Position Summary

We are seeking a visionary leader to serve as the Director of Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer, overseeing the strategic development and implementation of initiatives that bridge the gap between academic research and commercial application while fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. This dual-role position requires a dynamic and strategic leader capable of navigating the complexities of academia and industry to drive innovation and contribute to the economic and social impact of the university's research efforts.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and articulate a compelling vision for both the Center for Entrepreneurship and the Technology Transfer Office, aligned with the university's overall mission and goals.
• Lead the strategic planning process to identify key priorities, initiatives, and partnerships that will drive the success of both entities.
• Transition students participating in The Garage into the new structure.

Program Development and Management:

• Design and implement innovative programs that support entrepreneurs at various stages of their journey, from ideation to scaling.
• Oversee the development of workshops, mentorship programs, networking events, and other initiatives to support the entrepreneurial community.
• Work with Deans of the schools of business and arts, sciences and education in the design and implementation of formal curriculum for an undergraduate Minor in Entrepreneurship (September ’24), Master of Scientific Technical Entrepreneurship (November ’24), undergraduate Major in Entrepreneurship (September ’25)
• Possible targeted teaching roles as adjunct faculty in related coursework.

Commercialization Strategy:

• Identify, assess, and protect intellectual property generated by university research.
• Develop and implement comprehensive strategies for the commercialization of university-developed technologies.

Industry Partnerships:

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with industry partners, potential licensees, and investors to facilitate the transfer of technology from the university to the private sector.
• Negotiate licensing agreements, collaborations, and other technology transfer transactions.

Entrepreneurial Support:

• Support and mentor faculty, researchers, and students interested in entrepreneurial activities.
• Facilitate the creation of spin-off companies based on university technologies, providing guidance on business development, funding, and strategy.

Community Engagement:

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with local and global entrepreneurial communities, industry partners, investors, and government entities.
• Act as a spokesperson for both the Center for Entrepreneurship and the Technology Transfer Office, representing their interests in the broader business and innovation ecosystem.

Resource Mobilization:

• Develop and execute fundraising strategies to secure financial support from public and private sources, including grants, sponsorships, and donations.
• Manage the budget effectively, ensuring the optimal allocation of resources to achieve the goals of both entities.

Collaboration and Partnerships:

• Collaborate with academic departments, research centers, and other institutions to create interdisciplinary initiatives that enhance the impact of both the Center for Entrepreneurship and the Technology Transfer Office.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with industry leaders, investors, and startup accelerators.

Evaluation and Impact Assessment:

• Implement systems for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of programs and initiatives.
• Regularly report on key performance indicators, demonstrating the impact of both entities on the entrepreneurial community.

Other duties as assigned or required

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) of this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.

All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Required Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

Must understand and support the Mission, Vision and Code of Ethical Conduct of Walsh University, as a Catholic higher education university as expressed in Ex Corde Ecclesiae, and possess the following:

Education: Advanced degree (Ph.D., MBA, JD) in a relevant field required

Work Experience: Extensive experience in technology transfer, entrepreneurship, or related roles.

Skills and abilities:

• Professional demeanor and ability to interact with charity towards students, staff and faculty. Positive attitude a must.
• Strong leadership and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and resource mobilization.
• Familiarity with legal and regulatory aspects of technology transfer and entrepreneurship.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• The physical requirements of the job include those expected in a normal office environment including but not limited to: prolonged sitting, extended periods of keyboard work and use of a computer monitor.
• Walking andtravel to and from various campus buildings, departments and other institutions.

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit a completed online application and any additional documents requested by the search/interview committee. This may include resume, unofficial transcripts, etc.

About Walsh University

Walsh University is seeking a dynamic, energetic, and passionate individual who is enthusiastic about the environment found on a private, values based, Catholic liberal arts campus. Walsh University believes in the desirability of a small university that promotes academic excellence, a diverse community and close student-teacher interactions. A commitment to the Judeo-Christian tradition, diversity and service learning are critical to the mission of Walsh University. Walsh University is committed to principles of equal opportunity and is an equal opportunity employer.