Senior Manager, Venture Development

Job Summary

The University of Utah is building the future of innovation - and we're looking for a connector, strategist, and startup champion to help drive it. The Senior Manager, Venture Development will play a key role in shaping and supporting high-growth ventures emerging from university research. This position will focus on helping scientific founders find the right business talent. The Senior Manager will also help prepare startups to raise the capital they need to thrive and connect them with potential investors.

This is a unique opportunity to sit at the center of the University's innovation ecosystem — working closely with the Technology Licensing Office (TLO), inventors, entrepreneurs, and investors — to accelerate the growth of breakthrough ideas into successful companies.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

Responsibilities

Build Connections

• Curate and manage a network of seasoned business leaders, strategic advisors, industry executives, and specialized support vendors.
• Align executive talent, board members, and domain-specific mentors with operational needs across our startup portfolio, ensuring companies have investable teams and experienced guidance at critical inflection points.
• Facilitate introductions and foster long-term relationships between startups and advisors to create an integrated support ecosystem.
• Represent the University's startup community at events, strengthening ties with entrepreneurs, strategic advisors, and funding sources, while elevating the profile and credibility of our ventures.

Fuel Fundraising Success

• Help startups craft compelling pitches, prepare investor materials, and get "deal-ready." Connect startups to appropriate funding opportunities.
• Cultivate relationships with local, regional, and national investors, including venture capital firms, angel investors, and strategic partners.

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience). Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 8 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

• Ability to understand and interpret technical or research-based information Track record of raising capital or supporting fundraising efforts for early-stage companies.
• Experience in entrepreneurship, venture capital, startup operations, or technology commercialization.
• Strong network within the investor, startup, or corporate innovation community.
• Excellent communication, relationship management, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively with faculty inventors, entrepreneurs, and external partners.