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Executive Director for Innovation and Collaborative VenturesThe University at Buffalo seeks a dynamic and visionary individual to serve as Executive Director of Innovation and Collaborative Ventures. This position presents a unique opportunity to lead the continued development and growth of UB’s innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem and funding mechanisms with a focus on fields such as life sciences, advanced materials, biotech, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. The Executive Director will play a pivotal role in driving collaborative external partnerships in these sectors and is a key resource for developing UB’s strategic pipeline funding opportunities outside of the current funded programs that reside with the Business and Entrepreneur Partnership organization.
Leveraging strong networking and communication skill, the Executive Director will cultivate university and community partnerships for innovation, learning, and collaboration globally. The Executive Director will interface primarily with an external audience to create pipeline opportunities for growth domestically and abroad. They will travel where necessary to grow UB's reputation and resources to drive innovation on campus and throughout the region.
The incumbent will launch new initiatives to drive the growth of collaborative resources to support the growth of WNY. The innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems will create new and leverage existing entrepreneurship resources, including state-of-the-art facilities, start-up programs, accelerators, incubators, EIRs, and other services to support innovation in fields such as life sciences, advanced materials, biotech, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies for UB innovators and the greater WNY community.
While cultivating a university-based asset, the Executive Director will position UB nationally and globally as a leader in innovation and the production of venture-based collaborations and startups.
The Executive Director will report to the Associate Vice President for Economic Development who oversees the Business and Entrepreneur Partnership (BEP) team. They will collaborate as appropriate with the Associate Vice President of Faculty Research Innovation.
Key Responsibilities: Fundraising and Sustainability:
Work closely with stakeholders to secure funding for UB's innovation Ecosystem and Buffalo's global innovation hub initiatives. Engage academic experts and resources, strategic industry partners, and government agencies to drive new opportunities for economic growth and development. 2. Program Development:
Develop and implement funding strategies for life science, advanced materials, biotech, AI, and emerging tech sectors, leveraging existing initiatives where applicable. Organize networking events, workshops, and seminars to connect entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and experts within the innovation community. 3. Networking and Partnerships:
Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with industry leaders, start-ups, investors, and other stakeholders to enhance the ecosystem. Work with UB leaders to engage the state, local, and community stakeholders to help attract new funding opportunities and companies to the University. Serve as advocate for UB, promoting its mission, programs, and success stories through various channels. 4. Stakeholder Engagement:
Engage with faculty researchers and industry stakeholders to provide guidance and support at the pre-formation stage, ensuring alignment of research innovation with commercialization objectives. 5. Commercialization:
Develop and implement strategies to connect high-potential disclosures in current and emerging fields. Outstanding Benefits Package Working at UB comes with benefits that exceed salary alone. There are personal rewards including comprehensive health and retirement plan options. We also focus on creating and sustaining a healthy mix of work, personal and academic pursuit - all in an effort to support your work-life effectiveness. We support your growth and development through our career coaching and training department and we qualify as a public service loan forgiveness organization. Learn more about our
benefit packages .
About The University at Buffalo The University at Buffalo (UB) #ubuffalo is one of America’s leading public research universities and a flagship of the State University of New York system, recognized for our excellence and our impact. UB is a premier, research-intensive public university dedicated to academic excellence. Our research, creative activity and people positively impact the world. Like the city we call home, UB is distinguished by a culture of resilient optimism, resourceful thinking and pragmatic dreaming that enables us to reach others every day. Visit our website to learn more about the
University at Buffalo .
University at Buffalo is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and, in keeping with our commitment, welcomes all to apply including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
