Chief Innovation Officer - Academic Affairs

Chief Innovation Officer, Academic Affairs

The Chief Innovation Officer for Academic Affairs (CIOAA) is responsible for centralizing, accelerating, and scaling innovation across the University’s Academic Affairs ecosystem. This role builds and leads an integrated, high-performing Innovation Enterprise spanning research, education, and pre‑commercialization.

The CIOAA oversees the Academic Affairs Innovation and Partnerships Office, including industry‑sponsored research, experiential learning (e.g., capstones), and related industry contracting. The role collaborates with the Technology Licensing Office, Utah Venture Hub, Deans, Associate Deans for Research, department chairs, CRO Health Sciences, and the Office of the Vice President for Research to develop and leverage partnerships across Academic Affairs and Health Sciences. It engages extramural funding organizations, industry, and public/private partners to build a sustainable, nationally competitive innovation ecosystem. The position reports to the Chief Research Officer and Vice Provost for Research Planning and Partnerships, Academic Affairs, overseeing staff and focusing on innovation and partnership efforts.

Responsibilities

Innovation

• Develop and scale a robust innovation pipeline across Academic Affairs, including invention disclosures, pre‑commercial opportunities, and commercialization pathways.
• Partner with faculty, Associate Deans for Research, and Center/Institute Directors under the Academic Affairs umbrella to identify and advance commercial research, including SBIR/STTR opportunities, I-Corps participation, and venture development.
• Serve as a key liaison between Academic Affairs, the Office of the Vice President for Research, and the TLO to increase transparency, coordination, and effectiveness in technology commercialization.
• Contribute to university‑wide policy development related to intellectual property, licensing, and equity participation, and promote training and awareness in these areas.
• Collaborate with the AVPR AA for Research Engagement and Planning and other Academic Affairs leadership to ensure alignment and synergy across initiatives.
• Partner with the CIO for Health Sciences to strengthen cross‑campus innovation and commercialization efforts.
• Oversee infrastructure supporting startup formation, including proof‑of‑concept funding and early‑stage venture support.
• Foster a competitive, transparent, and equitable environment for access to university technologies by internal and external venture partners.
• Promote a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation among faculty and academic units.

Partnerships

• Lead and manage the Academic Affairs Innovation and Partnerships Office, including oversight of industry‑sponsored research, experiential learning programs, and related contracting frameworks.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with industry, nonprofit organizations, and foundations to expand support for faculty research.
• Drive growth in non‑federal research funding, measured by revenue generation, awards, and sponsored research expenditures.
• Collaborate with the Missions Agency Office to coordinate engagement with federal and state mission‑driven agencies.
• Partner with UCareer Success, corporate engagement, and the Office of General Counsel to facilitate and execute partnerships and agreements.
• Represent the university in regional, national, and international business and innovation communities.
• Collaborate with the State Innovation Center and other external entities to leverage resources supporting commercialization and partnership development.

Leadership & Administration

• Lead strategic planning, resource allocation, and organizational development for the Innovation and Partnerships portfolio.
• Oversee budget development and management for CIOAA initiatives.
• Recruit, mentor, and supervise staff within the Innovation and Partnerships Office.
• Serve on university committees and advisory groups relevant to innovation, research, and partnerships.
• Strengthen engagement across Academic Affairs and Health Sciences leadership to support cross‑campus collaboration.
• Execute special projects and strategic initiatives as directed by the Chief Research Officer and Vice Provost for Research Planning and Partnerships, Academic Affairs.

Minimum Qualifications

• A PhD, M.B.A., J.D., or other master’s degree related to the position.
• Significant expertise in all pertinent areas of law, regulation, policy, and protocols related to technology transfer, intellectual property management, and industry‑sponsored research.
• Experience at a major research university or institution of comparable complexity.
• Five years of experience working as a professional technology transfer associate, industry engagement manager, or a role combining technology transfer and industry engagement duties at a research‑intensive institution of higher education or comparable organization.
• Five years of progressive experience supervising professionals in technology transfer, intellectual property protection, industry‑sponsored research, economic development, and translational innovation at a research‑intensive institution or comparable organization.

Preferences – Professional Competencies

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to develop, scale, and advance multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated abilities in leading, planning, or managing complex projects, organizational development initiatives, policy and procedure development, and business process optimization.
• Advanced approach to cultural change that balances awareness of established practices with bold, reasoned pursuit of innovation.
• Clear and effective communication of the university’s mission and innovation and research strategy verbally and in writing with all levels of the organization and external stakeholders.
• Collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting oversight for innovation, research, and sponsored program activities.
• Interaction with financial decision‑makers, maintaining high professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Respect for diversity and inclusion; commitment to equity in research.
• Relationship‑building skills to grow and maintain engagement and motivation for self and others.
• Independence in setting priorities with minimal supervision.
• Excellent analytical problem‑solving skills.

Full Time

Pay Range: $275,000 - $300,000

Close Date: 9/01/2026