Director of Innovation Gateway Startup Programs

Posting Number: F2387P

Working Title: Director of Innovation Gateway Startup Programs

Department: VPR-Innovation Gateway

About the University of Georgia: Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education . The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly formed School of Medicine.

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Anticipated Start Date: 08/01/2025

Job Posting Date: 06/09/2025

Open until filled: Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants: Interested candidates should submit a comprehensive CV, a cover letter, and contact information for three professional references. For full consideration, applications must be received by July 10, 2025.

Any questions regarding the position can be directed to: Derek Eberhart, Associate Vice President for Research, Innovation Gateway, .

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

EEO Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( ).

USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at .

Classification Title: Public Service Professional AC

Faculty Rank: Administrative Faculty

Contract Type: Fiscal (12 mo.)

Tenure Status: Non-Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications: A master's degree in a relevant field.

Position Summary: The University of Georgia (UGA) invites applications for the position of Director of the Startup Program within Innovation Gateway. This senior-level position leads the Startup Program within Innovation Gateway, UGA's nationally recognized commercialization program, which encompasses the University's intellectual property licensing and startup support functions to ensure that research discoveries reach their full potential for public benefit. The Startup Program assists faculty, staff and students in navigating the process of taking a breakthrough idea or technology and turning it into a commercially relevant and viable product through a new venture.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Research, Executive Director of Innovation Gateway, this role is responsible for developing and executing a strategic vision resulting in growth and enhancement of the startup pipeline, secure funding for the program and startup companies, and foster productive partnerships both within UGA, as well as with external stakeholders. This role is responsible for oversight of all Startup Program resources including hiring, training and directing all staff, managing the program budget including federal grants, and directing incubator operations to ensure that the unit reaches its full potential to transform UGA research discoveries into companies and products which solve the world's most pressing problems and drive economic impact.
As leader of the Innovation Gateway Startup Program, this position plays a prominent role in key UGA innovation initiatives including the Innovation District.

This position will remain open for at least 31 days after the advertisement is published in a national or international journal. Proof of the advertisement's publication date is required.

Additional Requirements:
•  A terminal degree in a relevant field is required.
•  This position requires at least 10 years of experience in building/ leading startups and/or venture-backed companies including proven success in strategic planning and execution.
•  The ability to build productive collaborations throughout all levels of the University as well as with senior-level external stakeholders.
•  Demonstrated success in strategic planning and execution.
•  Proven ability to collaborate with internal and external senior-level stakeholders.
•  Background in managing innovation or commercialization programs in a university or research setting.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification:
•  Record of senior-level management in startups including demonstrated success in strategic planning and execution.
•  Expertise in intellectual property, preferably with direct background as an inventor and entrepreneur
•  Proven success leading multidisciplinary, public-private projects
•  Advanced degree in science or engineering
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:
•  The ability to quickly analyze a business proposition and articulate critical path considerations.
•  Documented success leading varied, cross-functional and multidisciplinary teams including management of grant funding
•  Exceptional written and verbal communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively with various constituencies (e.g. scientific, industry, and financial) across all levels of an organization from senior-level leaders to faculty, staff and students.
•  Exceptional customer service skills engendering confidence and trust among faculty, administrators and industry partners
•  Working knowledge of Georgia Research Alliance programs and priorities
•  Proven track record in mentoring early stage ventures
Physical Demands: Sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, lifting up to 20 lbs and carrying up to 20 lbs. Sitting at computer and desk for long periods of time.

Is this a Position of Trust?: Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?: Yes

Does this position require a P-Card? : No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? : No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?: Yes

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?: No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications): No

Credit and P-Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website .

Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website .

Duties/Responsibilities: Manage all Startup Program resources including hiring, training and directing all staff, managing the program budget, and directing incubator operations to ensure optimal deployment of resources focused on helping new ventures originating from UGA research reach their full commercial potential. Increase the scalability of the startup program through formal assessment of projects/companies, development of cohort-based education programs, and creation of a formal mentoring program, to ensure early-stage ventures receive optimal guidance. Augment the evaluation and education programs with customized consultation to facilitate commercial progress of startups.

Percentage Of Time: 40

Duties/Responsibilities: . click apply for full job details