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University Partnerships Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University Partnerships Lead

Seattle, WA · On-site

$157K - $219K/yr

As the University Partnerships Lead, you will serve as the single-threaded leader responsible for building the institutional depth that makes Blue Origin indispensable to the academic communities ...

As the University Partnerships Lead, you will serve as the single-threaded leader responsible for building the institutional depth that makes Blue Origin indispensable to the academic communities ...

William Paterson University is a purpose-driven, proudly diverse community-designated as both a ... Job Summary Reporting to the Director of the Office of Field Experiences and Partnerships, the ...

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How much do university partnerships jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for university partnerships in the United States is $119,028.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,000.00 and $149,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does someone in a University Partnerships role typically collaborate with academic institutions to achieve organizational goals?

Professionals in University Partnerships regularly engage with university stakeholders—such as faculty, administrators, and career services—to develop mutually beneficial initiatives like research collaborations, internship pipelines, or joint programs. This role often requires balancing the needs and objectives of both the organization and the partner institutions, which may involve regular meetings, presentations, and ongoing relationship management. Success in this role depends on strong communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to navigate complex academic structures. Teamwork is key, as University Partnerships specialists often coordinate with internal teams such as marketing, recruitment, or program development to ensure seamless execution of partnership activities.

What is the difference between University Partnerships vs University Relations Coordinator?

AspectUniversity PartnershipsUniversity Relations Coordinator
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree, experience in education or partnershipsBachelor's degree, experience in communications or university outreach
Work EnvironmentCollaborative, strategic planning with universitiesCommunication-focused, event planning, relationship management
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, corporate training programsUniversities, colleges, higher education institutions
Common Search & ComparisonPartnership development, strategic alliancesUniversity outreach, campus relations

While both roles involve working with universities, University Partnerships focuses on developing strategic alliances and long-term collaborations, often at a higher level. In contrast, University Relations Coordinators handle day-to-day communication, event planning, and maintaining campus relationships. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in the higher education sector.

Do companies partner with universities?

Yes, companies often partner with universities to collaborate on research, internships, sponsorships, and talent recruitment. These partnerships can provide students with practical experience and help companies access emerging talent and innovative research.

What are university partnerships?

University partnerships are formal collaborations between a university and external organizations, such as other educational institutions, businesses, or nonprofits. These partnerships can involve joint research projects, student exchange programs, internships, curriculum development, and resource sharing. The goal is to enhance educational opportunities, expand research capabilities, and foster innovation. University partnerships often provide students and faculty with broader networks and access to new resources.

What is a university partnership?

A university partnership involves collaboration between a university and external organizations, such as companies or community groups, to achieve shared goals like research, internships, or program development. For professionals in university partnerships roles, skills in communication, negotiation, and project management are often essential.

What is the highest paying job at a university?

The highest paying jobs at a university are typically senior administrative roles such as university presidents, chancellors, or chief financial officers, with salaries often exceeding $300,000 annually. These positions require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership skills, and they oversee the institution's strategic and financial operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in University Partnerships, and why are they important?

To excel in University Partnerships, strong relationship-building, negotiation, and project management skills are essential, often supported by a degree in business, education, or a related field. Familiarity with CRM systems, partnership management platforms, and data analysis tools is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal communication, cultural awareness, and strategic thinking make candidates stand out in this role. These skills ensure effective collaboration, drive successful partnership outcomes, and foster long-term institutional growth.

What do academic partnerships do?

