"Industry Alliance Specialist 4 (Local Hybrid)"

About the Job

Under the general direction of the Assistant Vice Chancellor, the Industry Alliances Specialist 4 is responsible for managing programs and providing resources to support technology commercialization and the formation of new university-associated startup companies. The IAS4 serves as a point person with business and technical expertise, engaging directly with innovators and entrepreneurs to facilitate a pathway from research to commercial impact through startup growth and development.

The IAS4 will work in close collaboration with other campus partners and engage with industry representatives and investors to develop and implement programs that facilitate funding for translational research and in direct support of startups commercializing university technologies. The IAS4 will also assist entrepreneurs in developing the most effective strategies to leverage various sources of funding, including government entities and foundations to de-risk and advance development of foundational technologies.

Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to assisting OTIIR in its efforts to build strong relationships within the innovation ecosystems in Northern California and beyond, raising the visibility of university technologies and startups among key audiences, and tracking and evaluating unit metrics with a focus on customer service and quality improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Cultivate a pipeline of innovators and startups by engaging with diverse groups of university-associated entrepreneurs, academic departments, labs, and centers, as well as student classes, program, and clubs and assessing research and innovation activities for new technology commercialization opportunities.
2. Identify barriers to new startup formation that exist for university-associated innovators and entrepreneurs and develop strategies to overcome them.
3. Manage relationships with portfolio innovators and startups, regularly assessing needs, effectively moving through program workflows, and proactively identifying and solving problems.
4. Assist entrepreneurs with navigating internal policies and processes relevant to university innovators, startup founders, and executives, including intellectual property, conflicts of interest and commitment, and other compliance aspects.
5. Develop and manage innovation and entrepreneurship programs and partnerships, organize workshops and events, effectively deliver services, provide business guidance, and facilitate connections to internal and external resources and networks to support the formation and growth of university-associated startups.
6. Collaborate with partners to coordinate and support innovation and entrepreneurship programs and activities, including but not limited to NSF iCorps and Blackstone LaunchPad.
7. Develop and manage mentor and entrepreneur-in-residence programs focused on providing dedicated support and strategic guidance to innovators and startups.
8. Develop educational content, mentor pipeline, and support to capture Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) funding.
9. Work closely with AVC and other partners to develop specific strategies for soliciting targeted support for OTIIR initiatives developed to support translational research, technology commercialization, and startups
10. Enable investment opportunities by developing relationships with incubators, accelerators, and investors focused on startups, establishing regular mechanisms for engagement, and facilitating connections and follow-up actions with innovators and startups.
11. Conceptualize and implement preferred investor and partner programs targeting relationships with core interest areas aligned with university innovation and startup strengths.
12. Facilitate corporate partnership opportunities by attending industry conferences and innovation events, organize partnering activities involving innovators and startups, and managing follow-up activities
13. Work closely with AVC and other partners to develop strategies for establishing proof-of-concept, seed, and venture investment funds targeting university-associated technologies and startups.
14. Support internal and external communications activities and initiatives that promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization and raise the visibility of innovators, technologies, and startups among key audiences.
15. Represent unit at campus and community events, develop marketing materials, and create and provide presentations to academic, investor, and business audiences.
16. Conduct research and analyze trends and opportunities in intellectual property, investment, technology commercialization, and business dynamics to inform engagement with team, partners, innovators, and startups.
17. Establish, track, and report on key performance indicators for innovation, and new venture resources and industry and investor engagement activities and regularly evaluate metrics for quality improvement.
18. Performs other duties/special projects as assigned. May lead other lower-level staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in STEM field or Business, Business Administration or related field; and/or
• Advanced degree such as Master of Business Administration (MBA) or in Economics, Finance, Marketing, STEM or related area (preferred); and
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for program or project management activities, or equivalent education/training or experience. A master's degree is preferred but may not substitute for the required years of experience (required).
• Experience and deep understanding of faculty and programmatic research interests within the University. Understanding of partnership agreements, patent law, licensing, and commercialization.
• Skilled communicator: includes verbal and written communication, active listening, critical thinking, persuasiveness, and advising and counseling skills. Ability to use discretion and respect confidentiality.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills to establish and maintain working relationships with colleagues, faculty, donors, and industry partners, with an emphasis on collaboration, tact, diplomacy, flexibility, professionalism, and discretion.
• Advanced organizational and project management skills. Ability to lead a team, prioritize personal and team tasks, and see projects through from inception to completion on schedule.
• Ability to perform all commonly applicable functions of Microsoft Suite. Advanced knowledge of software applications specific to industry alliance programs. Ability to teach others.
• Ability to break down complex concepts and tailor communication to industry partner unique needs and interests.
• Knowledge of University of California policies and rules governing intellectual property, equity, licensing, technology transfer, and related conflicts of interest and commitment policies and ethical requirements.
• Experience developing business plans, financial models, investment pitches, and business development and fundraising strategies.
• Experience working in both academic and corporate environments to provide guidance on and engage in translational research and technology commercialization.

Hiring Range

The salary range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $113,000 - $133,000.

Job Closing Date

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is a 'Local Hybrid' role with a percentage of the time on campus for true collaboration. A flexible work arrangement, which includes a non-standard work schedule with travel and appointments throughout the Central Valley and other areas. An incumbent that resides in the Northern California Bay Area may be considered provided they plan a regular weekly campus presence.

This is a renewable, multi-year contract appointment and is eligible for full University of California benefits.

Initial applicant review and interviews will take place after January 5, 2026

How to Apply:

An online application is required for each position to apply. To apply, visit https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psc/ucm/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&JobOpeningId=82556&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=25&languageCd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant

The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.