Job Title

We are seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to join our team to support the Associate Commissioner of Innovation and team. This role is ideal for a professional who has a robust background in the startup ecosystem, significant ties to the Utah business community, entrepreneurial experience, and a comprehensive network. The successful candidate will be instrumental in bridging the gap between Utah’s higher education institutions and the startup ecosystem, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration.

The Innovation, Commercialization, and Economic Development team at the Utah System of Higher Education is ardently engaged in steering a multitude of pioneering projects within the state, each designed to harness the innovative capital of Utah’s academic and economic vitality. Notably, the team is at the forefront of the Innovation District at The Point project. This ambitious project is a nexus where academia, industry leaders, and policy makers converge to foster a symbiotic ecosystem, encouraging the exchange of ideas and the nurturing of innovation. The environment is meticulously designed to spur research and development, start-up incubation, and collaborative opportunities that can translate academic research into tangible societal benefits. Furthermore, the team is instrumental in managing the $30 million Utah Innovation Fund. This significant investment underscores Utah’s commitment to economic progression by methodically commercializing a range of breakthrough technologies. These are discoveries, advancements, or developments that are connected within Utah’s higher education institutions. By providing essential capital, mentorship, and strategic guidance, the fund aims to shepherd these innovations from the laboratory to the marketplace, thereby solidifying Utah’s reputation as a crucible of innovation. Thirdly we have the Utah Policy Innovation Lab, a specialized entity is dedicated to enhancing the policy-making process through a research-centered approach. The Utah Policy Innovation Lab is a testament to the team’s commitment to evidence-based policy development, ensuring that the decisions that shape the future of Utah are informed by rigorous research and comprehensive collaborations. And last, we have Nucleus, which is the vehicle to help support high impact projects for students across the state of Utah with a focus on driving innovation.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Leverage an extensive network to connect educators, students, and startups with opportunities for collaboration, funding, and resource sharing.

Supporting the development of the Nucleus Site which will serve as a matchmaker between students, industry, policy and others to create meaningful partnerships that will increase opportunities, enhance student outcomes and directly drive economic development activity.

Support the development and implementation of entrepreneurship programs, workshops, and seminars that benefit students, faculty, and the local startup community.

Represent the Utah System of Higher Education at internal business, technology, and education events, showcasing the interconnectivity between higher education and the startup ecosystem.

Collaborate with incubators, accelerators, and other support structures within the educational institutions to nurture budding entrepreneurs and startups.

Help to drive company commercialization efforts, including supporting entrepreneurs with market research, industry trends, competitive landscape, product development and identifying sales and marketing strategies and possible distribution partnership.

Attend external industry events, conferences, and networking meetups to foster relationships that can lead to business opportunities, partnerships, or investor connections.

Support activities to help startups including helping prepare pitch decks, connecting to the angel networks and the venture capital community.

Skills:

Proven track record in business development, ideally within the startup ecosystem or closely related field.

Strong connections within the Utah business community, especially with startups, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurial networks.

Entrepreneurial background, preferably having started or significantly contributed to a startup.

Excellent networking, communication, and interpersonal skills, capable of building and maintaining relationships with a diverse array of stakeholders.

Strategic thinker with the ability to translate innovative ideas into executable, impactful programs.

Commitment to fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship within the educational sector.

Other

Ability to attend events outside of normal working hours as needed.

Willingness to travel for projects, meetings, and institutional site visits.

Disclaimer:

OCHE has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and primary duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee’s ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and OCHE reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as OCHE may deem appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s or equivalent experience in Business Development, Entrepreneurship, or related field (1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience)

6 years’ experience in business development is required, preferably within the startup ecosystem or closely related field.

Preferences

Type Benefited Staff

Special Instructions Summary

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and any relevant supporting documents (e.g., a portfolio showcasing your experience with startups or business development achievements) via our online application portal. Highlight your experience within the startup ecosystem and any direct impact you have had on educational programs or initiatives.

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.

All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO/AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/

Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu

https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

* How many years of experience in business development do you have?

Less than 4 years

More than 4 years but less than 6 years

6 or more years

* Do you have a related Bachelor's degree or equivalency? (1 year related work experience may be substituted for 1 year of education)

Yes - I have a Bachelor's degree or equivelant.

Yes - I have a Master's degree or equivelant.

Yes - I have a PhD or equivelant.

No.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Resume

Optional Documents

Cover Letter

Appropriate discharge document (such as a DD-214 – Member Copy 4) – Veteran Only – Call 801.581.2169

Addendum to the University of Utah - Veteran Only - Call 801.581.2169 after submission

List of References

Applicant Document - Other