Technology Commercialization Counselor

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Organized as an inter-institutional program of The University of North Carolina, the Small Business and Technology Development Center ( SBTDC) is the primary organization through which the state of North Carolina provides counseling and technical assistance to the business community. The SBTDC's mission is to support the growth and development of North Carolina's economy by encouraging entrepreneurship, assisting in the creation and expansion of small and medium-sized businesses, and facilitating technology development and commercialization.

As a business and technology extension service of the 16-campus university system, the SBTDC has a strong commitment to reach citizens and small businesses statewide. With a lead center located in Raleigh, NC, the SBTDC operates 10 regional service centers in 18 total offices, five specialty programs, and a management education services unit. It operates as a single program statewide on a budget allocation basis as opposed to a contractual relationship with its regional centers and specialty programs, making it the most fully integrated SBDC program in the country. The SBTDC has a strong, consistent identity and is well recognized, both within North Carolina and nationally. It is very actively engaged with the state's economic development infrastructure, from local communities to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and Governor's Office.

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

The Technology Commercialization (Tech) Counselor position is an advanced level business counselor/advisor. The Tech Counselor provides support, advice, and referrals to clients relating to the business needs and challenges of their technology-driven businesses.

In this position, the Tech Counselor routinely advises clients on developing business plans, commercialization plans, and evaluating their technologies, markets, and teams required to move ideas from concept to commercial product launch. The Tech Counselor is expected to provide education and training on commercialization topics including the Federal SBIR/ STTR R&D funding programs. Performance expectations include quality of work. Successful outcomes, confidentiality, courtesy, timeliness, satisfaction of clients are paramount.

The Tech Counselor will be part a team and will counsel with 90 to 100 clients annually of which approximately 50% are university spinouts. Counseling time is targeted at 948 hours annually. The counselor will hold monthly office hours at high tech incubator spaces in and around Chapel Hill and the RTP area and also participate as a speaker in technology commercialization related events. Other duties include assisting with meeting organizational program income goals, collecting client financial impact information, and assisting clients with 10 new jobs created and 3 to 5 business starts each year. If applicable, the Tech Counselor will collaborate and consult with other SBTDC team members and partners to ensure the success of the client. The Tech Counselor must maintain absolute confidentiality of client information. Some travel, including occasional overnight travel, is required.

Bachelor's degree and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

A broad general knowledge of the principals and practices of small business is required. The employee must have strong computer skills, particularly with regard to word processing, developing spreadsheets, and database management. A demonstrated ability to develop and analyze financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow) is imperative. Employee must have working knowledge of techniques used in collecting and interpreting market and demographic data. The employee must have the ability to work independently, handle multiple assignments, and establish work priorities. Excellent interpersonal and communicative skills are also required. Must have the ability to travel and work nights and evenings.

Knowledge of dilutive and non dilutive funding opportunities for R&D based companies. Entrepreneurship ecosystem and/or startup experience preferred.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.