Non-Exempt Temporary or Casual

Serve as the senior industry-facing leader and coordinator for the Minnesota Robotics Institute's Industrial Advisory Board (IAB), supporting Robotics and Artificial Intelligence graduate programs. The position provides strategic leadership in building and sustaining high-impact partnerships between industry and academia, chairs and expands the Industrial Advisory Board, and ensures meaningful industry influence on curriculum, research direction, and student outcomes. The role advises Institute leadership and helps elevate programs to national prominence through industry engagement and board-driven initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities with Percent Time Allocation
1. Industrial Advisory Board Leadership and Governance - 40%
* Chair the Industrial Advisory Board and provide overall leadership and direction.
* Recruit, engage, and retain distinguished industry leaders as board members.
* Define board structure, priorities, and operating processes.
* Plan, convene, and facilitate board meetings and related activities.

2. Industry Engagement and Strategic Partnerships - 30%
* Serve as the primary architect of the Institute's industry engagement strategy.
* Build and strengthen transformative partnerships between industry and academia.
* Act as a senior liaison between industry partners and Institute leadership.
* Identify opportunities for collaboration in research, workforce development, and innovation.

3. Programmatic Impact on Curriculum, Research, and Student Outcomes - 20%
* Ensure meaningful industry input into Robotics and AI curricula.
* Advise on research directions aligned with industry needs and emerging trends.
* Support initiatives that enhance student career readiness, internships, and employment pathways.

4. Strategic Advising and Reporting - 10%
* Advise the Minnesota Robotics Institute Director on industry trends and strategic opportunities.
* Assess the effectiveness and impact of the Industrial Advisory Board.
* Contribute to long-term organizational and programmatic development goals.

Minimum Requirements
* B.A/B.S or Ph.D. degree in robotics, artificial intelligence, engineering, computer science, or a closely related field.
* Extensive senior-level industry experience in robotics, artificial intelligence, or related technology sectors.
* Demonstrated experience leading or serving on advisory boards, governing boards, or equivalent industry councils.
* Proven ability to build strategic partnerships between industry and academic or research institutions.
* Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

The Minnesota Robotics Institute (MnRI) is an outcome of the University of Minnesota's Discovery, Research, and InnoVation Economy (MnDRIVE) initiative, which brings together interdisciplinary researchers to solve grand challenges and strengthen Minnesota's position as a worldwide leader in robotics research and education. MnRI is housed in the world-class Gemini-Huntley Research Laboratory, made possible by a generous gift from Jim & Sharon Weinel and Fred & Siri Oss. Our Mission: The Minnesota Robotics Institute serves faculty, students, staff, and the state of Minnesota by facilitating and advancing activities that connect to the science and practice of robotics, including innovative research, meaningful and inclusive education, and community outreach to engage the next generation of STEM leaders. Our Vision: To continue and further the University of Minnesota's leadership in exceptional research, education, and outreach in robotic systems that enhance human well-being.

Fixed Pay Rate: $100 per hour

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).