Director of Technology Commercialization

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The Small Business and Technology Development Center ( SBTDC) is a multi-campus inter-institutional program authorized by the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina. It functions as the Business and Technology extension service of the UNC System and is administered through North Carolina State University.

The primary mission of the SBTDC is to support economic growth and development in the state by providing assistance to existing small and medium-sized businesses and new business start-ups. It also has a lead role in facilitating technology development and transfer within the state s small business community. In carrying outs its mission, the SBTDC leverages significant federal, state, and private funding for its operations and is engaged with a broad range of state agencies, economic and business development resources, and the constituent institutions of the UNC System.

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

The Statewide Technology Commercialization Director has oversight management of the SBTDC s Technology Team and programmatically supervises multiple SBTDC staff at distributed SBTDC regional centers across NC. The position will develop annual work plans for the Technology unit and will prepare a quarterly report on performance versus the development plans. Extensive inter-institutional contact with appropriate staff within the 16-campus University System will be expected. The position has responsibility for the development of new products and programs and will facilitate communication and technology transfer initiatives locally, statewide, and nationally. The position will manage and have oversight of existing technology-based student engagement programs and will develop new programs as appropriate. The position will also manage and deploy the existing Investor Ready Entrepreneur program, updating content as appropriate, and will recruit subject matter expertise to facilitate.

The position serves on internal committees and work groups, and is responsible to the State Director for special projects supporting initiatives of the SBTDC and other external organizations.

Significant marketing and outreach will be required, along with instruction/training activities which support the SBTDC s technology development and commercialization objectives. Applied research for various technology reports and publications will be performed.

Primary responsibilities include:
- Providing leadership, supervision, mentoring, and performance management for technology commercialization counselors located throughout the state.
- Delivering one-on-one counseling and strategic guidance to innovation-based companies, entrepreneurs, and university faculty members.
- Planning, developing, and executing statewide educational programs, workshops, webinars, and conferences focused on technology commercialization, entrepreneurial growth, and innovation funding.
- Cultivating sponsorships and external funding sources to support programmatic initiatives and strategic objectives.
- Developing and disseminating educational, promotional, and thought-leadership content through newsletters, social media platforms, websites, and other communication channels.
- Directing a statewide graduate student internship program, including program design, fundraising, university partnerships, student recruitment, client engagement, and program evaluation.
- Building and maintaining strategic relationships with universities, technology transfer offices, innovation centers, MBA programs, research institutions, and entrepreneurial support organizations throughout North Carolina.
- Establishing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with federal, state, regional, and local economic development organizations and innovation ecosystem stakeholders.
- Representing the SBTDC through speaking engagements, networking events, professional conferences, and other public-facing activities throughout the state and nationally.
- Monitoring program performance and outcomes, preparing quarterly and annual reports, and ensuring achievement of annual work plan objectives and contractual deliverables.
- Participating in senior leadership activities and serving as the primary liaison between SBTDC leadership and the Technology Commercialization team.

The Director of Technology Commercialization leads one of SBTDC's most distinctive and nationally recognized service offerings. This position plays a critical role in strengthening North Carolina's innovation economy by helping emerging companies secure funding, commercialize research-based technologies, create high-quality jobs, attract investment capital, and bring new products and services to market. The position also serves as a key connector among universities, entrepreneurs, investors, economic development organizations, and public-sector partners, helping to advance innovation-based economic development across the state.

Master's or Bachelor's and 0-2 years' experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.

* Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking, presentation development, and preparation of reports, marketing materials, and educational content.
* Ability to travel extensively throughout North Carolina and occasionally outside the state.
* Ability to lead, supervise, mentor, and evaluate professional staff in a collaborative and geographically dispersed work environment.
* Ability to establish priorities, delegate responsibilities, and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
* Commitment to fostering a positive team culture and supporting professional development.
* Working knowledge of technology commercialization processes, startup formation, innovation ecosystems, and research-based entrepreneurship.
* Understanding of federal and state innovation funding programs, including non-dilutive funding opportunities, venture capital, angel investment, and other sources of growth capital.
* Ability to communicate complex technical, financial, and business concepts to diverse audiences.

* Master's degree in business administration, engineering, science, technology management, entrepreneurship, or a related field.
* Seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in business development, technology commercialization, innovation management, entrepreneurship support, economic development, venture development, technology transfer, or a related field.
* Demonstrated experience advising small businesses, startups, entrepreneurs, or university researchers on business growth, commercialization, funding strategies, or innovation-related topics.
* Experience leading programs, projects, initiatives, or teams with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
* Experience developing and maintaining partnerships with universities, government agencies, economic development organizations, investors, entrepreneurial support organizations, or other innovation ecosystem partners.
* Experience with SBIR/ STTR programs, federal research funding, technology transfer, or university commercialization activities.
* Experience securing grants, sponsorships, contracts, or other external funding sources.
* Experience working within a university-based, nonprofit, economic development, or entrepreneurial support organization.
* Experience managing statewide initiatives or multi-institution collaborations.
* Familiarity with North Carolina's innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development ecosystem.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

Additionally, this position is only open to United States citizens or lawful permanent residents.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.