Director of Innovation Networks - 131286

The Director will actively contribute to efforts to build UC San Diego as the destination campus for innovation and technology solutions. The director will work with the AVC-OIC, the VCRI, faculty and others on campus to identify areas of high research capability- particularly in areas with the potential to have impact on the market and society. They will build communities of industry, investors and community groups around those areas with a goal of increasing the transition of research to impact, and raising the visibility of UC San Diego as a global innovation leader, driving the future of those sectors.

In this capacity, the Director will work to develop relationships with companies, investors, entities and individuals who can help to drive research-to-innovation efforts, and/or directly support programmatic offerings. Additionally, the Director will work collaboratively with University Development, Alumni Affairs and the Office of Innovation and Commercialization on the identification of companies and high capacity individuals capable of helping to support innovation efforts while working closely with programs across the campus.

The Director will also help to develop industry and corporate engagement strategy meant to develop, and sustain corporate and industry partnerships with student entrepreneurship programs. In this capacity, the Director will partner with student entrepreneurship programs to leverage high-level corporate and industry connections that are local, national and international with the goal of propelling sustainability strategies and business development efforts.

The Director will be responsible for coordinating a variety of campus-wide, research-focused industry collaborations- including some that are ongoing.

The Director will also take the lead on a number of high-visibility events that are aimed at raising awareness of UC San Diego as the destination campus for innovation- driving awareness of campus innovation and its role in driving social and economic prosperity in the San Diego region and beyond. In this capacity, the director will coordinate with various functions across the campus to align UC San Diego's engagement with these events.

The Office of Innovation & Commercialization at University of California, San Diego, is committed to actively promoting our Principles of Community and continually advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within all levels of our organization. In line with the goals of UC San Diego's Strategic Plan for Inclusive Excellence supporting a diverse faculty, staff, and student body and fostering a positive and welcome climate where all are valued, we strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented communities to apply.

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training. Master's degree preferred

• Deep understanding of faculty and programmatic research interests within the University. Understanding of partnership agreements, patent law, licensing and commercialization.

• Skilled communicator: includes verbal and written, active listening, critical thinking, persuasiveness, advising and counseling skills. Ability to use discretion and respect confidentiality.

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills to establish and maintain working relationships with colleagues, faculty, donors, and industry partners, with an emphasis on collaboration, tact, diplomacy, flexibility, professionalism, and discretion. History of work experience in developing relationships, and collaborating with diverse constituent populations, including local, national and international constituents.

• Advanced organizational and project management skills. Ability to lead a team, prioritize personal and team tasks and see projects through from inception to completion on schedule. In-depth knowledge of Lean Method and Agile Framework, including background knowledge of Lean SixSigma and project management platforms/programs such as Asana, Microsoft Project Manager, and other lean practices/tools like Scrum and Kanban.

• Ability to perform all commonly applicable functions in the Microsoft Suite. Advanced knowledge of software applications specific to industry alliance programs. Ability to teach others. Strong background experience using CRM's, analytics and related platforms for identifying and tracking industry prospects.Strong experience working with diverse technical (software and hardware) and non-technical project teams developing new products/solutions for the market and IP.

• Ability to break down complex concepts and tailor communication to industry partner unique needs and interests. Demonstrated ability to translate and explain technical/complex concepts in development by technical project teams in order to position their attractiveness for engaging industry.

• Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of public relations to provide direction to special programs and projects for outreach to prospective and existing industry collaborators and sponsors, both national and international. Demonstrated tact, diplomacy and persuasion with the ability to make presentations and interpret various related programs. Advanced ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential issues that require independent judgment and strict discretion, and maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive, confidential and/or privileged information.

• Demonstrated leadership skills with experience addressing diverse problems that effect and organization's resources and management. Prior experience leading and motivating units, leaders and staff to achieve objectives with the ability to plan and organize projects involving multiple steps and participants. Experience maintaining time schedules and budgets.

• Demonstrated ability to think creatively and independently on concepts requiring advanced analytical skills.

• This position may be eligible for a flexible work arrangement, which could include a non-standard schedule, and/or the ability to work off-site.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

• Job offer is contingent upon the applicant's capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

UC San Diego is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20
For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.