Director of Acceleration

Director of Acceleration

University Lab Partners seeks an experienced, enterprising, purposeful leader to drive the execution of an accelerator program being launched by ULP. Your primary objective of the ULP Accelerator is to empower and accelerate scalable companies in the life science and medical technology sectors. The program will provide tailored advisory/consulting, specialized life science-focused entrepreneurial training, access to scientific infrastructure to facilitate technology commercialization, and increase early-stage capital access, culminating in accelerated growth and improved outcomes for the participating companies.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Acceleration is a newly formed leadership role with responsibility and accountability for venture development activities. In this role, you will directly contribute to facilitating the formation and growth of life science startup companies formed around innovations developed at universities and the regional startup ecosystem. You will also oversee innovation and entrepreneurship programs, activities, and initiatives. You will also help innovators define the implementation, adoption, and commercialization pathways for early-stage innovations and provide entrepreneurs with the connections, tools, resources, and expertise necessary to develop a startup company with the potential to drive transformative change and societal impact. You will be a subject matter expert on new venture development, innovation and entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization. You will closely coordinate with regional stakeholders to address complex issues with an organization-wide impact. You must model an outstanding work ethic, exemplary people skills, and a commitment to relationship building.

To be successful, you should have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Business, or related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Recognized expert with substantial experience in new venture development, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the life sciences industry in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and/or medical devices/diagnostics.
• Advanced knowledge of new venture funding, institutional and non-dilutive capital sources, and startup fundraising strategies.
• Strong working knowledge of technology commercialization.
• Strong interpersonal skills across all mediums and with diverse groups.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, maintain, and leverage an extensive network of professional contacts and relationships.
• Highly developed skills and expertise in organizational, program, and project management with the ability to measure performance and implement continuous improvement.
• Demonstrates problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential issues that require independent judgment and strict discretion.
• Ability to perform all commonly applicable functions in business software suites and use customer relationship management, marketing, and outreach software applications.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with multiple partners and stakeholders and effectively coordinate collaborative work.

We expect you to be:

• Highly Collaborative, Open, and Honest, Let’s Make it Happen Attitude, Service Driven.
• Self-starter with an excellent work ethic and optimistic attitude who thrives in a fast-paced environment.
• Desire to be part of a team-focused environment and derive pleasure and satisfaction in helping others.

Your responsibilities as the Director of Acceleration will include:

• Develop and oversee new venture development, innovation, and entrepreneurship programs with organization-wide and broader impact focused on new venture creation and startup support, entrepreneurial training and experiential learning, market intelligence and customer discovery, mentor and ecosystem engagement, innovation recognition, and funding.
• Pursue and secure government, non-profit, and private funding to sustain and enhance programmatic activities. Serve as the point person between large-scale, critical innovation partners and universities supporting productive relationships.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with individuals, organizations, and resources in the broader innovation ecosystem, including, but not limited to, angel and venture investors, other incubators and accelerators, government agencies, industry associations, business and technical service providers, innovative companies, research institutions, venture studios, experienced entrepreneurs, and mentors and advisors. Develops and manages partnerships to advance new venture development opportunities and catalyze startup formation and growth.
• Provide guidance to university-associated entrepreneurs and other founders on new venture development, enable engagement in campus programming, and facilitate connections within partner networks and the innovation ecosystem.
• Coordinate and collaborate with a network of campus and community program partners, such as technology transfer offices, to ensure the effective delivery of programming and leverage collective resources.
• Lead and supervise while providing operational and resource oversight. Establish policies, practices, and procedures and monitor trends to lead the adoption of best practices for new venture development activities.
• Track data and metrics to monitor startup performance and report on unit activities, output, and outcomes. Lead marketing and communications efforts, strategize innovative and engaging proactive outreach, create informational materials, and provide presentations to various audiences. Represent the program at conferences and other public events and serve on boards and committees.

About Us:

ULP empowers economic development and job creation in Orange County by combining a state-of-the-art life science co-working environment with workforce development and training opportunities. Since 2019, ULP has managed state-of-the-art wet lab facilities and the benefits of peer-to-peer interactions among a life science-focused entrepreneurial community developing cutting-edge medical innovations that save and improve human lives.

ULP is dedicated to creating a culture of innovation by providing resources and building the necessary network to facilitate the path from idea to research and intellectual property development to commercially viable enterprises and domestically manufactured products. ULP develops entrepreneurs in Orange County, providing an atmosphere that supports innovation and creates new jobs and businesses. While making the most of its existing relationships with industry professionals, universities, philanthropic entities, government officials, and regional stakeholders, ULP also forges new relationships to connect economic development and technology commercialization resources. As part of the process, ULP serves as a landing ground for life science innovators and supporters by hosting educational and thought-leadership events to provide resources and connections so start-ups can thrive.

Impact at a glance: (Since opening in December 2019)

• 57 Resident Companies served
• 752 new jobs created by the ULP Community (Resident Companies and ULP)
• 84 candidates successfully placed into paid internships
• $282M raised in aggregate by ULP Residents
• $60M of revenue generated
• 6 Resident Companies graduated
• 21 Female/Minority-Led Companies

As our resident companies create high-paying, sustainable wage jobs here in Orange County, ULP catalyzes developing the next generation of a diverse STEM workforce to support this regional job growth. Through the investment of our supporters and community partners, ULP has inspired over 1,400 students with opportunities in STEM innovation. Our mission is to develop the next generation of life science talent through education and workforce development programming, focused on engaging high school and college student populations historically underrepresented in STEM careers.

Best-in-Class Benefits and Perks:

We value our employees’ time and efforts. Our commitment to your success is enhanced by a competitive compensation of $110K - $175K annually, depending on experience, and an extensive benefits package including:

• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance provided
• Robust retirement planning: 401(k) plan available with employer matching
• Financial security: Life and disability insurance for added protection
• Flexible financial options: Health savings and flexible spending accounts offered
• Well-being and work-life balance: Paid time off

Apply now, and let's grow together

If you're passionate about driving change, fostering innovation, and leading with vision, we want to hear from you Please email your resume and cover letter to info@universitylabpartners.org

We are an equal opportunity employer that welcomes and encourages diversity in the workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories.