Chief Innovation Officer – Academic Affairs
Job Summary
The Chief Innovation Officer for Academic Affairs (CIOAA) is
responsible for centralizing, accelerating, and scaling innovation
across the University's Academic Affairs ecosystem. This role will
build and lead an integrated, high-performing Innovation Enterprise
(IE) spanning research, education, and (pre)
commercialization.
The CIO AA oversees the Academic Affairs Innovation and
Partnerships Office, including but not limited to
industry-sponsored research, experiential learning (e.g.,
capstones), and related industry contracting.
The CIOAA will collaborate closely with the Technology Licensing
Office (TLO), Utah Venture Hub (UVH), Deans, Associate Deans for
Research, Department Chairs of units under Academic Affairs (AA),
CRO Health Sc. (HS), and the Office of the Vice President for
Research (VPR) to develop and leverage partnerships across Academic
Affairs and Health Sciences. The role will also engage with
extramural funding organizations, industry, and public and private
partners to build a sustainable and nationally competitive
innovation ecosystem.
This position reports to the Chief Research Officer and Vice
Provost for Research Planning and Partnerships, Academic Affairs,
oversees staff, and is focused on both innovation and partnership
efforts.
Responsibilities
Innovation
- Develop and scale a robust innovation pipeline across Academic
Affairs, including invention disclosures, pre-commercial
opportunities, and commercialization pathways.
Partner with faculty, Associate Deans for Research, and
Center/Institute Directors under the Academic Affairs umbrella to
identify and advance commercial research, including Small Business
Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer
(STTR) opportunities, I-Corps participation, and venture
development.
Serve as a key liaison between Academic Affairs, the Office of
the Vice President for Research (VPR), and the TLO to increase
transparency, coordination, and effectiveness in technology
commercialization.
Contribute to university-wide policy development related to
intellectual property, licensing, and equity participation, and
promotes training and awareness in these areas.
Collaborate with the AVPR AA for Research Engagement and
Planning and other Academic Affairs leadership to ensure alignment
and synergy across initiatives.
Partner with the CIO for Health Sciences to strengthen
cross-campus innovation and commercialization efforts.
Oversee infrastructure supporting startup formation, including
proof-of-concept funding and early-stage venture support.
Foster a competitive, transparent, and equitable environment
for access to university technologies by internal and external
venture partners.
Promote a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation among
faculty and academic units.
Partnerships
- Lead and manage the Academic Affairs Innovation and
Partnerships Office, including oversight of industry-sponsored
research, experiential learning programs, and related contracting
frameworks.
- Develop and maintain strategic relationships with industry,
nonprofit organizations, and foundations to expand support for
faculty research.
- Drive growth in non-federal research funding, with success
measured by revenue generation, awards, and sponsored research
expenditures.
- Collaborate with the Missions Agency Office to coordinate
engagement with federal and state mission-driven agencies.
- Partner with UCareer Success, corporate engagement, and the
Office of General Counsel to facilitate and execute partnerships
and agreements.
- Represent the University in regional, national, and
international business and innovation communities.
- Collaborate with the State Innovation Center and other external
entities to leverage resources supporting commercialization and
partnership development.
Leadership & Administration
- Lead strategic planning, resource allocation, and
organizational development for the Innovation and Partnerships
portfolio.
- Oversee budget development and management for CIO AA
initiatives.
- Recruit, mentor, and supervise staff within the Innovation and
Partnerships Office.
- Serve on university committees and advisory groups relevant to
innovation, research, and partnerships.
- Strengthen engagement across Academic Affairs and Health
Sciences leadership to support cross-campus collaboration.
- Execute special projects and strategic initiatives as directed
by the Chief Research Officer and Vice Provost for Research
Planning and Partnerships, Academic Affairs.
Minimum Qualifications
- A PhD, M.B.A., J.D., or other master's degree related to
position.
- Significant expertise in all pertinent areas of law,
regulation, policy, and protocols as they relate to the field of
technology transfer, intellectual property management, and
industry-sponsored research.
- Experience at a major research university or other institution
of comparable complexity.
- Five years of experience working as a professional technology
transfer associate, industry engagement manager, or a role
reflecting a combination of technology transfer and industry
engagement duties, or a comparable role at a research-intensive
institution of higher education or comparable organization.
- Five years of progressive experience supervising professionals
in the field of technology transfer/intellectual property
protection, industry-sponsored research, economic development, and
translational innovation at a research-intensive institution of
higher education or comparable organization. Years of experience
may be concurrent. We are most interested in finding the best
candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with
relevant transferable skills from a variety of sources and
experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to
think broadly about your background and skill set for the
role.
Preferences
Professional Competencies
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the
ability to develop, scale, and advance multiple complex
projects/problems simultaneously.
- Demonstrated abilities in leading, planning, or managing
complex projects, organizational development initiatives, policy
and procedure development, and/or business process
optimization.
- A sophisticated approach to cultural change that balances
awareness of established practices with bold, reasoned pursuit of
innovation.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively regarding UU's
mission and innovation and research strategy both verbally and in
writing with all levels of the organization and external
stakeholders.
- Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external
partners.
- Ability to manage and provide oversight for budgeting,
accounting, and financial reporting for innovation, research, and
sponsored program activities.
- Ability to interact with financial decision-makers and maintain
a high level of professionalism, discretion, and
confidentiality.
- Ability to interact, communicate, and work effectively with
individuals, recognizing and respecting the many and varied
identities of each person.
- Demonstrable commitment to integrity, diversity, equity, and
inclusion in research.
- Skills in relationship-building, with ability to grow/maintain
engagement and motivation for self and others and build energy
around programs and initiatives.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, set appropriate
work priorities, and require minimal supervision over regular work
activities.
- Demonstrated excellence in analytical problem-solving.
Special Instructions
Requisition Number: PRN45269B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary:
Department: 00002 - EVPAA - Academics
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $275,000 - $300,000
Close Date: 09/01/2026
Open Until Filled:
To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/9746775"">https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/204744
je-32346820c5954064a2d8e66a4623dd2e
