OK Catalyst Manager

OK Catalyst is the state-designated support organization for the SBA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, a $4 billion dollar funding source for early-stage innovators. The SBIR/STTR programs are government initiatives with a focus on discovering and funding high-risk, cutting-edge exploratory research and technological breakthroughs. The Assistant Director will be responsible for a broad spectrum of tasks and projects designed to increase Oklahoma's competitiveness in the federal SBIR/STTR programs including leading day-to-day operations for the SBIR Funding Labs. This position is a key member of OK Catalyst working closely with the Director in all efforts focused on collaboration, training, mentoring, and commercialization to improve Oklahoma's success in the SBIR/STTR program.

Primary Roles & Responsibilities:

• Lead the preparation and execution of OK Catalyst's SBIR Funding Labs focused on training and mentoring SBIR/STTR program candidates across the state and region

• Support SBIR/STTR candidates through a Phase I and Phase II proposal submissions

• Provide proposal reviews and feedback to program participants

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the SBIR/STTR programs, stay up to date with federal and agency specific program guidance and changes

• Manage day-to-day operations of OK Catalyst SBIR Funding Labs including coordinating timelines, schedules, Funding Lab applicants and participants, hosting virtual training sessions, facilitating participant communication, tracking and reporting program/participant metrics

• Keep detailed notes of participant's needs, progress, and outcomes throughout the course of the Funding Labs

• Support SBIR/STTR awardees as needed through Phase I and Phase II project periods to ensure continued success through Phase III

• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and guides for future implementations

• Develop courseware and training materials including Phase I and Phase II proposal templates

• Plan, coordinate, and participate as required in special promotional, informational, mentoring, and/or training events focused on the SBIR/STTR programs

• Engage with our statewide and national network of partners to market programs and support recruitment efforts

• Assist with outreach to corporate, government, and small business groups to identify program participants

• Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position

Required Education: Master's degree, AND:

• 36 months of program administration or related experience

Equivalency/Substitution: will accept 72 months of related experience in lieu of the Master's degree for a total of 108 months of related experience.

Skills:

• Highly receptive to feedback and coaching

• Possess confidence, patience, and flexibility in a rapidly evolving environment

• Ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects, often with shifting priorities and requiring collaboration across many departments

• Ability to work independently with modest supervision

• Demonstrate curiosity, creativity, drive for excellence and attention to detail

• Experience in grant writing, federal funding programs, educational and/or entrepreneurial organizations highly desired

• Project management

• Grant proposal development

• Entrepreneurial program development

• Team building

• Networking

Advertised Physical Requirements:

• Ability to engage in repetitive motions.

• Standard Office Environment. Frequent exposure to pressure caused by deadlines and busy periods. May be required to travel. May require contact with other departments and university officials.

Departmental Preferences:

• Experience with leading entrepreneurial support programs, technology transition, product development, and commercialization

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.