One of the most interesting trends in higher education isn’t just where functions are reporting—it’s how institutions are redefining leadership roles altogether.
As corporate partnerships increasingly move under research administration or research and innovation divisions, universities aren’t simply filling vacancies. They’re creating entirely new positions that often didn’t exist five years ago.
That’s a significant shift.
Historically, search committees looked for candidates with experience in corporate relations, advancement, or sponsored research. Today, the ideal candidate often doesn’t fit neatly into any one of those categories. Institutions are seeking leaders who understand faculty research, industry collaboration, economic development, technology commercialization, and the complexities of the university environment—all while building strategic partnerships that advance the institution’s research mission.
For executive search firms, this changes the playbook.
It can no longer be a matter of rounding up the usual suspects.
The strongest candidates may not have the expected title or come from the institutions typically targeted. They may be leading innovation initiatives, corporate engagement, or research strategy in organizations that weren’t even on the original target list. Finding them requires far more than a database search. It requires thoughtful market analysis, strategic outreach, and an understanding of where the work is headed—not just where it has been.
Search committees are also becoming more receptive to candidates whose careers haven’t followed a traditional path. Many of the most successful leaders in these emerging roles have built experience by connecting disciplines, departments, and external partners in ways that weren’t part of anyone’s job description just a few years ago.
As universities continue to rethink how they organize research, innovation, and corporate engagement, executive search must evolve alongside them. Institutions that define the role before defining the candidate—and partner with search firms that understand this changing landscape—will be best positioned to identify leaders who can shape the next generation of research partnerships.
Mindy Cohen
UI Collab Search Consultant