Director of Strategic Partnerships

The Director of Strategic Partnerships is a senior leadership position responsible for establishing and nurturing high-value collaborations that advance Quantum TTO’s mission on a global scale. This role defines and executes the partnership strategy for the organization, building alliances with university TTOs, leading research institutions, corporate R&D divisions, government programs, and spin-out ventures in the quantum technology ecosystem. As the primary ambassador for Quantum TTO’s institution-facing initiatives, the director cultivates an international network of stakeholders, negotiating agreements and guiding joint programs that facilitate the transfer of quantum innovations from the lab to the market. The role demands a visionary yet pragmatic leader with deep understanding of both quantum technologies and the broader innovation landscape, able to align diverse partners toward common commercialization goals.

About Applied Quantum

Applied Quantum is the world’s first professional services firm dedicated exclusively to quantum technologies—offering end-to-end solutions. We partner with enterprises, research institutions, and government agencies to deliver cutting-edge consulting, product development, and implementation services that harness the transformative power of quantum innovations. Our team of experts—spanning physics, engineering, cybersecurity, and business strategy—collaborates to bridge the gap between theoretical breakthroughs and real-world applications. Whether designing advanced quantum algorithms or securing networks against future cyber threats, Applied Quantum stands at the forefront of the quantum revolution, empowering clients to thrive in this new technological era.

About Quantum TTO

Quantum TTO (Technology Transfer Office) is an Applied Quantum specialized team focused on commercializing quantum research for global markets. This role would be operating within the Quantum TTO team. We expedite the journey from laboratory discoveries to fully realized products and solutions, forging strategic alliances with universities, startups, and industry leaders. Our mission is to accelerate adoption of quantum technologies—whether in computing, cryptography, sensing, or secure communications—and ensure that groundbreaking innovations make the leap into widespread use. By offering expert guidance in intellectual property, licensing, funding opportunities, and market strategy, Quantum TTO serves as the catalyst that helps visionary ideas reach their maximum commercial potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Partnership Strategy & Development: Develop a comprehensive strategic plan for partnerships that supports Quantum TTO’s objectives. Identify and prioritize potential partners (universities, national labs, industry leaders, consortia, and investment groups) worldwide that can mutually benefit from collaboration in quantum technology commercialization.
• Relationship Management: Proactively establish, manage, and deepen relationships with key institutional partners. This includes negotiating Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), collaboration agreements, or strategic alliance contracts with university TTOs and research organizations to formalize joint commercialization efforts and resource sharing.
• Ecosystem Building: Foster a robust global network or consortium of stakeholders in the quantum innovation ecosystem. Act as a connector between academia, startups, and industry, aligning their needs – for example, linking a university spin-out to a corporate partner for a pilot project, or bringing multiple universities together with a funder to co-develop a technology.
• Program Oversight: Oversee major multi-party initiatives and partnership programs (such as international quantum research consortia or pilot deployments). Ensure that these initiatives meet their objectives in advancing technology readiness and market adoption. Provide executive sponsorship and problem-solving support to project teams (in coordination with the Program Coordinator) to keep collaborations on track.
• External Representation: Serve as the chief representative of Quantum TTO at high-level meetings, conferences, and forums around the world. Present the organization’s vision and capabilities to government committees, industry panels, and academic conferences to raise the profile of Quantum TTO and attract new partnership opportunities.
• Collaboration with Internal Teams: Work closely with internal Quantum TTO teams – including the Commercialization Consultants, IP & Licensing Specialist, Market Intelligence Analyst, and Spin-Out Manager – to ensure partnership activities are well-integrated. For example, coordinate with the Market Intelligence team to identify strategic partnership needs based on market trends, or with the IP Specialist to handle IP arrangements in partnership agreements.
• Negotiation & Agreement Execution: Lead negotiations for complex deals related to technology licensing, joint ventures, sponsored research, or co-development projects in the quantum field. Draft or review terms sheets and contracts in collaboration with legal counsel to ensure fair, clear terms that protect the organization’s interests and promote a win-win collaboration.
• Funding and Sponsorship Coordination: Identify opportunities for co-funding or sponsorship of quantum commercialization projects through partners. This may involve securing corporate sponsorships for university research, joint applications for government grants, or engaging venture capital firms in co-investment partnerships for spin-out companies.
• Monitoring & Reporting: Establish metrics and KPIs for partnership success (e.g. number of technologies transferred, funding raised, pilot projects launched). Monitor progress and regularly report to Quantum TTO’s executive leadership (and potentially a board) on the status of key partnerships, challenges, and achievements. Adjust strategies based on feedback and evolving organizational goals.
• Team Leadership and Development: Possibly supervise a team of partnership managers or related staff. Provide mentorship, set goals, and foster professional growth for team members involved in partnership and outreach activities. Ensure the partnership team operates with a high level of professionalism and responsiveness to partner needs.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Technology Management, or a scientific discipline related to quantum technology is strongly preferred. A combination of a technical degree and an MBA (or equivalent experience) is ideal.
• Experience: 10+ years of experience in strategic partnership development, business development, or technology transfer. Significant experience working with or within universities, research institutes, or high-tech companies in a collaborative capacity. Prior leadership role in forging multi-institution partnerships or consortium management is highly desirable.
• Quantum/Deep-Tech Familiarity: Solid understanding of the quantum technology landscape and R&D environment. While not expected to be a quantum scientist, the candidate must be conversant in the basics of quantum computing, communications, and related fields, and appreciate the challenges of bringing these to market. Experience in another deep-tech domain (e.g. aerospace, biotech, etc.) with analogous commercialization challenges can be a substitute if coupled with strong eagerness to learn quantum specifics.
• Negotiation & Contracting Skills: Proven ability to negotiate complex agreements and partnerships. Familiarity with legal and business terms related to IP licensing, research collaborations, and startup equity is important. Able to work effectively with legal advisors to finalize agreements.
• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills at all levels – from academic researchers and university administrators to C-suite industry executives and government officials. A diplomatic communicator capable of building trust and alignment among diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic Vision: Demonstrated strategic thinking and planning ability. Can envision long-term opportunities for collaboration and articulate a clear roadmap to achieve them. Experience in setting up new initiatives or programs from scratch is a plus.
• Leadership & Management: Strong leadership presence with experience managing teams or cross-functional groups. Capable of inspiring confidence, setting clear objectives, and guiding a team in a mission-driven environment. Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities to handle numerous partnerships simultaneously.
• Global Mindset: Experience working in an international context. Understanding of cultural nuances and business practices across different regions. Multilingual ability is a plus. Must be willing to accommodate meetings across time zones and navigate international compliance or export control considerations relevant to quantum technologies.

