Technology and Commercialization Director

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

About The Position

The State of Iowa Small Business Development Center (SBDC), located in Ames, Iowa, is seeking applications for a full-time Technology and Commercialization Director (Program Specialist III). This position provides statewide support for Iowa SBDC’s technology-based entrepreneurship, innovation, and commercialization services. The Technology and Commercialization Director is responsible for designing, delivering, and managing programs that support innovative and technology-driven small businesses, with a particular emphasis on commercialization readiness, innovation funding pathways, and execution of the SBA Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program. The Director delivers advanced advisory services to technology-based entrepreneurs, including conducting commercialization readiness and prequalification assessments; advising clients on technology commercialization strategies; and supporting innovation-driven funding pursuits, including SBIR/STTR and other federal, state, and private capital sources. This role assists clients in translating research, inventions, and emerging technologies into commercially viable products and companies. In addition, the Technology and Commercialization Director collaborates closely with Iowa SBDC regional centers, Iowa State University constituents, state and federal partners, and Iowa’s broader entrepreneurial ecosystem to coordinate programming, deliver technical assistance, and expand access to innovation and commercialization resources statewide. The position is also responsible for tracking performance metrics and producing quarterly programmatic reports detailing outcomes, impact, and continuous improvement efforts. The successful candidate will possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, demonstrated experience working with technology-based or innovative businesses, and the ability to manage complex programs with measurable outcomes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience
Drivers License
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Demonstrated experience working with technology-based or innovative businesses
Ability to manage complex programs with measurable outcomes
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience advising or working with technology startups or research-driven companies.
Experience working with universities, research institutions, or commercialization offices.
Working knowledge of SBIR/STTR programs and federal innovation funding mechanisms.
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to evaluate optimal funding sources, manage data collection, and communicate insights effectively in both written and verbal formats.
Master’s degree (MBA, MPA, MS, or similar) in Business, Finance, Accounting, Management, Marketing, or related fields.

Responsibilities

Manages a program to ensure that implementation and prescribed activities are carried out in accordance with the objectives of the university.
Plans, monitors, and manages an internal or external project from initiation through completion.
Leads or coordinates project planning, resourcing, and staffing for assigned program.
Monitors and manages budget and ensures that the program meets the overall objectives of the university.
Develops public relations initiatives, workshops, seminars, surveys, or other activities to promote the program and carry out its objectives.
Acts as a representative of the program.
Participates in project management.
May secure external funding as needed.