Chief Innovation Officer - Academic Affairs

This role centralizes, accelerates, and scales innovation across the University's Academic Affairs ecosystem. The Chief Innovation Officer for Academic Affairs (CIOAA) builds and leads an integrated Innovation Enterprise spanning research, education, and pre-commercialization, overseeing the Academic Affairs Innovation and Partnerships Office, including industry-sponsored research, experiential learning, and related industry contracting.

Responsibilities

• Develop and scale a robust innovation pipeline across Academic Affairs, including invention disclosures, pre-commercial opportunities, and commercialization pathways.
• Partner with faculty, Associate Deans for Research, and Center/Institute Directors to identify and advance commercial research, including SBIR, STTR, I-Corps participation, and venture development.
• Serve as a key liaison between Academic Affairs, the Office of the Vice President for Research (VPR), and the Technology Licensing Office (TLO) to increase transparency, coordination, and effectiveness in technology commercialization.
• Contribute to university-wide policy development related to intellectual property, licensing, and equity participation, and promote training and awareness in these areas.
• Collaborate with leadership to ensure alignment and synergy across initiatives and strengthen cross-campus innovation and commercialization efforts with Health Sciences.
• Oversee infrastructure supporting startup formation, including proof-of-concept funding and early-stage venture support.
• Foster a competitive, transparent, and equitable environment for access to university technologies by internal and external venture partners.
• Promote a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation among faculty and academic units.
• Lead and manage the Academic Affairs Innovation and Partnerships Office, including oversight of industry-sponsored research, experiential learning programs, and related contracting frameworks.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with industry, nonprofit organizations, and foundations to expand support for faculty research.
• Drive growth in non-federal research funding, measured by revenue generation, awards, and sponsored research expenditures.
• Collaborate with the Missions Agency Office to coordinate engagement with federal and state mission-driven agencies.
• Partner with UCareer Success, corporate engagement, and the Office of General Counsel to facilitate and execute partnerships and agreements.
• Represent the University in regional, national, and international business and innovation communities.
• Collaborate with the State Innovation Center and other external entities to leverage resources supporting commercialization and partnership development.
• Lead strategic planning, resource allocation, and organizational development for the Innovation and Partnerships portfolio.
• Oversee budget development and management for CIOAA initiatives.
• Recruit, mentor, and supervise staff within the Innovation and Partnerships Office.
• Serve on university committees and advisory groups relevant to innovation, research, and partnerships.
• Strengthen engagement across Academic Affairs and Health Sciences leadership to support cross-campus collaboration.
• Execute special projects and strategic initiatives as directed by the Chief Research Officer and Vice Provost for Research Planning and Partnerships.

Requirements

• A PhD, M.B.A., J.D., or other master's degree related to the position.
• Significant expertise in law, regulation, policy, and protocols related to technology transfer, intellectual property management, and industry-sponsored research.
• Experience at a major research university or comparable institution.
• Five years of experience as a professional technology transfer associate, industry engagement manager, or comparable role at a research-intensive institution.
• Five years of progressive supervisory experience in technology transfer, intellectual property protection, industry-sponsored research, economic development, or translational innovation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to develop, scale, and advance multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex projects, organizational development, policy/procedure development, or business process optimization.
• A sophisticated approach to cultural change that balances established practices with innovation.
• Ability to communicate clearly about the University’s mission and innovation strategy with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience managing budgets, accounting, and financial reporting for innovation, research, and sponsored programs.
• Commitment to integrity, diversity, equity, and inclusion in research.
• Strong relationship-building skills and ability to grow engagement and motivation.
• Ability to work independently, set priorities, and require minimal supervision.
• Excellence in analytical problem-solving.

Pay

$275,000 - $300,000