Preferred Skills or Attributes

• Industry Network: A well-established global network in both academia and industry. Membership or active involvement in technology transfer associations or innovation forums (e.g. AUTM – Association of University Technology Managers, or quantum industry groups) is advantageous. Such connections can accelerate forming new partnerships.
• Knowledge of Funding Landscapes: Familiarity with major quantum research funding programs and innovation ecosystems worldwide (for example, the EU Quantum Flagship, U.S. National Quantum Initiative, etc.). Ability to leverage these for partnership opportunities or to guide partners toward additional resources.
• Innovative Mindset: Creative thinking to design novel partnership models or collaborative programs. Openness to explore non-traditional alliances that could benefit quantum commercialization (for instance, partnerships with non-tech industries that could be end-users of quantum solutions).
• Communication & Advocacy: Strong public speaking and presentation skills. Able to represent Quantum TTO effectively in the media or public events, advocating the importance of quantum tech transfer and our collaborative approach.
• Results-Oriented: A drive to achieve tangible outcomes from partnerships (licenses signed, startups formed, products launched). Able to balance visionary collaboration goals with practical execution and follow-through.
• Integrity and Professionalism: High ethical standards in dealing with partners and handling confidential information. Represents Quantum TTO with professionalism, ensuring that collaborations uphold academic integrity, IP rights, and mutual respect among parties.

Reporting Line

Reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). of Applied Quantum. This role is part of the senior leadership team, providing strategic input at the organizational level. The Director of Strategic Partnerships works under broad guidance from the CEO and, in turn, provides oversight and direction to other team members engaged in partnership-related functions.

Location and Travel Expectations

Fully remote or in any of Applied Quantum’s offices. Travel: Extensive travel is inherent to this role. The Director should expect frequent international travel (approximately 30–40%) to visit partner institutions, attend global conferences, and lead partnership negotiations on-site. Cross-border engagement is a key part of the job, requiring the ability to represent Quantum TTO across different countries and regions as the organization’s primary partnership ambassador.