Center Director, Center for Translational Research
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Job Summary
We are looking for a driven and passionate team member to join CU Boulder’s innovation engine! The Director of the Center for Translational Research helps startup companies built around CU technologies find and win non-dilutive grant funding. The Director of the Center for Translational Research consults directly with research and startup teams to strategize and find the right non-dilutive funding and grant opportunities, run market research reports to support grant proposals, and assist in formulating and editing grant applications. Additionally, the Director plans and runs grant writing workshops, creating content and programming to train teams on how to draft successful grant applications. Workshops in the past have focused on federal business grants with an emphasis on connecting innovators and companies to relevant program managers at the various grant agencies. The Director of the Center for Translational Research is expected to be innovative in their approach and consider how best to address the needs of the community, including creating and running new programs and developing approaches to increase translational grant dollars that are awarded to startup companies and to the University.
The Director of Center for Translational Research reports to the Director of Venture Development at Venture Partners.
Who We Are
As one of 34 U.S. public research institutions belonging to the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), our goal at CU Boulder is to directly benefit the world through collaborative research, innovation and entrepreneurship. Our faculty, staff and students work with the broader community to establish unique connections that have lasting outcomes—both across Colorado and around the world. CU Boulder aspires to be the top university for innovation.
Venture Partners at CU Boulder is a key catalyst for innovation. Our work is exciting, fast-paced, and multidisciplinary, bringing together the domains of business, science, and law. We work with university researchers and external business partners to commercialize new products and form new startup companies.
CU Boulder is situated in one of the most innovative communities in the country. Boulder has been ranked by Forbes as the best city in America in which to start a business, and as the top city in America by Bloomberg’s Brain Concentration Index.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- Meet with teams that are seeking translational funding – including SBIR/STTR grants, NSF Engine grants, OEDIT Advanced Industry grants, ARPA-E grants, ARPA-H grants, and more – and work with those teams to develop a comprehensive strategy for raising capital through translational grants.
- Assist startup teams in drafting translational grants to improve the likelihood that the grant is awarded, which includes:
- Understanding the underlying startup, technology and business model
- Strategizing, together with the startup leadership, how grant funding fits into the company’s funding strategy
- Identifying appropriate grant opportunities for individual teams
- Advising on overall grant writing strategy for each grant opportunity
- Performing relevant market research and generate reports to help startup teams write relevant sections of grant applications
- Reviewing and revising grant proposals and providing actionable feedback to increase the chances of success for each grant application.
- Review, evaluate, and implement adoption of tools that increase efficiencies for Center for Translational Research.
- Create content for and oversee existing programs, such as SBIR Week and SBIR writing workshops.
- Maintain ongoing relationships with the community of startup companies to fully understand their needs and gaps in understanding; develop and implement increased programming opportunities to address needs of the community.
- Develop and implement plan to assist with SBIR Phase 2 and similar follow-on grant opportunities.
- Build and maintain relationships with key funding agencies and other stakeholders and partners to enhance the impact of the Center for Translational Research.
- Monitor and evaluate the impact and metrics of the Center for Translational Research
What You Should Know
- This position offers a hybrid schedule. We plan on discussing this further in the interview process.
What We Can Offer
The annual hiring range for this position is $110,000-$120,000. Relocation is available for eligible candidates.
Benefits
Be Statements
What We Require
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in business, science, engineering, or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any field plus experience relevant to entrepreneurship and commercialization.
- 5+ years of professional experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, startups, or commercialization of scientific and engineering technologies.
What You Will Need
- Entrepreneurial hustle, tenacity and creativity.
- Dedication to a founders-first mentality and to advocating for researchers and entrepreneurs.
- Collaborative and relational style that builds strong ties inside and outside the university.
- Strong presentation skills and public speaking presence, including an ability to inspire your audience and lead group conversations.
- Continuous improvement through benchmarking, experimentation, and independent initiative.
- Demonstrated capacity for senior-level communications; impeccable poise, tact, and responsiveness with faculty, university leadership, startup founders, investors, and sponsors.
- Experience working with highly technical founders and innovators.
- Ability to support a campus environment where everyone matters and all can thrive.
What We Would Like You to Have
- Master's degree or higher in science, engineering, business, or law.
- Experience drafting and winning translational grants.
- Proven leadership within an established startup ecosystem.
- Experience leading entrepreneurial programs or events.
- Professional experience in innovation and entrepreneurship within a university setting or in partnership with universities.
- Existing network of early-stage deep tech funders and federal agencies.
Special Instructions
- A current resume.
- A cover letter that specifically addresses how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources
Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu