Associate Director - Technology Ventures

About the Opportunity

JOB SUMMARY

The primary responsibility of the role of Associate Director of Tech Ventures is to identify and nurture promising technologies and teams ripe for commercialization through new venture creation. This individual will lead efforts to commercialize Northeastern inventions by supporting new venture creation, managing a dynamic portfolio of spinouts, and developing programming to support entrepreneurial activities.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership capabilities with experience in translating scientific ideas to impact, fostering entrepreneurial mindsets, and developing actionable venture creation roadmaps. They must possess excellent communication skills to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, from university inventors to industry leaders and investors. This role requires a strategic thinker with the ability to identify opportunities, drive initiatives forward, and maintain the highest level of professionalism and confidentiality in all interactions.

This position will contribute to the Center for Research Innovation's mission to increase real-world impact through successful commercialization of Northeastern inventions, positioning the university as a leader in technology transfer and venture creation.

This is a fixed-term, benefits eligible role expected to run one year from the start date of the finalist. The role may be extended depending on The Center for Research Innovation (CRI) or Northeastern University's business needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a related field (e.g., PhD, MBA) with significant experience in technology transfer, research translation, entrepreneurship, science industry, or related areas
• Strong leadership skills with demonstrated experience in cross-team collaboration, optimization of resource utilization, and venture creation required
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders including researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry partners
• Must be a strategic thinker with proven ability to identify opportunities and drive initiatives forward while maintaining attention to operational details
• Experience in managing portfolios, conducting market analysis, and understanding commercialization pathways preferred
• Knowledge of university technology transfer processes and entrepreneurial ecosystems highly valued

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

1. Portfolio Management & Strategic Analysis (35%)

• Oversee the strategic management of a portfolio of spinouts, ensuring alignment with industry trends and investment opportunities
• Conduct market analysis to identify commercialization pathways and strategic industry positioning for spinouts
• Develop strategic recommendations for portfolio companies and new venture opportunities
• Monitor spinout progress and ensure optimal positioning for commercial success, including milestone progress management pre and post license
• Support development of investable business plans and identify funding opportunities for research-based ventures

2. Faculty Education & Researcher Engagement (20%)

• Cultivate relationships with Northeastern inventors to deeply understand the technical and business potential of each spinout
• Build a robust pipeline for faculty that will educate them on commercialization, venture creation, and available internal and external resources for supporting technology spinouts
• Provide coaching and mentoring to researchers on venture formation and business development processes, including connecting Northeastern inventors with subject matter experts, advisors, and potential management team members to assist with venture creation and development

3. Program Development & Ecosystem Integration (15%)

• Design and implement initiatives and programs that provide unique resources and support to Northeastern's academic entrepreneurial community, while complementing existing support structures
• Create best practices and standardized approaches for venture development support
• Collaborate with Advancement on working toward a long-term, sustainable fundraising strategy

4. Data Management & Reporting (15%)

• Ensure all key information is assembled and captured in the central CRI database for reporting purposes
• Collect and distribute data measuring successes for marketing and communications purposes across the entrepreneurial ecosystem
• Build creative assets demonstrating impact and success for engagement, reporting, and fundraising use
• Manage all spinout marketing materials, including but not limited to creative assets and content for social media, the CRI website, and the CRI spinouts newsletter

5. Talent Network Development & Stakeholder Engagement (15%)

• Build and maintain a talent pipeline and network of subject matter experts, advisors, and potential management team members for spinout companies
• Engage with industry leaders and investors to facilitate resources and funding opportunities for spinouts
• Facilitate collaborations at the organization level to build long-term relationships and resources
• Represent the Center for Research Innovation at conferences, networking events, and in discussions with potential collaborators