University of Chicago · 1 month ago
Senior Manager, Venture Development
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$100K/yr - $130K/yr
4+ years expThe University of Chicago is a leading institution focused on advancing innovative ideas and technologies. The Senior Manager, Venture Development will support the commercialization of faculty-led science ventures and manage relationships with investors, while collaborating closely with university researchers to evaluate and develop startup potential.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Assists in developing and maintaining relationships with venture capital, corporate, and other investment partners to create funding and strategic opportunities for faculty startups
Works closely with faculty and Venture Development Director to understand faculty venture needs and next steps and to identify potential resources
Works with faculty to evaluate research innovations, develop commercialization strategies, and navigate the venture creation process
Supports faculty ventures in refining business plans, pitch decks, and presentation skills to prepare for investor meetings and funding opportunities
Helps identify and engage entrepreneurial talent including mentors to support faculty-led startups
Coordinates with internal teams, including licensing, business development, and technical marketing, to align efforts across the commercialization continuum
Supports operational activities related to venture development, such as budget tracking, data collection, and process improvements
Monitors and communicates trends in venture capital and emerging technology sectors, providing actionable insights to inform faculty ventures and team strategies
Maintains and analyzes metrics to track the progress and success of faculty ventures and external partnerships, ensuring continuous improvement
Actively solicits and evaluates inventions, materials and software arising from research for intellectual property protection and commercial potential
Works in collaboration with internal team to draft, negotiate, execute, and manage intellectual property licenses and other agreements
Performs other related work as needed
Qualification
Required
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline
Resume/CV (required)
Preferred
Advanced degree in life sciences, medicine, chemistry, materials science, physics, computer science, engineering, or related discipline
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 4+ years of work experience in technology commercialization, venture creation, and/or investments
Launching, working at, or investing in early-stage science and deep tech startups
Proven ability to assist in the creation and early growth of science-based faculty ventures
Background or familiarity with life sciences, quantum technology, clean tech, or data science and AI
Familiarity with the science startup venture landscape and provide operational support to early-stage startups
Cover Letter (preferred)
Strong ability to build rapport and credibility with faculty, researchers, and their labs
Proficiency in addressing complex technical, legal, and business issues under the guidance of senior leadership
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to effectively engage with internal and external stakeholders
Adaptability and comfort with ambiguity in a continually evolving field
Creative problem-solving skills to support faculty ventures and address day-to-day challenges
Basic knowledge of intellectual property and the venture creation process, with a willingness to grow expertise in these areas
Benefits
Health, retirement, and paid time off
Team-based incentive plan
Company
University of Chicago
One of the world’s great intellectual destinations, the University of Chicago empowers scholars and students to ask tough questions, cross disciplinary boundaries, and challenge conventional thinking to enrich human life around the globe.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
University of Chicago has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (341)
2024 (318)
2023 (285)
2022 (233)
2021 (179)
2020 (172)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Benedicte Nolens
Distinguished Executive in Residence
Recent News
2025-11-08
San Gabriel Valley Tribune
2025-10-23
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