Research Partnerships Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Partnerships Manager at the Office of Partnerships, based in our Northbrook, IL office.

The Research Partnerships Manager supports the growth and development of strategic partnerships with universities and other research organizations on behalf of the Office of Partnerships, a division of UL Research Institutes (ULRI).  The Research Partnerships Manager works closely with stakeholders in the public and private sectors to manage and nurture cross-sectoral partnerships and development opportunities that advance ULRI’s mission and impact. 

Office of Partnerships

Our Office of Partnerships builds out, oversees, and manages all major partnerships for UL Research Institutes, including competitive sponsored research activities, awards, prizes, the Advisory Board to the Chief Research Officer, our annual research symposium, and relationships with other key organizations.

Underwriters Laboratories

At UL Research Institutes we wake up every day with a common purpose: to make the world a safer, more secure and sustainable place. Science is in our DNA; we are endlessly curious and passionate about seeking and speaking the truth. We take delight in knowing that our work makes a meaningful contribution to society, and we are proud that our culture is centered on integrity, collaboration, inclusion and excellence. UL stands at the forefront of technological advancement, and we are continually challenged to find new ways to foster innovation and positive change. Satisfying? Yes. Exciting? Absolutely!

• Identify, develop, and maintain strategic partnerships with academia and other non-profit organizations
• Develop business cases for engagement with new partners
• Build strategy for extending relationships into new areas, advising stakeholders through process oversight and milestone setting.
• In collaboration with research leaders, develop partnering strategies, goals, and plans.
• Lead technical and risk assessment as part of onboarding new partners
• Experience managing sponsored research programs, with universities or other research orgs

• Strong relationship management skills with a track record of establishing and running university and/or other world class partnerships.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strategic, entrepreneurial thinker.
• Bachelor’s degree in science, technology, or related fields.
• Experience with research in academic and/or other non-profit organizations is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of direct partnership management, account facing, sales and/or development responsibility.

UL has COVID-19 protocols and policies in place to ensure the safety of our employees, customers and clients. Effective November 1, 2021, the company mandates that employees are vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment (except where prohibited by law), subject to reasonable accommodation as required by law

• Mission: For UL, corporate and social responsibility isn’t new. Making the world a safer, more secure and sustainable place has been our business model for the last 128 years and is deeply ingrained in everything we do.
• People: Ask any UL employee what they love most about working here, and you’ll almost always hear, “the people.” Going beyond what is possible is the standard at UL. We’re able to deliver the best because we employ the best.
• Interesting work: Every day is different for us here as we eagerly anticipate the next innovation that our customers’ create. We’re inspired to take on the challenge that will transform how people live, work and play. And as a global company, in many roles, you will get international experience working with colleagues around the world.
• Grow & achieve: We learn, work and grow together with targeted development, reward and recognition programs as well as our very own UL University that offers extensive training programs for employees at all stages, including a technical training track for applicable roles.
• Total Rewards: All employees at UL Research Institutes are eligible for bonus compensation. We offer comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans. a generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay. Additionally, we invest an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment. Depending on your role, you can work with your manager on flexible working arrangements. We also provide employees with paid time off including vacation, holiday, sick and volunteer time off.

UL Research Institutes is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing safety science research through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge. We conduct rigorous independent research and analyze safety data, convene experts worldwide to address risks, share knowledge through safety education and public outreach initiatives, and develop standards to guide safe commercialization of evolving technologies. We foster communities of safety, from grassroots initiatives for neighborhoods to summits of world leaders. Our organization employs collaborative and scientific approaches with partners and stakeholders to drive innovation and progress toward improving safety, security, and sustainability, ultimately enhancing societal well-being.

Our wholly owned subsidiary, UL Solutions, advances our shared public safety mission. We fund our work through grants, the licensing of standards documents and the business activities of UL Solutions, which conducts testing, verification and certification, and provides training and advisory services, along with data-driven reporting and decision-making tools for customers around the world.

To learn more, visit our websites UL.org