Director, Venture Development

Department

SIP Polsky Technology Ventures - Administration

About the Department

The Polsky Center advances innovative ideas and technologies from the University of Chicago ecosystem to the world. Through education, resources, and programs, the Polsky Center commercializes discoveries, partners with companies, and attracts venture capital. Amongst other programming, the Polsky Center runs a top-ranked business accelerator, the Edward L. Kaplan, '71, New Venture Challenge; operates a multi-disciplinary co-working space called the Polsky Exchange; and manages the George Shultz Innovation Fund that invests in early-stage ventures. Finally, the Polsky Center houses the University of Chicago's technology transfer unit, which manages all University-based intellectual property originating from faculty research and discoveries that can be licensed to industry partners and investors.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Technology Ventures, the Director of Venture Development, AI will play a pivotal role in advancing the commercialization of University of Chicago AI and data science ventures and managing a robust network of relationships with investors. The Director will work closely with University faculty and researchers to evaluate AI and data science research innovations and assess startup potential, provide guidance on commercialization strategies, support preparation for investor engagement, and provide connections to relevant funding, talent, and advice.

The Director will act as a critical liaison to the venture capital ecosystem and other investors, cultivating relationships and connecting investors with relevant startups to secure funding and strategic partnerships. The Director will also work closely with partners across campus and colleagues across the Technology Ventures team at the Polsky Center, including in the life sciences and physical sciences venture development verticals, IP and technology development, business licensing and technology marketing, IP compliance, and accelerators and investments. This role leads the identification, investigation, and negotiation of licensing opportunities for permission to use intellectual property rights, including trademarks, patents, or technology. Solves unique and complex problems related to the transfer and use of intellectual property. Provides specialized expertise to faculty to transform ideas and discoveries into patents, licenses, products, services, and ventures.

Responsibilities

• Drives Venture Development team priorities, in close collaboration with partners including the Data Science Institute at the University of Chicago. Sets and executes strategies to support the creation and growth of University researchers' AI and data science ventures, and builds and strengthens relationships with the venture capital and investor ecosystem.
• Works closely with University faculty and researchers to identify and assess commercial potential of new and existing research projects and invention disclosures, in partnership with IP and business development team leadership.
• Works closely with faculty to understand their venture needs, next steps, and provide ongoing proactive coaching.
• Undertakes technical and commercial due-diligence based on input from internal and external stakeholders with the objective of charting a business/commercialization strategy.
• Prepares faculty and their startups for investment diligence, and engages with investors, which may include reviewing and supporting the development of business plans and pitch decks, coaching researchers in presenting ideas to investors, and proactively identifying and facilitating investor meetings.
• Establishes or expands programs to identify and support entrepreneurial talent, mentorship, and early-stage management for AI and data science ventures.
• Builds and cultivates a robust network of venture capitalists, corporate investors, and industry leaders to support funding and strategic partnerships for faculty startups.
• Develops presentation materials and target business case / new opportunity pitches to selected partners.
• Tracks emerging trends in venture capital and areas of University research focus, especially in AI and data science, to inform strategic opportunities for faculty ventures.
• Manages budget and processes to support venture development activities, ensuring seamless coordination between faculty, Polsky staff, and external partners.
• Represents the University as a thought leader in venture development and commercialization for AI and data science.
• Leads the development of intellectual portfolio patenting, licensing, commercialization activities and marketing plans. Contributes to the strategic direction and expansion of new initiatives.
• Uses depth and breadth of knowledge to build strong relationships with inventors, legal counsel, prospective and actual licensees, and colleagues that promote the mission and business of the department.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

• --

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Advanced degree in computer science, engineering, or related discipline.

Experience:

• Knowledge and skills developed through 10+ years of experience in technology commercialization, venture creation, and/or investments.
• Launching, working at, or investing in early-stage AI or data science startups. Familiar with venture capital or other investor diligence.
• Deep expertise in supporting the creation and growth of AI, data science or computer science-based ventures, including developing commercialization strategies and preparing investor engagement materials.
• Understanding of working closely with or for faculty and faculty-led ventures.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated leadership capabilities.
• Develop and lead strategies that establish new functions and capabilities to grow the impact of University researcher ventures.
• Effectively communicate and collaborate on scientific inventions and technologies with a variety of stakeholders, including faculty, researchers, and external partners.
• Deep understanding of the science startup venture landscape, including the venture investment landscape, and provide strategic guidance to early-stage startups.
• Provide strong customer service to University researchers and external partners.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and credibility with faculty, researchers, and venture capital partners.
• Demonstrated comfort with ambiguity and organizational change in a rapidly evolving field.
• Creative problem-solving skills to address complex challenges at the intersection of science, business, and law.
• Knowledge of intellectual property, including the ability to evaluate commercialization strategies and licensing agreements.
• Background in data science and AI, to support ventures in these areas,.

Working Conditions

• This position is currently expected to work a minimum of three days per week in the office.
• Work flexible hours according to demands of business.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Legal & Regulatory Affairs

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$150,000.00 - $200,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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