Director of Venture Development

JOB SUMMARY

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) is competitively recruiting talented venture development professionals to join our growing Technology Commercialization Services (TCS) team.

TCS supports breakthrough research and cutting-edge innovation that benefits society and fuel economic development through a coordinated approach between tech transfer licensing and startup teams and enables success for faculty business Connecticut and beyond resulting in:

• $1.4 Billion Total funds raised by UConn incubator companies.
• $620 Million in Economic impact of UConn research.
• 771 Patents granted based on UConn innovations.

The University of Connecticut (UConn) is a top-ranked public research university and land grant institution rurally situated in the Quiet Corner of Northeast Connecticut.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship the Director of Venture Development will be committed to advancing technology-based entrepreneurship and innovation as part of its role in promoting economic growth and development for the state of Connecticut the region and the nation. Technology Commercialization Services (TCS) aims to support faculty with venture development and startup formation at UConn

The Director of Venture Development will have the following responsibilities: a) identifying developing and expanding entrepreneurial opportunities for UConn faculty students and companies in UConns Technology Incubation Program b) work directly with entrepreneurs on all UConn campuses including UConn Health to form new ventures and support existing startups in all disciplines c) have a portfolio of inventions that they will be responsible for marketing and licensing d) recruit new startups to join TIP and e) help raise risk capital for UConn startups.

The ideal candidate will have a track record of licensing engagement of successful technology startups and the experience to identify and support the next generation of entrepreneurs. They will bring an ability to balance financial and business acumen with an aggressive creative and dynamic approach to startup creation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work closely with Technology Transfer group within TCS to support and educate faculty and students on particular they will help educate faculty about successful commercialization strategies and related business and financial models necessary to attract partners and investment.
• In conjunction with other UConn innovation and entrepreneurship programs and faculty leaders the position provides educational and advising services prior to company formation to help startup teams research market opportunities among a broad range of industries; develop and deliver educational programming and curriculum addressing a variety of business topics to inform and support new and existing venture development and growth; collaborate with entrepreneurial programs university-wide including those within academic departments and schools/colleges to establish operate and support a portfolio of UConn programs such that they are well-coordinated and highly effective.
• Work with new venture teams to identify and meet specific business and scientific milestones critical to commercial success; help them utilize strategies to de-risk technologies and acquire funding throughout the innovation continuum at a minimum during seed stage and series A.
• Continuously evaluate and identify funding options for a portfolio of startups and prepare companies to attract funds from public investment programs such as those offered by Connecticut Innovations CT Department of Economic and Community Development and federal SBIR/STTR programs as well as angel and venture capital organizations.
• Partner within UConn and beyond to develop substantial sources of capital for University startups. Cultivate strong relationships within the CT NY and MA investment communities including leading VCs angel investors and corporate funding partners. Lead efforts to develop and execute investor and partnering forums at UConn including a signature event such as an annual symposium with the expressed purpose of aligning investors with faculty/student entrepreneurs.
• Develop a dedicated pool of subject matter experts to mentor advise and/or manage teams on technical regulatory legal and business topics.
• Coordinate with the UConn Technology Incubation Program (TIP) to transition ventures into TIP as they develop from virtual to physical operations.
• Work closely with the licensing team for review of technologies disclosed to Technology Commercialization Services to determine the optimum pathway for commercialization; and promote those that are startup opportunities among entrepreneurial communities at UConn and throughout Connecticut.
• Approximately twenty-five percent (25%) of job responsibility will be licensing. This position will have a portfolio of inventions and work closely with the TCS Licensing team on tech transfer and negotiation of technology licenses with industry and startups.
• Manage and lead projects and programs that are important for the mission of Technology Commercialization Services and the Office of the Vice President of Research.
• Oversee the Entrepreneur-in-Residence and TCS internship program and its programmatic success.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelors degree.
2. At least three years of experience working in a leadership position related to venture development.
3. Experience with raising capital supporting early-stage startups university technology transfer program startup incubation and different support modalities throughout the startup life cycle or financial models and cap tables.
4. Demonstrated experience acting as an integrated team member communicating seamlessly with internal and external stakeholders to focus on technology venture opportunities.
5. Demonstrated experience forging mutually beneficial partnerships with industry nonprofits and government agencies.
6. Experience with issues and challenges associated with research and development in a university setting.
7. Technology transfer and technology licensing experience.
8. Demonstrated experience utilizing organizational and administrative skills.
9. Demonstrated interpersonal written and oral communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Advance degree in science engineering or business preferred.
2. Demonstrable experience multiple categories listed in #2 in Minimum Qualifications.
3. Experience with academic startup company formation.
4. Proven track record for raising capital for early-stage companies; including successful exit(s) from startup or technology companies including IPO or acquisition.
5. Deep relations with VC and Private Equity firms.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time permanent position with an excellent benefits package including medical and retirement as well as employee and dependent tuition waivers at the University of Connecticut. The salary for this position will be commensurate with experience. The TCS offices are located at 400 Farmington Avenue Farmington CT. The selected candidate will also be required to travel to Storrs and other campuses.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

The successful incumbent must be willing and able to carry out all job responsibilities at all UConn campuses.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at Faculty and Staff Positions Search #499443 to upload aresume cover letterand contact information forthree (3) professional references.

This job posting is currently scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on March 19 2026.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of and contribute to an inclusive respectful and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employees unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion gender gender identity or expression sexual orientation national origin genetics disability age or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.