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Posting Information

Posting Number2025653

Posting/Functional TitleDirector, Venture Development

University Pay Plan TitleDir, Venture Development

LocationSan Marcos

DepartmentAsst VP Commercialization and Innovation

Recruitment TypeOpen Recruiting

Job TypeFull-Time

Funding SourcePermanent

Monthly SalaryCommensurate with experience

Job CategoryExempt

Required Qualifications: Applicants must specifically address how they meet these required qualifications to meet the requirements of the position.

+ Master’s degree in business, Engineering, Science, Innovation, or related fields required.

+ 10+ years of experience in innovation management, entrepreneurship education, venture development, & industry engagement.

+ Knowledge of NSF I-Corps HUB , programs, training, and cohorts team engagement

+ Knowledge and reviewer expertise of SBIR / STTR Phase-I and Phase-II programs

+ Demonstrated success in attracting investment to early-stage ventures and working with technology incubators, accelerators, or similar innovation programs.

+ Strong understanding of university research environments, startup ecosystems, and innovation funding mechanisms (e.g., SBIR / STTR , venture capital).

+ Proven ability to build and manage relationships with investors, industry partners and entrepreneurial mentors.

+ Knowledge of the Texas innovation and investment ecosystem

+ Excellent communication, collaboration, and strategic planning skills.

Preferred Qualifications

+ Track record of launching/leading startups in science/technology/engineering with successful exits.

+ Demonstrated success in securing funding for early-stage projects and startups ( SBIR / STTR , etc.)

+ NSF National I-Corps Certified Core Instructor

+ Direct experience managing university-based innovation funds.

+ Established networks within industry, investment communities, and academic research circles.

+ Experience with business plan development, financial modeling, and start-up fundraising

Job Description

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Innovation, Commercialization & Engagement, the Director of Venture Development will be a catalyst for driving research innovation outreach, impact, and entrepreneurial economic development at TXST . The Director will take the lead in designing, organizing, and executing all programming events, training sessions, and workshops related to research-oriented innovation, commercialization, and venture development functions. The Director will be responsible for driving the creation, growth, and success of new technology-based ventures originating from university research and intellectual property. In addition, the Director will independently manage early-stage funding mechanisms, build & oversee industry collaboration workshops and activate/lead NAI Chapter activities.

Job Duties

Entrepreneurship Education and Training:

+ Develop and deliver entrepreneurship training programs for Texas State faculty, students, and staff, focused on venture creation, University business plan competition success, research commercialization, and SBIR / STTR + relevant federal/state startup funding opportunities.

+ Provide specialized expertise and coaching to faculty, staff, and student entrepreneurs in business planning, commercialization strategies, and investor engagement.

+ Foster a culture of innovation across campus by integrating experiential learning opportunities and startup mentoring.

+ Establish programs to identify and support entrepreneurial talent, mentorship, and early-stage management for new ventures.

Start-up Activation and Venture Growth

+ Lead the identification, evaluation, and launch of new startup companies based on university intellectual property and research discoveries.

+ Develop and manage a pipeline of venture projects, supporting teams through all stages of the start-up process, including market assessment, business model development, and go-to-market strategy.

+ Track and report on venture development metrics, outcomes, and impact for internal and external stakeholders.

+ Engage with tenants and prospective tenants at STAR Park, creating pathways for university-born startups and affiliated companies to access office space, lab resources, and business development support.

+ Develop programs and events at STAR Park to position it as a statewide hub for innovation and technology advancement.

Early-Stage Venture/Seed Fund Management

+ Oversee the creation and management of an internal venture/seed fund to support prototype development, commercialization grants, and industry-matching opportunities.

+ Work collaboratively with faculty and early-stage teams to prepare projects for future external funding (e.g., venture capital, corporate partnerships, SBIR / STTR awards, etc.).

Industry Engagement and Strategic Partnerships

+ Build partnerships between faculty, students, and industry leaders through curated meetups, panels, roundtables, and collaboration events.

+ Identify licensing opportunities, joint research projects, and pathways for university technologies to transition into the private sector.

+ Cultivate and maintain relationships with investors, venture capitalists, angel networks, corporate partners, and mentors to secure funding and strategic partnerships for university-affiliated start-ups.

Launch and Manage NAI Chapter

+ Organize and oversee activities that recognize and honor academic inventors within the university community.

+ Facilitate collaboration and networking among inventors, both within the university and with external partners such as industry and government

Marketing, Communications, and Public Recognition

+ Develop and implement a strategic communications plan highlighting innovation success story through news releases, case studies, social media, and media outreach.

+ Establish Texas State as a recognized leader in research commercialization across the state of Texas and beyond.

Other duties as assigned

Additional Information to Applicants

Job Open Date07/29/2025

Job Close Date (posting closes at midnight)07/31/2025

Open Until FilledNo

Normal Work DaysMonday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Normal Work Hours Start8:00AM

Normal Work Hours End5:00PM

Posting Notices

Legal and Required Notices

Texas State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law in employment, educational programs, and activities and admissions.

Employment with Texas State University is contingent upon the outcome of record checks and verifications including, but not limited to, criminal history, driving records, education records, employment verifications, reference checks, and employment eligibility verifications.

Why Choose Texas State University?

Join the Texas State Bobcat team and experience a career that offers more than just a job—it’s a path to a brighter future. As a Texas State employee, you’ll enjoy:

Exceptional Benefits:Comprehensive health insurance with 100% premium coverage for employees and 50% for dependents, starting on your first day.

Generous Time Off:Enjoy vacation, holidays, sick leave, and more to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Wellness and Balance:Access a FREE wellness program, plus mother and family-friendly resources to support your personal well-being.

Professional Growth:Explore a wide range of training, development courses, certifications, and educational support programs.

Welcoming Campus:Become part of a vibrant Bobcat community with numerous social and professional networks.

Tuition Benefits:Take advantage of tuition support for yourself and for your dependent children, making higher education more accessible for your family.

Retirement Security:Secure your future with TRS pension, retirement plans, and voluntary savings options with strong employer contributions.

At Texas State University, you’re not just an employee—you’re a valued member of a thriving and beautiful campus community. Start your journey with us today.https://www.hr.txst.edu/benefits.html

Quick Linkhttps://jobs.hr.txstate.edu/postings/53704

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