- Entrepreneurial mentorship and coaching
- Accelerator programs for early-stage ideas
- Training, tools, and resources for small businesses
- Pitch decks, co-working and collision areas, and conference rooms
- Offices for startup companies
- Community building activities and social events
- Master's degree.
- Make it easy for faculty, students, and external partners to take their next steps toward commercialization.
- Foster collaboration among internal and external partners in the commercialization space.
- Facilitate access to resources that increase the likelihood for commercial success.
- Help build a culture at UGA that values commercial success.
- 70% effort will be devoted to oversight and advancement of the Innovation District.
- 30% effort will be devoted to one or more of the following areas, based on professional background and appointment:
- Provide leadership, content and technical expertise to move projects and patents through the commercialization pipeline.
- Conduct scholarship and/or instruction in a strategic cross-cutting area, such as those defined in the current Presidential Interdisciplinary Faculty Hiring Initiative:
- Assist with key initiatives from the Offices of President and/or Provost.
- At least 10 years of senior-level professional and leadership experience in innovation, technology, start-ups, and/or applicable industry, business, or academic sector.
- Proven record of success in launching a business and/or commercializing innovation(s).
- Demonstrated ability to lead and manage complex projects and diverse teams.
- Doctorate degree.
- Deep understanding of innovation and entrepreneurship within academic settings.
- A strategic thinker with the ability to develop and communicate a compelling vision for the Innovation District that aligns with its mission and goals.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- A self-starter and visionary leader with proficient management skills, including the ability to inspire and motivate teams, build consensus, and facilitate effective decision-making processes.
- Ability to foster an environment where faculty, students, and external collaborators feel supported in launching and scaling ideas and innovations.
- Ability to develop and implement strategies to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and commercialization of ideas.
- Provide visionary and collaborative leadership for the Innovation District.
- Lead the Innovation District Leadership Team to implement the newly adopted strategic plan and pinpoint areas for new initiatives and sustained expansion.
- Coordinate with core program partners to integrate university-wide expertise and deliver tailored programs and services to foster entrepreneurship, business start-up and growth, and commercial success from new innovations and existing patents.
- Work collaboratively to identify and secure external funding through fundraising, grants, venture capital, and other partnerships and endeavors.
- Provide oversight to the Director of Innovation Programming to ensure the implementation of programs aligned with Innovation District goals.
- Explore opportunities for operational efficiencies to streamline the pathway for commercializing ideas.
- Use established benchmarks and metrics to measure the success of the Innovation District's strategic plan.
- Promote an accessible environment that connects a diverse group of users with appropriate resources based on their stage of innovation.
- Foster an environment that empowers both novice and seasoned entrepreneurs to efficiently launch and scale ideas.
- Effectively communicate the vision, objectives, and enthusiasm of the Innovation District to stakeholders.
- Serve as a champion for the individuals, programs, and initiatives within the Innovation District.
- Assist with development opportunities to grow the private support of the Innovation District.
- Work closely with the Office of Business Engagement in seeking external partnerships for innovation and commercialization.
- Encourage and support faculty, staff, and student engagement in the Innovation District.
- Cultivate strategic partnerships with companies, small businesses, communities, nonprofits, and other collaborators to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and commercialization.
- Ensure that activities and programs benefit from interdisciplinary engagement and commitment.
- Utilize interdisciplinary collaboration to explore new avenues of user-inspired innovation.
- Ensure that the marketing materials for the Innovation District are current and that the events calendar is updated and widely shared.
- Oversee operations, including program development, budgetary planning, and resource allocation.
- Stay up to date with best practices, trends, tools, and technologies to enhance operational efficiency and impact.
