Director, Venture Development

Director Of Venture Development, Ai

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Technology Ventures, the Director of Venture Development, AI will play a pivotal role in advancing the commercialization of University of Chicago AI and data science ventures and managing a robust network of relationships with investors. The Director will work closely with University faculty and researchers to evaluate AI and data science research innovations and assess startup potential, provide guidance on commercialization strategies, support preparation for investor engagement, and provide connections to relevant funding, talent, and advice. The Director will act as a critical liaison to the venture capital ecosystem and other investors, cultivating relationships and connecting investors with relevant startups to secure funding and strategic partnerships. The Director will also work closely with partners across campus and colleagues across the Technology Ventures team at the Polsky Center, including in the life sciences and physical sciences venture development verticals, IP and technology development, business licensing and technology marketing, IP compliance, and accelerators and investments. This role leads the identification, investigation, and negotiation of licensing opportunities for permission to use intellectual property rights, including trademarks, patents, or technology. Solves unique and complex problems related to the transfer and use of intellectual property. Provides specialized expertise to faculty to transform ideas and discoveries into patents, licenses, products, services, and ventures.
Responsibilities include driving venture development team priorities, working closely with University faculty and researchers to identify and assess commercial potential of new and existing research projects and invention disclosures, undertaking technical and commercial due-diligence, preparing faculty and their startups for investment diligence, establishing or expanding programs to identify and support entrepreneurial talent, building and cultivating a robust network of venture capitalists, corporate investors, and industry leaders, developing presentation materials and target business case / new opportunity pitches to selected partners, tracking emerging trends in venture capital and areas of University research focus, managing budget and processes to support venture development activities, representing the University as a thought leader in venture development and commercialization for AI and data science, leading the development of intellectual portfolio patenting, licensing, commercialization activities and marketing plans, and using depth and breadth of knowledge to build strong relationships with inventors, legal counsel, prospective and actual licensees, and colleagues that promote the mission and business of the department.
Minimum qualifications include a college or university degree in a related field and 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline. Preferred qualifications include an advanced degree in computer science, engineering, or related discipline, knowledge and skills developed through 10+ years of experience in technology commercialization, venture creation, and/or investments, launching, working at, or investing in early-stage AI or data science startups, deep expertise in supporting the creation and growth of AI, data science or computer science-based ventures, understanding of working closely with or for faculty and faculty-led ventures, demonstrated leadership capabilities, effective communication and collaboration on scientific inventions and technologies with a variety of stakeholders, deep understanding of the science startup venture landscape, strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, demonstrated comfort with ambiguity and organizational change in a rapidly evolving field, creative problem-solving skills to address complex challenges at the intersection of science, business, and law, knowledge of intellectual property, and background in data science and AI.