive.
The Opportunity:
As the research funding landscape evolves and universities are increasingly called upon to demonstrate public relevance and impact, the University of Virginia has renewed its commitment to ensuring that scholarship reaches broader audiences and drives meaningful societal outcomes. Within this context, the School of Data Science (SDS) is uniquely positioned to serve as a bridge between cutting-edge research, educational excellence, and real-world application.
SDS faculty and students are generating knowledge, tools, and approaches with significant potential to improve decision-making, strengthen institutions, and advance public well-being. The opportunity before us is to expand the reach and impact of this work by strengthening connections between the School and external partners who can benefit from, apply, and invest in SDS expertise. By doing so, the School can increase the visibility, adoption, and societal impact of SDS-generated knowledge while creating new pathways for sponsored research, executive and professional education, intellectual property development, and long-term strategic partnerships.
Ultimately, this work positions SDS not simply as a producer of knowledge, but as a trusted partner in helping organizations and communities apply data science to address real-world challenges, strengthening both the School's public impact and its long-term sustainability.
Position Overview: The School of Data Science (SDS) at the University of Virginia seeks a Director of External Partnerships and Translation.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Develop and implement strategies that increase the visibility, adoption, and real-world application of SDS research, expertise, and intellectual assets.
  • Connect faculty scholarship with opportunities for sponsored research, executive education, public engagement, licensing, commercialization, and other impact pathways.
  • Partner with university units to identify and advance research outputs with potential for broader societal, economic, or organizational impact.
  • Identify emerging organizational and workforce needs that can inform new educational and partnership initiatives.
  • Closely support the SDS Industry Partners Program and related initiatives to strengthen external engagement and impact.
  • Facilitate introductions and relationship-building activities that lead to externally funded collaborations.
  • Support the development of interdisciplinary partnerships that increase research funding, visibility, and societal impact.

Administrative Responsibilities:
  • Develop and maintain metrics that assess partnership development, research translation, external engagement, sponsored research growth, executive education participation, and societal impact.
  • Prepare annual and quarterly reports for SDS leadership summarizing activities, outcomes, opportunities, and barriers.
  • Develop and manage an annual operating budget.

Minimum Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate the following qualifications:
  • Experience developing and managing strategic external partnerships.
  • Experience supporting research translation, technology transfer, knowledge mobilization, community-engaged scholarship, sponsored research, or related activities.
  • Knowledge of research administration, sponsored programs, or partnership development processes.
  • Experience working across organizational boundaries to build collaborations and achieve shared goals.
  • Excellent communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical or research concepts for diverse audiences.

Preferred Qualifications:
Candidates should demonstrate the following qualifications:
  • Experience working in higher education, research organizations, government, nonprofit, or industry settings.
  • Experience developing sponsored research partnerships or externally funded collaborations.
  • Familiarity with intellectual property, licensing, commercialization, or venture development processes.
  • Experience designing executive education, workforce development, or professional learning initiatives.
  • Working knowledge of data science, artificial intelligence, analytics, or related fields.
  • Experience supporting interdisciplinary research and collaboration.
  • Ability to work effectively with faculty, university leadership, and external stakeholders.

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please submit the following items as individual files:
  • Cover letter including a statement that outlines your philosophy on cultivating an environment of entrepreneurship and innovation across disciplines and disparate environment - (no more than 250 words).
  • Curriculum vitae.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Salary of $100k - $107k based on education and experience, plus performance based incentive plan tbd with hiring manager.
For questions about the application process please contact Daniel Strong, Senior Recruiter at das6zb @virgnia.edu
This is an Exempt level, benefited position. The University will perform background checks on all hires (if required) prior to employment. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. For this role, the University will not sponsor or consider candidates requiring sponsorship for employment visas now or in the future. This is a Restricted (term limited) position.
Base salary commensurate with experience and education, with supplemental performance-based incentive package.
Please apply through the University job board, Careers at UVA , and search for R0077656.
Applicants must complete an application online with the following documents: a resume and cover letter.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education: Bachelor's degree required.
Experience: 7+ years of relevant professional experience required.
Licensure: None.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
Job Profile
J2005 - Academic Programs Professional 4
Career Stream and Level
Professional-P4
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .

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About University of Virginia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819

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