Associate Vice President, Innovation & Commercialization

About the role

The Associate Vice President (AVP) will lead Binghamton University's efforts to advance innovation, entrepreneurship and research commercialization. This role involves working collaboratively with offices across the University at the intersection of research, technology development, entrepreneurship and commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Binghamton University's innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization initiatives in alignment with the University's research and economic development priorities.
• Develop and communicate a vision, strategic goals and measurable outcomes that maximize the impact of the University's research discoveries through commercialization, startup formation, licensing and industry partnerships.
• Identify emerging trends in innovation, intellectual property, venture creation, and federal commercialization initiatives to inform institutional strategy.
• Supervise directors and professional staff responsible for technology transfer, commercialization, incubation and entrepreneurial programming; provide administrative oversight of operations and financial resources, including budgets supported through institutional funding, grants, contracts and commercialization revenues.
• Build and sustain collaborative relationships with faculty, academic leadership, industry partners, investors, entrepreneurs, and government and economic development partners to accelerate research translation and commercialization.
• Foster a university-wide culture of innovation and entrepreneurship by promoting faculty and student engagement in technology transfer, startup development, and innovation-focused programming.
• Connect faculty expertise and emerging technologies with market opportunities by facilitating partnerships with industry, investors, entrepreneurs, and companies pursuing SBIR, STTR, and other commercialization-focused funding opportunities.
• Support the creation and growth of startup companies through commercialization services, business formation assistance, mentorship, proof-of-concept and prototype development programs, and access to entrepreneurial resources.
• Manage the University's technology transfer operations, including invention disclosure management, intellectual property strategy, patent portfolio development, licensing, and commercialization activities.
• Negotiate, execute, and administer intellectual property-related agreements, including license, option, material transfer, confidentiality, and inter-institutional agreements, while ensuring compliance with applicable federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and University policies.
• Oversee the University's business incubation programs ensuring they provide effective support for emerging companies and contribute to regional economic growth.
• Represent Binghamton University with local, regional, state, and national economic development organizations, serve on advisory boards, committees, and collaborative initiatives that advance innovation, technology-based economic development, and strategic partnerships.

Requirements

• Master's degree in a related field
• Minimum five years leadership experience within a research-intensive institution, innovation ecosystem, technology commercialization office, or similar environment
• Minimum ten years of experience in one or more of the following areas: technology transfer and commercialization, intellectual property management, startup development and venture creation, business development, corporate partnerships, economic development, or a comparable combination of education and professional experience
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining strong networks across academia, research, and industry, resulting in strategic partnerships that drive innovation and commercialization outcomes
• Experience successfully interfacing with external funding agencies including federal agencies
• Strong negotiation skills with a proven track record of structuring and executing successful agreements
• Able to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and contribute effectively within a collaborative team environment
• Prominent ability to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders at all levels, fostering productive relationships and alignment around shared goals
• Exceptional organizational, project management, prioritization, and problem-solving capabilities
• Demonstrated capacity to manage multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously while maintaining accuracy, quality, and attention to detail
• Strong commitment to confidentiality and the ability to manage sensitive, proprietary, and confidential information with discretion and professionalism

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D., J.D., or other advanced degree in a discipline related to science, engineering, business, law, or a closely related field
• Knowledge of university-based research initiatives and complex proposal development