University of North Texas · 22 hours ago
Executive Director, Innovation & Commercialization
Denton, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
10+ years expThe University of North Texas is a prominent educational institution in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. They are seeking an Executive Director for Innovation and Commercialization to lead initiatives that enhance technology transfer and commercialization output, support researchers in transforming discoveries into viable products, and foster partnerships with industry stakeholders.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Build and lead a high-performing and collaborative team of tech transfer and commercialization specialists and support staff
Define and steer the overall innovation and commercialization agenda in alignment with university research strengths, capacity, and strategic industry partnership
Build and sustain an engaged advisory group of external high-performing experts (e.g. entrepreneurs, business leaders, technical experts) for the UNT innovation ecosystem
Connect with division leaders to support the unit and division goals (e.g. data analytics group, research development and events, communications and web design)
Manage and work with staff to develop and communicate optimal tech transfer and commercialization processes
Build and sustain policies and procedures that support the innovation ecosystem
Build a service-focused culture to provide expertise for the UNT research community
Provide expert advice for contract agreements with industry partners
Develop strategy for usage of UNT resources such as space to foster industry partnerships and entrepreneurial activities
Support the entrepreneurship ecosystem on main campus and UNT Frisco leaning on the expertise of the campus and the and opportunities within the DFW region
Facilitate and engage in the delivery of knowledge regarding tech transfer and commercialization pathways to the university researchers (faculty, students, staff)
Lead strategy for university and industry, and local government convenings centered around innovation, commercialization and the entrepreneurial ecosystem
Collaborate with stakeholders to increase financial support for the innovation and commercialization ecosystem (e.g. grants, sponsorships, space leases, patent revenue, etc.)
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in related field and ten years of closely related professional experience; or any equivalent combination of education and professional experience
Expert knowledge in intellectual property, tech transfer, patents, licensing, and startup company support within a higher education university setting
Familiarity with technology solutions and data analytics platforms that support technology transfer offices
Proven track record in leading a tech transfer office, deep understanding of the commercialization process, start-up companies, and working with stakeholders including industry and local government economic boards
Demonstrated success in designing and launching new initiatives from concept to implementation
Proven track record in convening cross-sector stakeholder groups and experience with managing a variety of stakeholders with differing interests
Experience in creating and managing data-driven workforce development initiatives
Strong team building and management skills with experience supporting faculty researchers
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven record of managing executive-level relationships with industry, government, and academic leaders
Ability to think strategically and develop and implement complex plans that incorporate dynamic conditions and a diverse set of stakeholders and interests
Knowledge of research and innovation best practices within a university setting
Experienced public speaker and convener with ability to facilitate industry roundtables and stakeholder meetings
Preferred
Leadership experience managing technology transfer and commercialization team within higher education setting
Company
University of North Texas
Ranked a Tier One research university by the Carnegie Classification, UNT is the flagship of the UNT System and is located in Denton, Texas.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
University of North Texas 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 (73)
2024 (64)
2023 (54)
2022 (46)
2021 (26)
2020 (26)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Clayton Gibson, CPA
Vice President for Finance & Administration and CFO
Clay Simmons
Vice President and Chief Integrity Officer
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