Director, Operations & Strategic Development

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Job Title:
Director, Operations & Strategic Development

Department:
ERIK | Technology Commercialization

The Director of Operations and Strategy Development is responsible for strategic planning across all aspects of technology commercialization and student entrepreneurial education within the Technology Commercialization Office (TCO) at The Ohio State University under the direction of the Senior Associate Vice President (SAVP) of Technology Commercialization.  The Director will be responsible for all aspects of the operations across the TCO, including strategic planning, business operations, and compliance. Develops long-term strategic plans, leads the process on an annual basis for the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship (KCE) and all technology commercialization functions, including working closely and collaboratively with unit leaders to develop strategy and ensure quality of output from TCO functions. Engages key internal and external stakeholder groups in the process. Works with licensing and KCE leaders to set service levels/standards to drive a positive customer experience.  Establish KPIs and day-to-day metrics and reporting on performance. All operating in control and in line with the Quality Management System and performance objectives.  Establish and manage mechanisms to detect when operations are outside control limits and performs root cause analysis, corrective actions, and preventative actions. As part of the TCO leadership team, actively works with the SAVP on short- and long-range strategic vision as well as executing the strategies and tactics to reach operational excellence.

The Director will lead qualified teams managing all business operations in support of technology commercialization and student entrepreneurial education. This includes leading high functioning teams responsible for the quality management system, risk management, compliance, operational continuity planning, operational excellence, database management and data integrity, and metrics and KPI tracking and reporting.

This position will be responsible for capital and translation management across the TCO, which will include development and execution of a strategic plan to grow Ohio State’s capital ecosystem and translational resources in support of our innovation and commercialization objectives. Develops and manages relationships with venture capital, angel, and other sources of services and funding in the capital ecosystem. In addition, this role will manage reporting for the Economic Development Funds in partnership with the University’s Treasury office. The Director will be responsible for creating and growing the organization’s funds and capacity to support the translation of early-stage technologies within Ohio State’s portfolio. The Director will also be responsible for all aspects of compliance and reporting related to new venture creation.

As an operations leader, the Director will be responsible for the pipeline of strategic business operations initiatives including supporting the Ohio State Innovation Foundation and IP Policy compliance such as revenue distribution. The Director will oversee the effective execution of contracts services including Confidential Disclosure Agreements (CDAs), Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), Data Use Agreements (DUAs), and select other non-license related contracts for the University. Works closely with the SAVP and senior leaders to establish OSU as a nationally recognized innovative university.  

Responsible for coaching and mentoring team managers, influencing customers and stakeholders, and participates in difficult conversations that lead to positive outcomes. The Director will also foster staff development, implementing initiatives that cultivate talent and enhance core processes.

Additional Information:

Required Qualifications:

Bachelors in business, engineering, physical sciences, life sciences, or a related field. Minimum 10 years of relevant working experience. Excellent interpersonal skills, management skills and written and oral communication skills. Has positive attitude and models inspirational leadership to build strong, resilient, and innovative teams.

Desired Qualifications:

At least 15 years of relevant working experience preferred. University and industry experience.

The pay range for this job profile is $158,000 - $211,000. The offer for this position will fall within this range based on multiple factors including internal equity, unit’s available budget, and the candidate’s qualifications.

Position Mapping:

Function: Business Planning & Operations

Sub function: Venture Development

Due to U.S. export control regulations governing information, technology, and facilities accessed during the performance of work, applicants must be: (1) U.S. citizens or nationals; (2) permanent residents; (3) asylees or refugees; or (4) individuals otherwise described as “protected individuals” pursuant to Title 8 U.S. Code Section 1324b(a)(3)(b). This position has flexibility for remote work opportunities although the strong preference is for location in Columbus, Ohio with on-site work.

OSU will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

Location:
Energy Advancement and Innovation Center (1044)

Position Type:
Regular

Scheduled Hours:
40

Shift:
First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check.  A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

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