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Director of Venture Development

University of Connecticut, Storrs

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Job Summary

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) is competitively recruiting talented venture development professionals to join our growing Technology Commercialization Services (TCS) team.

Benefits

TCS supports breakthrough research and cutting‑edge innovation that benefits society and fuels economic development through a coordinated approach between tech transfer, licensing and startup teams, and enables success for faculty, business, Connecticut, and beyond, resulting in:

  • $1.4 Billion total funds raised by UConn incubator companies.
  • $620 Million in Economic impact of UConn research.
  • 771 Patents granted based on UConn innovations.

The University of Connecticut (UConn) is a top-ranked public research university and land grant institution, rurally situated in the “Quiet Corner” of Northeast Connecticut.

Reporting

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, the Director of Venture Development will be committed to advancing technology-based entrepreneurship and innovation as part of its role in promoting economic growth and development for the state of Connecticut, the region, and the nation. Technology Commercialization Services (TCS) aims to support faculty with venture development and startup formation at UConn.

Responsibilities

The Director of Venture Development will have the following responsibilities:

  • Identifying, developing, and expanding entrepreneurial opportunities for UConn faculty, students, and companies in UConn’s Technology Incubation Program.
  • Working directly with entrepreneurs on all UConn campuses, including UConn Health, to form new ventures and support existing startups in all disciplines.
  • Having a portfolio of inventions responsible for marketing and licensing.
  • Recruiting new startups to join TIP, and helping raise risk capital for UConn startups.
  • Working closely with the Technology Transfer group within TCS to support and educate faculty and students on entrepreneurship, including commercialization strategies and business and financial models.
  • In conjunction with other UConn innovation and entrepreneurship programs and faculty leaders, providing educational and advising services prior to company formation, researching market opportunities, developing and delivering educational programming and curriculum addressing various business topics.
  • Working with new venture teams to identify and meet specific business and scientific milestones critical to commercial success; helping them de‑risk technologies and acquire funding through seed and Series A stages.
  • Continuously evaluating and identifying funding options for a portfolio of startups and preparing companies to attract public investment programs such as Connecticut Innovations, CT Department of Economic and Community Development, federal SBIR/STTR programs, angel and venture capital organisations.
  • Partnering within UConn and beyond to develop substantial sources of capital for university startups, cultivating relationships within the CT, NY, and MA investment communities, leading events such as an annual symposium to align investors with faculty/student entrepreneurs.
  • Developing a dedicated pool of subject matter experts to mentor, advise, and/or manage teams on technical, regulatory, legal and business topics.
  • Co‑ordinating with the UConn Technology Incubation Program (TIP) to transition ventures into TIP as they develop from virtual to physical operations.
  • Working closely with the licensing team to review technologies disclosed to TCS and determine the optimum pathway for commercialization; promoting startup opportunities among entrepreneurial communities at UConn and throughout Connecticut.
  • Allocating approximately twenty‑five percent of responsibilities to licensing, managing a portfolio of inventions and negotiating technology licenses with industry and startups alongside the TCS Licensing team.
  • Managing and leading projects and programs important to TCS mission and the Office of the Vice President of Research.
  • Overseeing the Entrepreneur‑in‑Residence and TCS internship program and ensuring its programmatic success.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree.
  • At least three years of experience in a leadership position related to venture development.
  • Experience with raising capital, supporting early‑stage startups, university technology transfer program, startup incubation and various support modalities throughout the life cycle, or financial models and cap tables.
  • Demonstrated experience acting as an integrated team member, communicating seamlessly with internal and external stakeholders to focus on technology venture opportunities.
  • Demonstrated experience forging mutually beneficial partnerships with industry, nonprofits, and government agencies.
  • Experience with issues and challenges associated with research and development in a university setting.
  • Technology transfer and technology licensing experience.
  • Demonstrated experience utilizing organizational and administrative skills.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in science, engineering, or business preferred.
  • Demonstrable experience across multiple categories listed in Minimum Qualifications.
  • Experience with academic startup company formation.
  • Proven track record of raising capital for early‑stage companies, including successful exit(s) from startups or technology companies, including IPO or acquisition.
  • Deep relations with VC and Private Equity firms.

Appointment Terms

This is a full‑time, permanent position with an excellent benefits package including medical and retirement, and employee and dependent tuition waivers at the University of Connecticut. The salary will be commensurate with experience. The TCS offices are located at 400 Farmington Avenue, Farmington CT. The selected candidate will also be required to travel to Storrs and other campuses.

Terms and Conditions of Employment

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre‑employment criminal background check. The successful incumbent must be willing and able to carry out all job responsibilities at all UConn campuses.

To Apply

Please apply online at , Faculty and Staff Positions, Search # to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references. This job posting is currently scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on March 19, 2026.

EEO Statement

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community. The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics, which may be found at

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