Senior Manager, Venture Development

University of Chicago • Hyde Park, IL

17d • $100,000 - $130,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Director of Venture Development, the Senior Manager, Venture Development will serve as a key member of the Polsky Center’s Venture Development team. This position will support the Director in advancing the commercialization of faculty-led science ventures and managing a robust network of relationships with investors. The Senior Manager will work closely with the Director of Venture Development, university researchers and university intellectual property companies to evaluate research innovations and assess startup potential, provide guidance on commercialization strategies, support preparation for investor engagement, and provide connections to relevant funding, talent, and advice. Additionally, the Senior Manager will support the director in managing the Polsky Center’s engagement with the venture capital and investor ecosystem. The role supports the program development related to identification, investigation, and negotiation of licensing opportunities for permission to use intellectual property rights, including trademarks, patents or technology. Solves straightforward problems related to the transfer and use of intellectual property. Provides professional support to faculty to transform ideas and discoveries into patents, licenses, products, services, and ventures.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in life sciences, medicine, chemistry, materials science, physics, computer science, engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 4+ years of work experience in technology commercialization, venture creation, and/or investments.
• Launching, working at, or investing in early-stage science and deep tech startups.
• Proven ability to assist in the creation and early growth of science-based faculty ventures.
• Background or familiarity with life sciences, quantum technology, clean tech, or data science and AI.
• Familiarity with the science startup venture landscape and provide operational support to early-stage startups.
• Strong ability to build rapport and credibility with faculty, researchers, and their labs.
• Proficiency in addressing complex technical, legal, and business issues under the guidance of senior leadership.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to effectively engage with internal and external stakeholders.
• Adaptability and comfort with ambiguity in a continually evolving field.
• Creative problem-solving skills to support faculty ventures and address day-to-day challenges.
• Basic knowledge of intellectual property and the venture creation process, with a willingness to grow expertise in these areas.

Responsibilities

• Assists in developing and maintaining relationships with venture capital, corporate, and other investment partners to create funding and strategic opportunities for faculty startups.
• Works closely with faculty and Venture Development Director to understand faculty venture needs and next steps and to identify potential resources.
• Works with faculty to evaluate research innovations, develop commercialization strategies, and navigate the venture creation process.
• Supports faculty ventures in refining business plans, pitch decks, and presentation skills to prepare for investor meetings and funding opportunities.
• Helps identify and engage entrepreneurial talent including mentors to support faculty-led startups.
• Coordinates with internal teams, including licensing, business development, and technical marketing, to align efforts across the commercialization continuum.
• Supports operational activities related to venture development, such as budget tracking, data collection, and process improvements.
• Monitors and communicates trends in venture capital and emerging technology sectors, providing actionable insights to inform faculty ventures and team strategies.
• Maintains and analyzes metrics to track the progress and success of faculty ventures and external partnerships, ensuring continuous improvement.
• Actively solicits and evaluates inventions, materials and software arising from research for intellectual property protection and commercial potential.
• Works in collaboration with internal team to draft, negotiate, execute, and manage intellectual property licenses and other agreements.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Benefits

• The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.
• Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook .
• In addition to the base pay posted above, this position may be eligible for a team-based incentive plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees