Innovation Funding Lead

The Innovation Funding Lead provides program management and administrative support for the Pitt-UPMC commercialization partnership and the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s (OIE) internal innovation funding program. The individual is responsible for managing program timelines, tracking project progress, building and maintaining internal and external relationships, maintaining program records, workflows, and best practices, and ensuring open communication between program stakeholders. The Innovation Funding Lead supports the Director to implement and grow program initiatives to meet OIE organizational goals. 

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Provides program management and administrative support for the commercialization and technology transfer activities related to the Pitt-UPMC commercialization partnership and internal innovation funding program.
• Provides support for calls for proposals and off-cycle proposal review, including managing timelines, coordinating activities between partners, internal stakeholders, and external advisors, and ensuring open communication and adherence to deadlines.
• Support the Director in translating OIE goals and strategy into short- and long-term cross-functional plans and objectives.
• Builds and maintains relationships with investigators, UPMC commercialization operations team, and OIE staff to ensure projects advance through the business partnerships and funding programs.
• Tracks project progress and maintains accurate records, files, and internal databases; collects and analyzes data and outcome information; provides detailed reports to leadership.
• Develops and maintains documentation, workflows, and best practices to guide and continually improve management of commercialization partnerships, internal funding programs, and strategic initiatives.
• Conducts administrative tasks, leads meetings, schedules meetings, and drafts communications. Drafts and manages program budgets.

An advanced degree is preferred.

The Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship inspires, educates and enables others to make an impact on society, improve the regional economy and transform their own careers. The office is composed of four units: The Innovation Institute, the Office of Industry and Economic Partnerships, the Big Idea Center for student innovation, and the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence. For more information please visit the website at: innovation.pitt.edu.

Oversees all aspects of planning, design, and execution of multiple, small routine projects or a moderately complex project. Assists in developing timelines and ensures adherence to deadlines. Manages financial aspects of projects and other administrative duties. Handles external correspondence and drafts reports and other communications.

Computer skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, organization, and time management skills are essential to this role. 

Little physical effort is required, position is mostly sedentary. May be required to travel on campus to meetings.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.