Executive Director for Innovation & Commercialization (Job Id: 42273)

Job ID: 42273

Location: VP for Research

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in a related field and seven years of related experience.  Additional experience may be used on a one-to-one basis to offset the educational requirements.  Grade EX

Preferred experience with innovation and personnel management. Seven or more years in commercializing university technologies or similar experience in a business setting. Demonstrated experience successfully negotiating sophisticated transactions in a public university setting. Supervisory and management experience required. Strong communication and persuasive skills required.

Competencies

• Understanding and experience with contracting, patenting and other IP laws and compliance, such as those under Bayh Dole, AIA and HIPAA.
• Social and conflict resolution skills.
• Understanding of technology transfer and commercialization processes.
• Supervision and leadership.
• Adaptable and proficient at managing competing priorities.
• Ability to learn and use databases, such as Wellspring/Sophia, for management of intellectual property
• Effective project management, well-organized, task-oriented, with ability to delegate and follow up.
• Flexible and resilient with the ability to change directions as needed for the good of the organization.
• Responsive, service-oriented, informs constituents of process, pleasant to work with, educates and provides timely, accurate information.
• Manages time effectively, keeps tasks appropriately prioritized.
• Ability to think critically through issues and identify appropriate options.
• Can build effective, strong working relationships with employees, colleagues, management and vendors through trust, communication, and credibility.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to effectively interface with university and regional stakeholders.

The University of Louisville is seeking a collaborative and experienced technology transfer leader to join its dynamic Office of Research and Innovation team. As the Executive Director for Innovation & Commercialization, you will lead all aspects of the university's intellectual property and technology transfer operations. This includes identifying, protecting and licensing its intellectual property assets, managing license compliance, relationship-building and leading the UofL Innovation and Commercialization office's team of intellectual property professionals.

UofL is an organization that consistently rises above its goals, then sets them higher, and is one of just 69 U.S. universities to be recognized as both Carnegie Research-1 and community engaged. The University was awarded 80 new patents in fiscal year 2021, the fruits of building a thriving and inclusive innovation ecosystem, that embraces the university's role in transferring knowledge that positively impacts the way the world lives and works.

The Executive Director for Innovation & Commercialization role is an opportunity to take a leadership role in shaping and driving that impact, working closely with other teams across the university.

This position will work closely with UofL New Ventures to foster new startups built on UofL Intellectual Property (IP), and with other Office of Research and Innovation staff and the broader community to shepherd UofL technologies to market. This position will also have the unique opportunity to work with a world-class and driven community of innovators and staff members who are passionate about developing technologies and excited about commercialization opportunities and thoroughly engaged in their community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

IP and Technology Transfer Leadership

• Lead all aspects of the university's "cradle-to-grave" technology transfer operations, including identifying, protecting, promotion and licensing of university IP assets, and managing license compliance.
• Implement technology transfer strategies to maximize benefit to university stakeholders and society.
• Prepare and recommend policies in consultation with the appropriate University stakeholders that facilitate technology sourcing, evaluation and commercialization through licensing.
• Negotiate and manage major IP agreements for the university.
• Work with Director of Research Communications and Marketing on development of concept and content for the office website, events, databases, and other marketing vehicles to increase visibility of the university's technologies and research faculty.
• Direct faculty/campus outreach for the office through lectures, workshops, events, and other mechanisms. Provide advice to faculty and students on general IP matters.
• Serve as point of contact for all licensees and other partners. Work with the Office of the General Counsel, Finance/Accounting and other appropriate offices in accordance with University Policy.
• Represent the university on IP matters on professional boards, at conferences, to corporate partners, government agencies and other organizations, such as UofL's numerous partnerships to further regional economic development.
• Support other Office of Research and Innovation staff on research-backed IP-related issues.
• Set office procedures to promptly and competently document, review, evaluate and market technologies and inventions for patent protection and licensing to companies.
• Serve on appropriate University Committees, including translational research committees and Conflict Review Board.
• Expand opportunities for underrepresented innovators and support social innovation across campus.
• Work collaboratively and provide periodic reports to the Executive Vice President for Research and Innovation.

Management and Staff Development:

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the UofL Innovation and Commercialization office, including management and development of permanent and temporary staff in a virtual/in-person hybrid setting.
• Foster collaboration, and lead coaching, career development and team- and culture-building for office staff and interns.
• Perform other work-related duties as requested.

The University of Louisville is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, sex, age, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, pregnancy, or veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact the Employment team at [email protected] or 502.852.6258.

To apply for this position, follow the "Online App. Form" link below and then click on the "Apply Now". You must answer all required fields and submit your application by clicking the "Submit" button.  Detailed instructions are available at louisville.edu/jobs in the "My Career Tools" section.  Vacancies are routinely removed from the jobs portal around 7:00PM each Monday.

NOTE:

Only ONE attachment can be uploaded per application. If you wish to include a cover letter or other documents, please combine them as one document with your resume/cv, save the document with a simple short title that contains only letters, spaces, or numbers, and then upload. 

Computers are available for application submission at the Human Resources Department located at 1980 Arthur Street - Louisville, Kentucky 40208. For more information, please contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone 502-852-6258.

If you require assistance or accommodation with our online application process, you may schedule an appointment at (502) 852-6258 with Employment Services at the Human Resources office located at 1980 Arthur Street, Louisville, KY 40208.