The Associate position within LUMS Centre for Entrepreneurship (LCE)'s R&D and Partnerships Team involves supporting partner outreach and relationship management, conducting and documenting meetings with current and potential partners, and identifying growth, mentorship and industry networking opportunities for startups.

The role coordinates project execution across internal teams, including Learning & Development, Marketing, Finance & Admin, and Makers Lab. Responsibilities include building partnerships with the private sector, government, NGOs, academic institutions, and think tanks, plus developing communication plans with Marketing to showcase outcomes. The role also entails conducting background research on potential leads, following industry and business trends, and analysing these in the form of content for the Centre's Knowledge Hub.

• Support structured partner outreach and relationship management through background research on potential leads in the private sector, government, NGOs, academic institutions, think tanks, and other stakeholders
• • Identify growth opportunities, funding and project bidding opportunities, engagement opportunities with industry for mentorship and networking for startups.
• Conduct and document meetings with current and potential partners to ensure strategic alignment and effective record-keeping
• Coordinate project execution across internal teams, including Learning & Development, Marketing, Finance & Admin, and Makers Lab.
• Collaborate with Marketing to develop and implement communication plans highlighting partnership outcomes and engagement.
• Monitor industry/business trends and analyse findings into content for LCE's Knowledge Hub.
• Support logistical arrangements & coordination for Partnerships events at LCE.

• General knowledge and awareness of major economic, business, and social trends.
• Understanding of startup ecosystems.
• Knowledge of funding and mentorship models.
• Awareness of partnership dynamics across sectors.
• Understanding of trend analysis and research methods.
• Knowledge of content development for knowledge repositories.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to conduct and lead discussions with confidence.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Proactive mindset with initiative.
• Willingness to take on responsibility.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

• Integrity
• Accountability
• Strong collaborative mindset by actively supporting team goals and internal coordination
• Self-motivation
• Adaptability in managing high-intensity workloads
• Effective multitasking
• Prioritising timely execution
• Ability to switch between different partnership portfolios frequently

• At least a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Economics, Sociology, Development Studies, International Relations, or a related field from a reputed university.

• At least 1 year in project coordination, research, and report writing, with exposure to documentation processes, research tools/instruments, and formal communication/public speaking, demonstrated via professional roles or internships.

This is a contractual position, with the contract subject to extension based on performance and the department's requirements.