PAY GRADE: 30E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The University of Delaware (UD) has embarked on transformative vision for innovation impact through research innovation, technology transfer, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization.  Central to realizing this vision is the commercialization arm of the University, The Office of Economic Innovation and Partnerships (OEIP). The mission of the OEIP is to facilitate an accessible gateway and conduit for the University to connect UD faculty, innovators and entrepreneurs with prospective external partners and collaborators, as well as to effectively facilitate the transfer of University discoveries to the market.

OEIP, as the umbrella organization for multiple related units, is implementing a staffing plan that will bring all roles in alignment with the strategic model to realize a high performing culture to advance innovation. This model includes expansion of technology transfer and commercialization activities, continued complementary work with related units, and expansion of dedicated teams, including industry relations; research support; business intelligence; internal and external legal counsel, and business development.  This expanded team will be empowered through design, policy, and resources, to ensure greater innovation outcomes across the institution and to the benefit of society.

This network organization and activization professional will strengthen and optimize a robust commercialization network to the benefit of university lab-, faculty-, and student-lead opportunities on a per-innovation basis. This is a new role to UD and this leader will play a significant role in determining how key objectives are met.

The goal for the commercialization network manager will be to build and utilize a strong base of subject matter experts (SMEs) and key actors with global influence as well as deep local roots.  This will be accomplished through curation of alumni across the world, regional stakeholders, and key industry innovation interests.

This leader will inform and work side by side with dedicated technology licensing associates, corporate engagement, business intelligence personnel, and entrepreneurship/technology commercialization teams for the advancement of UD innovation.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Represent Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiative (IE) goals and values with faculty and unit leaders.
• Work closely with colleagues to operationalize and execute refined goals of IE strategy and advance key objectives.
• Develop and deploy core messaging around purpose of commercialization network that draws on 1) alumni (global based but with deep regional roots; 2) Regional, national, and international stakeholders across key areas of UD innovation).
• Review and assess current commercialization network participants.
• Develop criteria to identify and reach out to ideal network participants with core message and obtain commitment to participate.
• Develop criteria by which commercialization network participants can be categorized on multiple points (i.e., company; title/role; industry; background; key relationships, etc.).
• Develop and execute outreach program to attract network participants—with clarity of expected outcomes.
• Create/enhance platform to ease access to and utilization of key commercialization network partners by appropriate constituencies.
• Record, acknowledge, and celebrate key inputs of network participants, thus celebrating all and enhancing new participation.
• Work closely with UD units to optimize utilization of commercialization network (i.e., tech transfer; commercialization; student entrepreneurship; research relationships; etc.).
• Perform job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and four years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated, exceptional networker.
• Deep understanding of innovation advancement.
• Understanding of role of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) on the trajectory of innovation.
• Basic understanding of intellectual property conditions.
• Ability to connect well with a diverse population of professionals that are interested in and can advance UD innovation.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, analytical, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to translate key objectives to a variety of potential contributors.
• Basic understanding of innovation pathways.
• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.