Director, Nucleus Grow
University of California, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) 03/23/2026
Job Summary
Housed within the Nucleus Institute, Nucleus Grow works with Utah entrepreneurs, researchers, and small businesses to access non-dilutive funding to develop innovative technologies, supporting the overall Nucleus vision to serve as the hub of Utah’s innovation economy. The team provides resources, expert guidance, training, and proposal assistance to support small businesses as they competitively bid for federal research and development funding.
The Director of Nucleus Grow is responsible for establishing the strategic vision and managing the team to align with the goals of the Nucleus Institute while actively building Utah’s innovation ecosystem.
Responsibilities
Manage team, including program and project managers.
Prepare and manage budgets.
Provide strategic direction to accomplish the Nucleus goals.
Train and mentor team.
Evaluate and report on Nucleus Grow success, including tracking data of programs and metrics.
Consult with entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators on technology development goals and program alignment.
Review and provide feedback on grant proposals, including technical plans, budget documents, and commercialization strategies.
Understand nuances across federal agency implementation of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
Develop and maintain partner relationships.
Create content and present workshops and training.
Develop messaging strategies and marketing initiatives.
Oversee the Utah Technology Innovation Funding program.
Collaborate with other Nucleus directors and managers.
Oversee the Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology annual awards.
Minimum Qualifications Education & Experience:
Minimum of 5 years of full-time relevant work experience. Science or business background preferred.
Equivalent work experience in a related field will be considered (1 year experience is equivalent to 1 year of education).
Skills & Abilities:
Demonstrated ability managing a team.
Technical and/or grant writing and editing experience.
Ability to understand and analyze complex ideas.
Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills orally and in writing with individuals or presenting on a larger scale.
Excellent soft skills including critical and strategic thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and time management.
Attention to detail with an innate ability to see the broad picture.
Experience working with budgets.
Understand Utah’s innovation and start-up ecosystem.
Ability to network and build partnerships with resource providers and key players.
Preferences:
Experience with federal, government, or nonprofit grants.
Special consideration given to those with Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer grant experience.
Type Special Instructions Summary
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 possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
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.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah 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 Title IX (OEO). 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/
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 related work experience do you have?
Less than 2 years
2 year or more, but less than 4 years
4 years or more, but less than 6 years
6 years or more, but less than 8 years
8 years or more
* Do you have a related Master’s degree or equivalency?
Yes
No
Required Documents
Resume
Optional Documents
Cover Letter
Historical Only – Do Not Use – See Description for More Information – Appropriate discharge document (such as DD-2214) – Veteran Only
Historical Only – Do Not Use – See Document Description for More Information – Addendum to the University of Utah – Veteran Only
University Human Resource Management
250 East 200 South, Suite 125 Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Contact us: (801) 581-2169 By Email: employment@utah.edu
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) 03/23/2026
Job Summary
Housed within the Nucleus Institute, Nucleus Grow works with Utah entrepreneurs, researchers, and small businesses to access non-dilutive funding to develop innovative technologies, supporting the overall Nucleus vision to serve as the hub of Utah’s innovation economy. The team provides resources, expert guidance, training, and proposal assistance to support small businesses as they competitively bid for federal research and development funding.
The Director of Nucleus Grow is responsible for establishing the strategic vision and managing the team to align with the goals of the Nucleus Institute while actively building Utah’s innovation ecosystem.
Responsibilities
Manage team, including program and project managers.
Prepare and manage budgets.
Provide strategic direction to accomplish the Nucleus goals.
Train and mentor team.
Evaluate and report on Nucleus Grow success, including tracking data of programs and metrics.
Consult with entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators on technology development goals and program alignment.
Review and provide feedback on grant proposals, including technical plans, budget documents, and commercialization strategies.
Understand nuances across federal agency implementation of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
Develop and maintain partner relationships.
Create content and present workshops and training.
Develop messaging strategies and marketing initiatives.
Oversee the Utah Technology Innovation Funding program.
Collaborate with other Nucleus directors and managers.
Oversee the Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology annual awards.
Minimum Qualifications Education & Experience:
Minimum of 5 years of full-time relevant work experience. Science or business background preferred.
Equivalent work experience in a related field will be considered (1 year experience is equivalent to 1 year of education).
Skills & Abilities:
Demonstrated ability managing a team.
Technical and/or grant writing and editing experience.
Ability to understand and analyze complex ideas.
Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills orally and in writing with individuals or presenting on a larger scale.
Excellent soft skills including critical and strategic thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and time management.
Attention to detail with an innate ability to see the broad picture.
Experience working with budgets.
Understand Utah’s innovation and start-up ecosystem.
Ability to network and build partnerships with resource providers and key players.
Preferences:
Experience with federal, government, or nonprofit grants.
Special consideration given to those with Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer grant experience.
Type Special Instructions Summary
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 possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
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.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah 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 Title IX (OEO). 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/
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 related work experience do you have?
Less than 2 years
2 year or more, but less than 4 years
4 years or more, but less than 6 years
6 years or more, but less than 8 years
8 years or more
* Do you have a related Master’s degree or equivalency?
Yes
No
Required Documents
Resume
Optional Documents
Cover Letter
Historical Only – Do Not Use – See Description for More Information – Appropriate discharge document (such as DD-2214) – Veteran Only
Historical Only – Do Not Use – See Document Description for More Information – Addendum to the University of Utah – Veteran Only
University Human Resource Management
250 East 200 South, Suite 125 Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Contact us: (801) 581-2169 By Email: employment@utah.edu
#J-18808-Ljbffr