Executive Director of the Innovation District - Athens, United States - InsideHigherEd
Description
Posting Number:F1968P
Working Title:Executive Director of the Innovation District
Department:UHR-HR Search Services
About the University of Georgia:The University of Georgia is one of the leading public research universities in the nation and the world. Founded in 1785 as the first public university in the country, UGA's faculty excel in fundamental and applied research, innovation, and technology transfer; and deliver outstanding undergraduate, graduate, and professional education; and support communities in Georgia and around the globe through public service and engagement. In Fall 2023, UGA enrolled 40,118 students, employed more than 3,100 faculty, and had an annual budget of over $2.2 billion. Interest in UGA degrees continues to rise with undergraduate applications for admission reaching more than 43,000 and more than 6,100 new first-year students enrolling in Fall 2023. Total annual research expenditures at the University have increased 63% since fiscal year 2013, and research expenditures now stand at $570.9 million for fiscal year 2023. UGA's main campus is in Athens, GA, 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses located in Griffin, Tifton, Buckhead, and Gwinnett as well as residential campuses in Washington, DC; Cortona, Italy; and Oxford, England. The University has numerous regional, national, and international partnerships for research, education, and service, and an extensive and dedicated network of more than 355,000 living alumni across the globe.
UGA maintains outstanding academic programs in the arts and humanities, agricultural and environmental sciences, forestry and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, health and life sciences, social and behavioral sciences, natural sciences, engineering, journalism and communication, public and international affairs, education, and professional programs that include business, law, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. Its research and academic strengths are matched by an enduring commitment to technology transfer, as evidenced by UGA's national leadership in intellectual property creation and the number of products created by companies based on UGA licenses. Recently, major investments in research have led UGA to international leadership in areas such as infectious diseases, data science and artificial intelligence, vaccine development, glycoscience, precision agriculture, human trafficking, resilience and environment, cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship, and many others.
The University of Georgia has goals to advance its national and international standing in research and scholarship by leveraging the excellence of all its faculty and the comprehensive nature of its public, land- and sea-grant missions. For further information about the University of Georgia, please visit: .
The UGA Innovation District is a vibrant ecosystem uniting talent, ideas, and spaces to cultivate entrepreneurship and drive the translation, acceleration, and commercialization of ideas. Situated at the nexus of UGA's campus and downtown Athens, it serves as a dynamic hub, encouraging exploration of new opportunities and welcoming the pursuit of possibilities. By integrating core programs across UGA's campus and disciplines, the Innovation District connects faculty, students, alumni, industry, and communities with essential resources and support, empowering them to realize the commercial potential of their discoveries and innovations. Through its core programs, the Innovation District provides access to a range of support, resources, and networks, including:
External
Retirement Plan:TRS or ORP
Employment Type:Employee
Benefits Eligibility:Benefits Eligible
Advertised Salary:Commensurate with Experience
Anticipated Start Date:11/01/2024
Job Posting Date:05/07/2024
Open until filled:Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants:Applicant screening will begin immediately. Candidates are encouraged to submit their materials by Monday, July 8, 2024; however, screening will continue until the position is filled. The application packet should include a cover letter detailing how the applicant's credentials and experience meet the needs, responsibilities, and qualifications stated above; a current resume; and contact information for three references (who will not be contacted without further correspondence with the applicant).
To request a descriptive Opportunity Profile for this position, provide a nomination, or seek additional information, please contact Callie West, Primary Consultant with the UGA Search Group, or . Letters of recommendation or a simple nomination should include the name and contact information for the nominee.
Athens Area
EEO Statement:The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ).
Classification Title:Director, Division / Department AD
Faculty Rank:Open Rank
Contract Type:Fiscal (12 mo.)
Tenure Status:Negotiable
Minimum Qualifications:Position Summary:
The Executive Director of the Innovation District assumes a pivotal role in consolidating key university-wide initiatives aimed at driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization, which involves engaging a diverse array of stakeholders, including faculty, students, alumni, UGA leaders, and external partners. This leadership position requires a forward-thinking and collaborative approach to spearhead the development and execution of strategic objectives, while adeptly managing District programs and personnel.
With a focus on enhancing the Innovation District's impact and effectiveness, the Executive Director is charged with implementing the recently adopted strategic plan. Working closely with the Innovation District Leadership Team, the Executive Director aims to advance the following goals of the Innovation District:
Reporting and Appointment:
The Executive Director of the Innovation District will report jointly to the Office of the President and the Office of Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. Depending on professional background and expertise, the successful candidate will hold either an administrative or academic faculty appointment. Please see UGA criteria for faculty promotion, tenure and evaluation at
Additional Requirements:
Yes
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?:Yes
Does this position require a P-Card? :No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :No
Is driving a responsibility of this position?:No
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:No
Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications):Yes
Credit and P-Card policy:Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy:Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.
Duties/Responsibilities:100