Venture Development Specialist 528089

Pay Grade/Pay Range:Minimum: $56600 - Midpoint: $73600 (Salaried E9)

Department/Organization:704102 - Office for ASSIST

Normal Work Schedule:Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Note to Applicants:Position is eligible for hybrid work subject to University policy.

Job Summary:The Venture Development Specialist will complement existing research engagement and translation functions by focusing on startup formation market validation investor and industry partnerships and accelerator programming. Enhances UAs innovation ecosystem economic impact and provides direct support to faculty students and collaborators in translating research into sustainable ventures and industry collaborations.

Additional Department Summary:The Integrated Venture Development (IVD) arm of The University of Alabamas Office for Research and Economic Development (ORED) is dedicated to advancing the universitys research enterprise from initial ideation to real-world impact. This is accomplished through three distinct but interconnected offices: Research Engagement (ASSIST) Technology Development and Cross-Sector Engagement. Each office plays a critical role in supporting faculty staff and students with the shared goal of translating research and scholarship into meaningful capture solutions and partnerships.

IVD is dedicated to advancing the universitys research enterprise from initial ideation to real-world impact ensuring that scholarship translates into meaningful capture solutions and partnerships. The Technology Development Office specifically serves as the engine for accelerating solutions through strategic innovation and technology transfer uniting the academic research enterprise to create a seamless innovation pathway from research discovery to commercialization and industrial impact.

This position will advance this mission by building relationships with faculty industry investors and government partners to accelerate commercialization grow the universitys intellectual property portfolio support new startups and enhance UAs vital role in regional and state economic development. Provide integrated services across the innovation continuum from venture acceleration to strengthening crucial industry partnerships ensuring the maximum real-world impact of UAs research.

Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelors degree and two (2) years of experience; OR masters degree.

Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Due to U.S. export control regulations governing information technology and facilities accessed during the performance of this work applicants must be: (1) U.S. citizens or nationals; (2) permanent residents;(3) asylees or refugees; OR (4) individuals otherwise described as protected individuals according to Title 8 U.S. Code Section 1324b(a)(3)(b).

Skills and Knowledge:Ability to manage multiple projects independently. Strong analytical skills including market research and business model development. Excellent interpersonal verbal and written communication. Knowledge of funding landscapes (federal state private venture) relevant to commercialization and small business growth.

Preferred Qualifications:Experience in venture development innovation technology transfer or entrepreneurship.
Demonstrated ability to evaluate business opportunities and support early-stage ventures. Strong organizational communication and relationship-building skills.

Experience working with startups accelerators or venture capital in an academic environment. Familiarity with industry engagement and economic development initiatives. Demonstrated success in building partnerships across academia industry and government.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.