Director of Innovation - School of Data Science

UVA Health•Charlottesville, VA

43d•Onsite

About The Position

The School of Data Science (SDS) at the University of Virginia is seeking a Director of Innovation to lead the school's efforts in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. This role is crucial in translating research into practical applications, ventures, and partnerships, particularly with non-traditional sectors like the private sector, NGOs, and local communities. The position aligns with the university's broader commitment to innovation, as evidenced by the hiring of a Chief Innovation Officer and the launch of UVA Innovates. The Director will play a key part in building upon SDS's foundation to drive innovation, capitalize on the growing interest from private companies, and support the entrepreneurial spirit of its researchers and students. The goal is to ensure SDS research and teaching contribute tangibly to societal challenges where data plays a significant role.

Requirements

Experience in establishing startups either directly or on behalf of others.
Experience in taking research products to market.
Experience as an innovator or fostering innovation in others.
Proven research experience either as a scientist or administrator.
Knowledge of research contract negotiation.
Proven communication skills.
Bachelor's degree required.
7+ years of relevant professional experience required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with research across interdisciplinary boundaries.
Working knowledge of the field of data science.
Experience with implementing strategies to develop and expand external research partnerships.
Ability to work with members of the SDS leadership team including the Dean and the Dean’s Cabinet.
A record of strong teamwork, ethical behavior, and collaboration with others.

Responsibilities

Champion entrepreneurism across the School of Data Science—turning research into ventures, partnerships, and programs that deliver real-world outcomes.
Build on strong institutional momentum, and partner closely with the UVA Chief Innovation Officer and UVA Innovates to activate a start-up mentality, expand external engagement, and accelerate commercialization in collaboration with faculty, students, and staff.
Catalyze venture creation with the UVA Licensing & Ventures Group.
Design pathways from lab to market with the Office for the Vice President for Research and the Office of Sponsored Programs.
Cultivate external partnerships across corporate, NGO, and government sectors.
Identify innovations ready to be leveraged, align with internal stakeholders, and embed hands-on education in innovation and entrepreneurism for students and faculty.
Collaborate with the UVA Chief Innovation Officer and UVA Innovates to co-develop programming and foster innovation across the university.
Build and scale new start-ups in partnership with the UVA Licensing & Ventures Group, translating high-potential research into viable ventures.
Establish sponsored contracts and collaborative agreements with key external partners through the Office for the Vice President for Research and the Office of Sponsored Programs.
Create repeatable pathways from research to market, coordinating with faculty, staff, students, and the SDS Office of Research Administration to surface and advance promising innovations.
Develop strategic partnerships with corporate, NGO, and government organizations that connect SDS research and teaching to workforce needs and societal impact.
Align innovation efforts with the SDS Industry Partners Program and identify philanthropic opportunities that accelerate venture and partnership growth.
Educate and mentor students and faculty in entrepreneurism, building a culture that consistently produces tangible outcomes.
Develop metrics to assess the outcomes of innovation and entrepreneurism.
Develop an annual budget.
Prepare quarterly reports to the SDS Dean and the UVA Provost describing activities and reporting any bottlenecks from the perspective of a public university.