Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures (JHTV) supports the commercialization of university technology through technology licensing, the development of sponsored research agreements, and venture creation. JHTV serves as a business advisor to investigators at all nine schools of the university whose research has commercial potential and provides a set of specific resources to aid them, including IP protection, technology analysis, marketing and licensing support, translational and venture funding support, physical space through its FastForward innovation hubs, and professional services (e.g., mentorship, pro bono legal and accounting services, and educational programming).
We are seeking a Director, Technology Development . The Technology Development team at JHTV was created to scout, cultivate, and manage high-value opportunities to drive innovation and commercialization. The Director Technology Development is responsible for cultivating high-potential engineering technologies (including software) with particular focus on the university’s Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) and Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS). This requires managing collaborations (from inception to completion) across JHU and JHTV as well as our external partners. This leader will work cross-functionally to manage new business opportunities.
Faculty relationship management
- Source and connect with faculty (in particular WSE & KSAS faculty) who are conducting commercially relevant research; raise awareness about JHTV’s role as an advisor and service area and advise/connect them with appropriate resources and commercialization pathways.
Technology development
- Advise faculty on technology development with a focus on value proposition creation, development of technology development project plans, and leveraging of JHTV resources (IP and licensing support, research and startup funding, mentorship, programs) to develop technologies against commercialization goals.
Business planning & project management
- For a set of high-value technologies, provide direct project management support to ensure that maximum value is created, working across Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures to align on strategy (e.g., venture creation, exclusive licensing to industry, etc.) and resource allocation.
Business development
- With members of JHTV and members of school leadership, coordinate relationships with industry to open new sponsored research, licensing, and venture creation opportunities with corporates and investors.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
- Works across JHU with a particular focus on WSE & KSAS - with emphasis on the engineering, data science, and software disciplines - to support new ideas with commercial potential and entrepreneurial faculty.
- Works closely with faculty who have invented novel technologies to assist with the articulation of a commercial value proposition; identifies key challenges and market opportunities and assists with technology development plans.
- Connects faculty to JHTV/JHU and other resources including IP and licensing support, mentorship, programs, funding, venture creation expertise.
- Provides project management support for high-potential technologies.
- Assists the technology transfer team in developing technology licensing strategies and screening potential licensees that are startups.
- Interacts with potential startups including but not limited to business model development, mentor matching, and fundraising support.
- Supports development and execution of programs and events for startup education.
- Collaborates with faculty leaders and WSE & KSAS administrators to increase the culture of translation within WSE & KSAS.
- Assists in the development of reports to WSE & KSAS leadership summarizing the status of key projects and overall translational activity.
Special Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Must have the ability to understand complex technologies, demonstrated by relevant technical training or industry or technology transfer experience.
- Must have knowledge of intellectual property, technology transfer and technology development; ideally has experience with academic conflict of interest issues; must be conversant in the unique dynamics of software development and commercialization, including open-source software.
- Must demonstrate a collegial and cooperative nature to be able to work effectively with senior and junior licensing associates, JHTV and University senior management, JHU faculty, and outside companies and entrepreneurs.
- Must be able to flex between strategic thinking and hands-on management of programs, projects, and processes.
- Must be sensitive to faculty and early venture needs and work in accordance with university-wide policies.
- Must have strategic and analytical thinking skills with an ability to solve problems and make decisions, with the ability to multi-task under deadline pressure.
- Must be able to network and interact, as well as support effective partnerships with key groups and individuals.
- Must have strong verbal/written communication, presentation, and inter-personal skills.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master's Degree.
- Seven years progressive management experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident required due to Federal Export Controls.
- Experience in technology licensing and venture creation.
- Professional experience in an academic environment.
- Experience in venture or business development, preferably in an engineering, data science, or software environment.
- Venture funding experience strongly desired.
Classified Title: Director Business Development
Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PH
Starting Salary Range: $115,400- $158,700- $202,000 ($165,000 targeted commensurate w/experience)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: M-F/8:30am-5:00pm
Exempt Status: Exempt
Location: School of Medicine Campus
Department name: Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures
Personnel area: Academic and Business Centers
Total Rewards
The referenced base salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University’s salary range for this position. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education/training, and other qualifications. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career, and retirement.
Background Checks
The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity, and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.