At Tech Launch Arizona (TLA) our mission is to ensure greater cohesion among University innovators, the business community, and entrepreneurial support organizations to enhance the impact of U of A research and creative endeavors. The TLA Venture Development team facilitates the creation of new ventures founded on these inventions.
The TLA Venture Development team is recruiting a Venture Development Manager for Physical Sciences and Software. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, outgoing, and will have proven technology commercialization and startup experience. This position will focus primarily on startup activities and will report to the TLA Director, Venture Development.
As a place to live and work, Tucson has been ranked in the top 20 among America’s Best Cities in the 2021 annual report by Resonance Consultancy, and was the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy designated in the U.S., joining the worldwide network of UNESCO Creative Cities.
Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Support the creation and tracking of startup companies founded on U of A Intellectual Property (IP):
- Work with TLA team to assess commercial opportunities,
- Work with Mentors-in-Residence (MIRs) to monitor and advance startup team formation: business leadership, advisors, and business planning,
- Identify individuals who have the interest and experience necessary to lead university startup teams,
- Manage the process by which network members engage with startup teams for advising and leadership,
- Track startup team progress and challenges and review with MIRs and Director, Venture Development,
- Support the NSF I-Corps program efforts,
- Provide post-license business development and mentoring support where appropriate to advance company success,
- Other duties as assigned.
- Work with the Director on team initiatives:
- Develop and support startup resources: collateral, workshops and clinics, outreach, other.
- Engage in ongoing peer review and assessment of best practices.
- Identify and pursue other resources/grants designed to enhance commercialization efforts.
- Provide support where needed.
- Additional duties may be assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Demonstrated knowledge of technology commercialization, entrepreneurship, and innovation management concepts.
- Ability to represent Tech Launch Arizona and U of A in a range of professional settings.
- Exceptional project management and communication skills.
- Knowledge of university culture and activities.
- Knowledge of the region's economic and entrepreneurial landscape.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional-level experience required and a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in entrepreneurial activities (e.g., startup business creation, startup governance, team formation, business and financial modeling, strategic planning, investment, mentoring); or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Federal regulations require that the incumbent be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident to be ITAR/EAR compliant.
Preferred Qualifications
- Scientific and/or business degrees related to Physical Sciences or Software.
- 10 or more years’ experience working in a university commercialization setting, or related incubator or accelerator environment.
- Experience with NSF I-Corps or similar entrepreneurial programs.