Manager of Industry Partnerships

Description of Organization

The Keystone LifeSci Collaborative (KLSC) and Healthcare Collaborative (HC) are regional industry partnerships that bring together employers, educators, and workforce organizations to strengthen the talent pipeline and drive equitable economic growth across southeastern Pennsylvania.

Both partnerships are subsidiaries of University City District (UCD) and The Skills Initiative. While UCD and The Skills Initiative anchor these collaborations administratively, the partnerships operate across a broader regional geography reflecting the interconnected nature of the life sciences and healthcare ecosystems that fuel the region’s economy.

Through convening, data-driven insight, and collaborative program design, both partnerships connect industry needs to education, workforce, and policy solutions that help the continued growth of the region’s healthcare and life sciences sectors.  These partnerships are expanding their scope and impact, and we’re building a growing team dedicated to advancing innovative, industry-led solutions.

General Statement of Duties

The Manager of Industry Partnerships plays a key role in implementing and coordinating initiatives that advance the goals of both the Keystone LifeSci Collaborative and Healthcare Collaborative. Reporting to the Managing Director of the Industry Partnerships, this individual ensures that projects move efficiently from concept to execution—coordinating logistics, managing timelines, and keeping partners aligned and informed.

This is a great opportunity for someone who is energized by turning ideas into action and helping build something that’s evolving and growing. The ideal candidate is organized, resourceful, and mission-driven, with a talent for managing details while keeping sight of the bigger picture.

This position averages approximately 40 hours per week. Team members are required to be in the office three days per week for meetings, collaboration, and events, with flexibility based on project needs. Occasional evening events and regional travel are required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Project Coordination: Support the Managing Director in implementing initiatives and work plans that advance the goals of both partnerships.
• Program Design & Management: Coordinate the development, launch, and day-to-day management of pilot programs aligned with industry and workforce needs.
• Grant Writing & Reporting: Contribute to proposal development, progress reporting, and documentation for funded initiatives.
• Event Planning & Execution: Plan and manage meetings, workshops, and industry engagement events that foster collaboration and visibility.
• Research & Data: Gather, analyze, and translate data into actionable insights to inform project strategies.
• Scheduling & Coordination: Manage calendars, timelines, and deliverables with precision and follow-through.
• Collaboration: Serve as a connector among internal and external partners, ensuring smooth coordination and consistent communication.
• Partnership Stewardship: Strengthen relationships with existing employer partners through consistent communication, data sharing, ROI analysis, public appearances, and collaborative storytelling.
• Communications & Outreach: Assist with partner communications, social media updates, and digital storytelling; experience with Canva, WordPress/web content, or LinkedIn is preferred, but not required.

Qualifications

The right candidate will bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Economic Development, Business Administration, Public Health, Education, City Planning, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Economic development, industry partnerships, or regional initiatives
  • Program development, implementation, or pilot management
  • Grant writing and management
  • Event planning or stakeholder engagement
  • Communications, marketing, or social media outreach
• Familiarity with the healthcare and/or life sciences industries is a strong plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Canva, CRM systems, or web content tools preferred.
• Strong critical thinking, organization, and time management skills.
• Excellent active listening, facilitation, and synthesis abilities, with the capacity to draw out diverse perspectives, identify common themes, and translate discussions into actionable insights and next steps.
• An entrepreneurial mindset and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, and growing environment.
• Willingness to attend evening events and travel regionally (driver’s license and car required).
• Commitment to advancing inclusive economic development.

Salary and Benefits

• Between $70,000 – $75,000, commensurate with experience.
• Full Health & Wellness package including:
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability
• Legal Assistance
• 401(k)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

To Apply

If you are interested in this role, please email your resume and cover letter to Erica Jorden, Director of Human Resources at ejorden@universitycity.org.

As one part of your cover letter, please also include a brief response (2–3 sentences) addressing the following questions.  Please keep in mind that there are no wrong answers! We ask this to better understand your work style and how to create an environment that allows you to do your best work.

1. How do you best process information? (For example, do you prefer to brainstorm aloud, or read and reflect before responding?)
2. How do you best receive feedback? (For example, written, verbal, or through collaborative discussion?)

Finally, a real person will be reading every application, so please bring your humanity to your cover letter. No need to game the word choice algorithm, just let us know why you think you would be a great addition to our growing team!

Want To Learn More About Industry Partnerships?

Feel free to read more about industry partnerships at the Next Gen Sector Partnerships.