Academic partnerships involve collaboration between educational institutions and external organizations to enhance research, share resources, and develop joint programs. Professionals in this field coordinate agreements, manage relationships, and ensure mutual goals are met to support educational and institutional objectives.
More about University Partnerships jobs
What cities are hiring for University Partnerships jobs? Cities with the most University Partnerships job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of University Partnerships jobs? The most popular types of University Partnerships jobs are:
What states have the most University Partnerships jobs? States with the most job openings for University Partnerships jobs include:
Infographic showing various University Partnerships job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,028 per year, or $57.2 per hour.
University Partnerships Lead

University Partnerships Lead

Blue Origin, LLC

Seattle, WA • On-site

$157K - $219K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Blue Origin rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 91 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 71 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Application close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.
At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!
This role is part of Blue Origin corporate functions, providing centralized support across Blue Origin business unit teams, functions, and locations.
Blue Origin's early career strategy is evolving - from showing up on campus to being embedded in it. As the University Partnerships Lead, you will serve as the single-threaded leader responsible for building the institutional depth that makes Blue Origin indispensable to the academic communities producing our next generation of engineers, operators, and leaders.
This is not a recruiting coordination role. It is a strategic leadership position at the intersection of talent, research, and academic influence - operating with principal-level scope, driving outcomes without requiring direction, and delivering results tied to Blue Origin's long-term technical and business roadmap.
Key Responsibilities
  • Own and evolve Blue Origin's university partnership strategy, including portfolio governance, school tiering, engagement frameworks, and investment evaluation
  • Lead the Blue Scholars program end-to-end - a CEO-championed initiative embedding world-class faculty into Blue Origin technical teams - including faculty selection, funding model design, legal and IP coordination, and talent pipeline conversion
  • Build and maintain a unified view of Blue Origin's sponsored research investments, connecting active engagements to workforce planning priorities and maintaining proactive pipelines of PhD and postdoc talent within funded research groups
  • Own the hiring architecture for MBA and PhD pipelines, including institutional relationships, on-campus presence, candidate routing, and centralized intake infrastructure
  • Lead a feasibility study on a Blue Origin PhD fellowship program, including funding models, IP frameworks, and conversion pathway design
  • Manage advisory board strategy at target institutions and serve as Blue Origin's primary liaison to academic leadership - deans, department chairs, and research directors
  • Serve as the front door for institutional partnership requests, including letters of support, grant collaborations, and novel engagement opportunities
  • Partner with Campus Engagement, Early Career Programs, and senior technical leaders to ensure complementary, non-duplicative ownership across the university portfolio
  • Deliver regular reporting on partnership outcomes, pipeline health, and investment ROI to executive leadership

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or 10 years of equivalent experience
  • 7+ years in university recruiting, academic partnerships, research program management, or early talent strategy
  • Proven ability to build and sustain relationships with academic and senior internal leadership
  • Deep understanding of university research structures, sponsored research mechanisms, and faculty engagement models
  • Experience influencing compensation frameworks or talent integration models for specialized technical populations
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level presentations
  • Ability to define strategy independently in ambiguous, high-visibility environments
  • Demonstrated ability to leverage AI tools to enhance productivity, accelerate research, and improve the quality of strategic work product; comfort operating in an environment where AI fluency is an expectation, not an advantage

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience scaling a university research partnership, fellowship, or faculty engagement program at a technology or aerospace company
  • Familiarity with sponsored research contracting and university IP frameworks
  • Experience with highly selective graduate leadership programs such as MIT LGO or peer institutions
  • Track record of translating academic investment into measurable recruiting pipeline outcomes
  • Deep technical fluency in aerospace or engineering domains
  • Passion for Blue Origin's mission and a genuine belief in the long-term strategic value of academic investment

Base Pay Range for:
WA applicants is $157,059.00 - $219,882.60
Other site ranges may differ
Culture Statement
Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Export Control Regulations
Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
Background Check
  • Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check
  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation
  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.
  • Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits
  • Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
  • Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
  • Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
  • Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here.
Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation
Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

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About Blue Origin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Blue Origin is a private aerospace manufacturing and suborbital spaceflight services company based in Kent, Washington, USA. Established in 2000 by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the company operates in the cutting-edge aerospace industry aiming to build a future where millions of people can live and work in space. They develop a variety of technologies, with a focus on reusable rocket systems which significantly reduce the cost of space travel. Blue Origin's core mission is to make this vision come to life by incrementally building on its successes with an ultimate vision of dramatic cost reduction and increased reliance on reusable spacecraft.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kent, WA, US

Year founded

2000