Director of IALS Venture Development

Title: Director of IALS Venture Development

Executive Area: Research and Engagement

College/School/MBU: Institute Applied Life Science

Department: Institute Applied Life Science

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Director of the IALS Venture Development program is responsible for the creation of a culture, resources, and programs conducive to the development of research-based pre-startups and startups on campus

The Director develops and maintains external relationships with key partners, manages a portfolio of pre-startup projects and startup ventures based on UMass applied science and technology, and supervises professional staff related to the operations of the IALS Venture Development program, oversees the Business Innovation Fellows program.

Essential Functions

Advances the mission of creating a sustainable increase in the campus's translational research capacity, output and impact including cultivating a pipeline of translational projects from the campus research enterprise, follow-on funding, alumni support, and industry relationships.

Manages the portfolio of startups and pre-startups. Oversees the portfolio of startup support training, events, programs, professional development opportunities and other resources for faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers. Guides and mentors faculty, postdoctoral fellows and students who are interested in startup ventures, research translation, and related activities. Promotes startups from the research enterprise and Collaborates through on-campus and off-campus events. Collaborates with the IALS Director and the Associate Director of Venture Development to develop new programs, events, and resources to grow the startup pipeline and to accelerate the development of pre-startups into fundable entities.

Serves as a member of the IALS leadership team to advance the Institute's mission and operations, represents the Institute as appropriate, cultivates networks of mentors, investors, donors, faculty and other campus researchers, and campus leadership to serve as influencers and advocates for translational research and its potential impact. Nurtures relationships with key organizations in industry and the regional/national innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Collaborates with UMass leadership on goals two and three of the campus strategic plan: Innovate for the Common Good and Engage for the Common Good. Serves as Co-PI on awards and collaborates with the IALS Director and IALS Finance & Administration Director to oversee awards and gifts related to IALS Venture Development.

Develops resources to sustain translational research related training, mentoring and internal grant programs beyond the life of any sponsored-award dollars as a member of the IALS leadership team and with other campus leaders. Collaborates with the IALS Director to oversee Translational Seed Award Programs.

Directs the Business Innovation Fellows Program, which provides business planning support to pre-startup projects and startup ventures based on UMass applied science and technology. Recruits highly qualified graduate research assistants to serve as Fellows.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

MBA or MS in a STEM discipline.

More than ten (10) years of experience in managing entrepreneurship such as venture mentoring, or advising and coaching of founders/startup principals.

Track record of implementing initiatives and events to support technology commercialization, innovation, and industry engagement.

Additional Details

Some travel may be necessary.

The appointment duration for this position is one year, with the possibility of extension subject to funding availability and program needs.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday, 37.5 hours per week.

May be required to work occasional nights and weekends.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 36

Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.