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This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more information, please see: https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/12618390 Department

SING Polsky Science & Technology - Administration

About the Department

The Polsky Center advances innovative ideas and technologies from the University of Chicago ecosystem to the world. Through education, resources, and programs, the Polsky Center commercializes discoveries, partners with companies, and attracts venture capital. The Polsky Center runs a top-ranked business accelerator, the Edward L. Kaplan, \'71, New Venture Challenge; operates a multi-disciplinary co-working space called the Polsky Exchange; and manages the George Shultz Innovation Fund that invests in early-stage ventures. Finally, the Polsky Center houses the University of Chicago\'s technology transfer unit, which manages all University-based intellectual property originating from faculty research and discoveries that can be licensed to industry partners and investors.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Technology Ventures, the Director of Venture Development will play a pivotal role in advancing the commercialization of faculty-led science ventures and managing a robust network of relationships with investors. This role leads the identification, investigation, and negotiation of licensing opportunities for permission to use intellectual property rights, including trademarks, patents, or technology. Solves unique and complex problems related to the transfer and use of intellectual property. Provides specialized expertise to faculty to transform ideas and discoveries into patents, licenses, products, services, and ventures.

The Director will work closely with University faculty and researchers and University intellectual property companies to evaluate research innovations and assess startup potential, provide guidance on commercialization strategies, support preparation for investor engagement, and provide connections to relevant funding, talent, and advice. Additionally, the Director will act as a critical liaison to the venture capital ecosystem and other investors, cultivating relationships and connecting investors with relevant startups to secure funding and strategic partnerships. The Director will also work closely with colleagues across the Technology Ventures team at the Polsky Center, including in IP and technology development, business licensing and technology marketing, IP compliance, and accelerators and investments.

Responsibilities

• Drives Venture Development team priorities, including setting and executing strategies to support the creation and growth of University researcher and science ventures. Builds and strengthens relationships with the venture capital and investor ecosystem.
• Provides leadership and management for direct report(s).
• Works closely with University faculty and researchers to identify and assess commercial value of new and existing research projects and invention disclosures with startup potential, in partnership with IP and business development team leadership.
• Works closely with faculty to understand their venture needs and next steps and provides ongoing proactive coaching.
• Undertakes technical and commercial due-diligence based on input from internal and external stakeholders with the objective of charting a business/commercialization strategy.
• Prepares faculty and their startups for investment diligence and engage with investors, which may include reviewing and supporting the development of business plans and pitch decks, coaching researchers in presenting ideas to investors, and proactively identifying and facilitating investor meetings.
• Establishes or expands programs to identify and support entrepreneurial talent, mentorship, and early-stage management for scie ce ventures.
• Builds and cultivates a robust network of venture capitalists, corporate investors, and industry leaders to support funding and strategic partnerships for faculty startups.
• Develops presentation materials and target business case / new opportunity pitches to selected partners.
• Tracks emerging trends in venture capital and areas of University research focus, including life sciences, quantum technology, cleantech, and AI, to inform strategic opportunities for faculty ventures.
• Manages budget and processes to support venture development activities, ensuring seamless coordination between faculty, Polsky staff, and external partners.
• Represents the University as a thought leader in venture development and commercialization.
• Partners across Polsky and university stakeholders, including working closely with the other Technology Ventures teams and Booth entrepreneurship teams.
• Manages existing agreements for performance, compliance, and payment of associated fees. Leads development of marketing plans and implementation. Maintains communication with faculty and patent attorneys.
• Uses specialized depth and breadth of expertise to promote the mission and business of the department through developing strong relationships with inventors, legal counsel, prospective and actual licensees, and colleagues.
• Performs other related work as needed.

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