Executive Director of Business Development

Launched by Yale University in 2022, Yale Ventures seeks to foster and accelerate a vibrant entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem that increases support, resources, and opportunities for Yale innovators. The mission of Yale Ventures is to help develop innovations that impact the world’s greatest challenges. Yale Ventures is responsible for Yale’s technology transfer office, protecting and licensing the intellectual property developed at Yale, and helping to bring breakthroughs to market as products and services that can make a difference in the world.

Reporting to the Sr. Executive Director of IP and Licensing Services at Yale Ventures, the Executive Director of Business Development oversees and directs the team responsible for managing the activities leading to the commercialization of technologies invented at Yale University. These activities include identification and evaluation of innovations from the Yale research community, evaluation of commercial potential, development of appropriate intellectual property protection and commercialization strategies, technology marketing, and negotiation of licenses and other agreements. The ideal candidate possesses a high-level of attention to detail and is able to manage workloads with multiple demands and shifting priorities within a fast-paced environment.

Essential Duties

Manages, motivates, and mentors a team of highly skilled licensing professionals to support the mission of Yale Ventures. Manage and participate in commercialization-related activities through the innovation lifecycle which include:

1. Building and fostering meaningful partnerships with Yale faculty, staff, and students, and providing guidance on commercialization activities at Yale including Yale policies and COI processes.
2. Identifying relevant innovations and technologies created across all schools and disciplines at Yale, and new invention disclosure intake.
3. Evaluating commercial potential of innovations and technologies by analyzing development status and timeline, market, intellectual property, regulatory and other relevant landscapes.
4. Determining the need for appropriate proprietary rights protection and coordinating with the IP Admin team and external law firms as needed.
5. Marketing to relevant companies and developing strategies for the commercialization of technologies that are consistent with Yale policies.
6. Negotiating options, licenses, material transfer agreements (MTAs) and other agreements with industry and external partners (in collaboration with the Office of General Counsel at Yale), serving as the key point of contact for the negotiation of all business terms and conditions and promoting commercial use of new technologies that may lead to new business ventures.
7. Managing relationships with partners beyond agreement execution and serving as a liaison with internal Yale Ventures staff to ensure appropriate progress and agreement compliance.
8. Serving as Yale Ventures representative on institutional committees and meetings with Yale leadership such as COI, ICOI, Major Deals, etc.
9. Collaborating with leadership to develop and lead the execution of a comprehensive strategy for delivering high quality and efficient business services related to the entire technology transfer process and all other office activities.
10. Collaborating closely with the IP Admin and Finance & Administration teams to ensure open and timely communication and achieve a high degree of operational efficiency.
11. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 10 years' demonstrated experience in research, intellectual property, patent and licensing, corporate business development (particularly pharmaceutical or biotech industry) or venture capital/investment banking (technology-based); or equivalent combination of education and demonstrated experience.

Required Skills/Abilities

1. Demonstrated experience and highly respected professional who understands technology development, licensing and the formation of new companies.
2. Demonstrated experience managing a team and directing all functions and operations of an academic technology commercialization program.
3. Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills, with a focus on excellent customer service. Ability to establish & maintain positive relationships, communicate & comprehend instructions effectively to/from a diverse group of stakeholders including academic researchers, investors, entrepreneurs, and corporate/legal partners.
4. Self-motivated individual with ability to exercise discretion & confidentiality, and address and resolve any issues. Exceptional organizational skills, with ability to efficiently handle multiple projects, set priorities, and work independently to meet objectives.
5. Strong software application skills, including but not limited to Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), Zoom, web-based information retrieval, and information/database management.

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills

Advanced degree in life sciences or similar strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience in licensing, corporate business development, or investments; JD, MD, or MBA also considered.

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing, and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement

The University maintains policies pertaining to COVID-19. All faculty, staff, students, and trainees are required to comply with these policies.

EEO Statement

University policy is committed to affirmative action under law in employment of women, minority group members, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. Additionally, in accordance with Yale’s Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment, and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale’s Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note: Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.