Executive Director Of The Innovation District

Position Information

Classification Title Director, Division / Department AD FLSA Faculty Rank Open Rank Contract Type Fiscal (12 mo.) Tenure Status Negotiable Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree.

Position Summary

The Executive Director of the Innovation District assumes a pivotal role in consolidating key university-wide initiatives aimed at driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization, which involves engaging a diverse array of stakeholders, including faculty, students, alumni, UGA leaders, and external partners. This leadership position requires a forward-thinking and collaborative approach to spearhead the development and execution of strategic objectives, while adeptly managing District programs and personnel.

With a focus on enhancing the Innovation District's impact and effectiveness, the Executive Director is charged with implementing the recently adopted strategic plan. Working closely with the Innovation District Leadership Team, the Executive Director aims to advance the following goals of the Innovation District:

• Make it easy for faculty, students, and external partners to take their next steps toward commercialization.

• Foster collaboration among internal and external partners in the commercialization space.

• Facilitate access to resources that increase the likelihood for commercial success.

• Help build a culture at UGA that values commercial success.

Reporting and Appointment:

The Executive Director of the Innovation District will report jointly to the Office of the President and the Office of Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. Depending on professional background and expertise, the successful candidate will hold either an administrative or academic faculty appointment. Please see UGA criteria for faculty promotion, tenure and evaluation at

https://provost.uga.edu/faculty-affairs/promotion-tenure-evaluation/

• 70% effort will be devoted to oversight and advancement of the Innovation District.

• 30% effort will be devoted to one or more of the following areas, based on professional background and appointment:

• Provide leadership, content and technical expertise to move projects and patents through the commercialization pipeline.

• Conduct scholarship and/or instruction in a strategic cross-cutting area, such as those defined in the current Presidential Interdisciplinary Faculty Hiring Initiative: https://provost.uga.edu/data_science_ai/

• Assist with key initiatives from the Offices of President and/or Provost.

Additional Requirements

• At least 10 years of senior-level professional and leadership experience in innovation, technology, start-ups, and/or applicable industry, business, or academic sector.

• Proven record of success in launching a business and/or commercializing innovation(s).

• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage complex projects and diverse teams.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

• Doctorate degree.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Deep understanding of innovation and entrepreneurship within academic settings.

• A strategic thinker with the ability to develop and communicate a compelling vision for the Innovation District that aligns with its mission and goals.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• A self-starter and visionary leader with proficient management skills, including the ability to inspire and motivate teams, build consensus, and facilitate effective decision-making processes.

• Ability to foster an environment where faculty, students, and external collaborators feel supported in launching and scaling ideas and innovations.

• Ability to develop and implement strategies to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and commercialization of ideas.

Physical Demands Is this a Position of Trust? Yes Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Is driving a responsibility of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

• Provide visionary and collaborative leadership for the Innovation District.

• Lead the Innovation District Leadership Team to implement the newly adopted strategic plan and pinpoint areas for new initiatives and sustained expansion.

• Coordinate with core program partners to integrate university-wide expertise and deliver tailored programs and services to foster entrepreneurship, business start-up and growth, and commercial success from new innovations and existing patents.

• Work collaboratively to identify and secure external funding through fundraising, grants, venture capital, and other partnerships and endeavors.

• Provide oversight to the Director of Innovation Programming to ensure the implementation of programs aligned with Innovation District goals.

• Explore opportunities for operational efficiencies to streamline the pathway for commercializing ideas.

• Use established benchmarks and metrics to measure the success of the Innovation District's strategic plan.

• Promote an accessible environment that connects a diverse group of users with appropriate resources based on their stage of innovation.

• Foster an environment that empowers both novice and seasoned entrepreneurs to efficiently launch and scale ideas.

• Effectively communicate the vision, objectives, and enthusiasm of the Innovation District to stakeholders.

• Serve as a champion for the individuals, programs, and initiatives within the Innovation District.

• Assist with development opportunities to grow the private support of the Innovation District.

• Work closely with the Office of Business Engagement in seeking external partnerships for innovation and commercialization.

• Encourage and support faculty, staff, and student engagement in the Innovation District.

• Cultivate strategic partnerships with companies, small businesses, communities, nonprofits, and other collaborators to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and commercialization.

• Ensure that activities and programs benefit from interdisciplinary engagement and commitment.

• Utilize interdisciplinary collaboration to explore new avenues of user-inspired innovation.

• Ensure that the marketing materials for the Innovation District are current and that the events calendar is updated and widely shared.

• Oversee operations, including program development, budgetary planning, and resource allocation.

• Stay up to date with best practices, trends, tools, and technologies to enhance operational efficiency and impact.

Percentage Of Time 100

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Cover Letter

• Resume/CV

• List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents

• Other Documents #1

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The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status.