Chief Innovation Officer Academic Affairs

Chief Innovation Officer Academic Affairs

University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT

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 CIOAA 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.