Job Description:The Associate Vice President for Economic Development & Innovation (AVP-EDI) serves as a senior leader within the Division for Research & Economic Development, responsible for advancing the University's innovation agenda, fostering strategic industry partnerships, expanding entrepreneurship and translational research programs, and strengthening UAlbany's regional and statewide economic development impact. The position will report to the Vice President for Research and Economic Development.
In addition, the AVP-EDI provides direct oversight of UAlbany's Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property Management operations, supporting efficient handling of invention disclosures, patenting, licensing, startup formation, and commercialization pathways. The AVP-EDI ensures that research commercialization activities align with university strategy and are integrated with broader economic development initiatives, participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of policies and strategic initiatives affecting technology transfer and intellectual property, and advises senior leadership on related matters.
This position requires high-level judgment, strategic planning, cross-sector collaboration, and the ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.
Primary Responsibilities:- Strategic Leadership & Administration
- Provide senior-level leadership for the Office of Economic Development and Innovation.
- Develop and execute strategic initiatives that enhance UAlbany's impact in innovation, research translation, entrepreneurship, and regional economic development.
- Advise the Vice President for Research and Economic Development on strategic opportunities, institutional priorities, policy development, and resource allocation.
- Lead multi-year planning for innovation capacity-building, workforce development, entrepreneurship pipelines, and industry engagement.
- Establish policies and best practices aligned with SUNY, state, and federal regulations.
- Represent the Vice President for Research and Economic Development on university committees, regional boards, and statewide coalitions.
- Technology Transfer & Intellectual Property Management
- Lead the university's intellectual property strategy, including patenting, licensing, and IP portfolio development.
- Oversee invention disclosure review processes, patent decision-making, and commercialization readiness evaluations.
- Ensure efficient and compliant administration of MTAs, NDAs, licensing agreements, and other intellectual property-related contracts.
- Oversee licensing officers responsible for managing intellectual property assets and industry negotiations.
- Develop and monitor performance metrics related to licensing success, revenue generation, and startup creation.
- Build relationships with faculty innovators, research centers, and other stakeholders to promote invention disclosures and commercialization opportunities.
- Innovation, Commercialization & Entrepreneurship
- Support the formation, growth, and sustainability of university-affiliated startup companies.
- Strengthen commercialization pathways by integrating technology transfer activities with entrepreneurship programs, accelerators, and industry partnerships.
- Provide strategic oversight of training, workshops, and individualized support services that advance technologies toward market adoption.
- Oversee university-wide innovation programs, including incubators, accelerators, industry affiliate programs, and entrepreneurship initiatives for students and faculty.
- Expand programs supporting translational research, pilot funding, and innovation-readiness activities.
- Integrate UAlbany's innovation ecosystem with regional partners and federal agencies.
- Corporate Engagement & Strategic Partnerships
- Serve as the university's senior leader for corporate engagement, representing UAlbany to companies, investors, and economic development organizations.
- Develop and manage large-scale, multi-year partnerships supporting sponsored research, innovation programs, workforce development, and philanthropic opportunities.
- Negotiate and oversee strategic collaboration agreements with corporate, government, and other external partners.
- Expand UAlbany's participation and visibility in statewide and regional innovation initiatives, including NYSTAR programs and New York's innovation ecosystem.
- Economic Development, External Funding & Stakeholder Relations
- Lead economic and workforce development initiatives aligned with regional and statewide priorities, including AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, climate technology, cybersecurity, and data science.
- Serve as a co-lead or senior collaborator on major federal and state funding proposals.
- Develop strategies to secure external funding that advances innovation, entrepreneurship, commercialization, and industry engagement.
- Foster collaboration among colleges, centers, institutes, and administrative units to support multidisciplinary innovation initiatives.
- Communicate accomplishments, impacts, and strategic opportunities to internal and external stakeholders.
- Supervision
- Lead and manage direct reports/team providing guidance, support, and performance feedback to assure goals, programs, activities, and personnel practices are consistent with and contribute to the University's mission.
- Lead employees for maximum performance and dedication, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
- Complete performance management feedback and goals timely and per requirements, offering constructive feedback and developing improvement plans.
- Other reasonable duties as assigned
Functional and Supervisory Relationships:- Reports to Vice President for Research and Economic Development.
- Supervises the following positions: Director of OEDEIP and Director of the Office of Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property.
Job Requirements:- Familiarity with New York State's innovation, economic development, and manufacturing landscape.
- Familiarity with private investments and venture capital ecosystem.
- Demonstrated success in managing intellectual property, licensing, and/or startup formation.
- Proven ability to build high-impact public-private partnerships and lead cross-functional teams.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and strategic planning skills.
- Executive-level decision-making.
- Strategic and systems-level thinking.
- Strong relationship-building with senior industry and government leaders.
- Ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.
- High degree of professionalism, integrity, and collaborative leadership.
- Applicants must demonstrate an ability to develop inclusive and equitable relationships within our diverse campus community.
- Applicants must demonstrate an ability to support diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging relative to their role.
Requirements:Minimum Qualifications:- Master's degree in business, public administration, policy, science/engineering, economics, or related field from a college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or internationallyrecognized accrediting organization.
- Minimum of 8 years of progressive leadership experience in economic development, technology transfer, research administration, commercialization, or innovation ecosystems.
- Experience at an R1 research university, a major research organization, or a corporate R&D organization
- Experience managing federally funded innovation or economic development programs.
- Experience with start-up and technology transfer ecosystem
- Expertise in research commercialization and IP strategy
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience in working in higher education, a research organization, or innovation ecosystem; Knowledge of New York State's economic development, workforce, and innovation landscape;
- Familiarity with federal/state grants supporting R&D, entrepreneurship, or economic development.
- Doctoral degree, MBA, or comparable executive experience, from a college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization.
Working Environment:- Typical office environment
Additional Information:Professional Rank and Salary Range: Associate Vice President, MP, $220,000-240,000
Special Notes: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. If you currently need sponsorship or will need it in the future to maintain employment authorization, you do not meet eligibility requirements.
Please apply online via http://albany.interviewexchange.com/candapply.jsp?JOBID=205587
Application Instructions:Applicants MUST submit the following documents: - Resume/CV
- Cover letter stating all the required minimum qualifications and any of the applicable preferred qualifications
- Contact information for three professional references
Note: After submitting your resume/CV, the subsequent pages give you instructions for uploading additional documents (i.e. cover letter etc.).
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Preference will be given to applications received by November 5. 
