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Details

**Open Date** 09/09/2025

**Requisition Number** PRN43070B

**Job Title** Associate Director, Research & Science

**Working Title** Associate Director, Innovation & Venture Development

**Job Grade** H

**FLSA Code** Executive

**Patient Sensitive Job Code?** No

**Standard Hours per Week** 40

**Full Time or Part Time?** Full Time

**Shift** Day

Work Schedule Summary

Monday – Friday (8am-5pm)

Hybrid: must work 3 days in the office per week

**VP Area** President

**Department** 00639 - VP for Research

**Location** Campus

**City** Salt Lake City, UT

**Type of Recruitment** External Posting

**Pay Rate Range** $100,000 - $120,000

**Close Date** 12/09/2025

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)

Job Summary

The University of Utah is building the future of innovation — and we’re looking for a connector, strategist, and startup champion to help drive it. The Associate Director, Innovation & Venture Development will play a key role in shaping and supporting high-growth ventures emerging from university research. This position will focus on helping scientific founders find the right business talent. The Associate Director will also help prepare startups to raise the capital they need to thrive and connect them with potential investors. This is a unique opportunity to sit at the center of the University’s innovation ecosystem — working closely with the Technology Licensing Office ( TLO ), the Utah Venture Hub ( UVH ), faculty inventors, entrepreneurs, and investors — to accelerate the growth of breakthrough ideas into successful companies.

Responsibilities

Build Connections

+ Curate and manage a network of experienced advisors, executives, and mentors with expertise in relevant industries.

+ Align potential management teams and mentors with leadership needs across our startup portfolio.

+ Facilitate introductions and foster long-term relationships between startups and advisors.

Fuel Fundraising Success

+ Help startups craft compelling pitches, prepare investor materials, and get “deal-ready.”

+ Connect startups to appropriate funding opportunities and help structure investment strategies.

+ Cultivate relationships with local, regional, and national investors, including venture capital firms, angel investors, and strategic partners.

Support Founders & Teams

+ Partner with TLO , Utah Venture Hub, and faculty founders to support the launch and growth of university-affiliated startups.

+ Assess company needs and work with founders to provide strategic guidance on business model development, commercialization strategy, and operational growth.

Grow Utah’s Innovation Ecosystem

+ Represent the University’s startup community at events, strengthen ties with entrepreneurs and investors, and spotlight the success of our ventures.

+ Other duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration, a related area, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) required; plus 6-8 years of progressively more responsible management experience; and demonstrated leadership, human relations and effective communication skills also required. Master’s degree in Business Administration or related area preferred.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

+ Track record of raising capital or supporting fundraising efforts for early-stage companies.

+ Experience in entrepreneurship, venture capital, startup operations, or technology commercialization.

+ Strong network within the investor, startup, or corporate innovation community.

+ Excellent communication, relationship management, and presentation skills.

+ Ability to work effectively with faculty inventors, entrepreneurs, and external partners.

**Type** Benefited Staff

Special Instructions Summary

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.

All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action ( OEO /AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/

Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu

https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.