"OK Catalyst Manager"

Job Description

OK Catalyst, based at the University of Oklahoma's Tom Love Innovation Hub, is the state's leading support organization for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. We work with researchers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses to secure federal R&D funding and accelerate the commercialization of academic discoveries and innovative technologies. The Lead Proposal Strategist plays a critical role in supporting small businesses and research teams in securing non-dilutive federal funding. This position provides expert guidance and hands-on support in developing competitive proposals aligned with agency-specific guidelines, ensuring compliance, technical accuracy, and strategic positioning for commercialization.

Essential Duties:

• Monitors projects, program evaluation, and development of long-range plans.
• Writes grants and contract proposals and manages grants and contracts.
• Serves on various committees and represents the unit to public and client groups.
• Ensures the evaluation of programs and instruction.
• Oversees project management.
• Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.
• Assist clients with end-to-end proposal development for SBIR/STTR submissions, including topic matching, agency selection, and interpreting solicitation requirements.
• Provide detailed reviews and editing of technical narratives, budget justifications, and supporting documents to ensure clarity, consistency, and responsiveness to solicitation criteria.
• Coordinate proposal timelines and manage submission schedules to meet strict deadlines.
• Ensure all proposal components comply with agency formatting, eligibility, and administrative requirements (NSF, NIH, DoD, DOE, NASA, USDA, etc.).
• Advise on best practices for articulating innovation, technical merit, and potential for commercialization.
• Support development of commercialization plans, including market analysis, IP strategy, and regulatory pathways.
• Track and maintain records of client submissions, success rates, and feedback for continuous improvement.
• Conduct SBIR/STTR trainings, webinars, and one-on-one consultations to build client capacity and awareness of funding opportunities.
• Serve as a liaison with university tech transfer offices, startup incubators, and economic development partners to identify and support high-potential applicants.
• Stay up to date on federal policy changes, solicitation updates, and agency-specific review trends.

Job Requirements

Required Education and Experience:

Masters degree, AND: 36 months of program administration of related experience.

Equivalency Substitution: Will accept 72 months of related experience in lieu of the Masters degree for a total of 108 months of related experience.

Skills:

• Able to communicate well and build rapport quickly with students, faculty and staff.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
• Able to read and interpret policy as well as State and Federal regulations.
• Able to effectively evaluate projects/programs and produce comprehensive reports.
• Able to supervise staff and communicate directions and expectations effectively.
• Strong initiative to solve problems.
• Able to work well with interdepartmental teams and initiatives.
• Grant and contract management skills.

Certifications:

• Valid Drivers License

Advertised Physical Requirements:

Physical: Ability to engage in repetitive motions. Environmental: 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:

• Advanced degree (MBA, MS, PhD) in a technical or business discipline.
• Familiarity with electronic submission portals (e.g., Grants.gov, NIH ASSIST, NSF Research.gov, DoD DSIP).
• Strong understanding of federal funding mechanisms and agency-specific solicitation processes.

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 values our community's unique talents, perspectives, and experiences. At OU, we aspire to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere. You Belong Here!

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, gender identity/expression (consistent with applicable law), age (40 or older), 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, housing, financial aid, and educational services.