Head of Innovation Acceleration

Director of Acceleration

University Lab Partners is in search of a seasoned, dynamic, and results-oriented leader to spearhead the launch of an accelerator initiative. The primary aim of the ULP Accelerator is to empower and expedite the growth of scalable enterprises within the life sciences and medical technology domains. This program will offer customized advisory services, specialized entrepreneurial training focused on life sciences, access to scientific infrastructure to support technology commercialization, and enhanced access to early-stage capital, ultimately leading to accelerated growth and improved outcomes for participating firms.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Acceleration is a pivotal leadership position responsible for venture development activities. In this capacity, you will play a crucial role in facilitating the establishment and expansion of life science startups that emerge from university innovations and the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem. You will also oversee programs, activities, and initiatives related to innovation and entrepreneurship. Your expertise will assist innovators in defining the pathways for implementation, adoption, and commercialization of early-stage innovations, providing entrepreneurs with the necessary connections, tools, resources, and expertise to develop impactful startup companies. You will serve as a subject matter expert in new venture development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization, closely collaborating with regional stakeholders to address complex organizational challenges. Exemplary work ethic, exceptional interpersonal skills, and a commitment to relationship building are essential.

To excel in this role, you should possess:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Science, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience/training.
• Recognized expertise with significant experience in new venture development, innovation, and entrepreneurship within the life sciences sector, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and/or medical devices/diagnostics.
• Advanced understanding of new venture funding, including institutional and non-dilutive capital sources, as well as startup fundraising strategies.
• Strong familiarity with technology commercialization processes.
• Excellent interpersonal skills across various communication mediums and with diverse groups.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proven capability to cultivate, maintain, and leverage a broad network of professional contacts and relationships.
• Highly developed organizational, program, and project management skills, with the ability to assess performance and implement continuous improvement strategies.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
• Proven ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters requiring independent judgment and discretion.
• Proficiency in business software applications and customer relationship management tools.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with multiple partners and stakeholders.

We expect you to embody:

• A highly collaborative, transparent, and service-oriented approach.
• A self-starter mentality with a strong work ethic and a positive outlook, thriving in a dynamic environment.
• A passion for being part of a team-oriented culture and finding fulfillment in assisting others.

Your responsibilities as the Director of Acceleration will encompass:

• Developing and overseeing innovative venture development and entrepreneurship programs with organization-wide and broader implications, focusing on new venture creation, startup support, entrepreneurial training, market intelligence, mentor engagement, innovation recognition, and funding.
• Securing government, non-profit, and private funding to sustain and enhance programmatic initiatives. Acting as the liaison between key innovation partners and universities to foster productive relationships.
• Building and managing relationships with individuals, organizations, and resources within the broader innovation ecosystem, including angel and venture investors, incubators, accelerators, government agencies, industry associations, and research institutions. Developing partnerships to promote new venture development and stimulate startup growth.
• Providing guidance to university-affiliated entrepreneurs and founders on new venture development, facilitating engagement in campus programming, and connecting them within partner networks and the innovation ecosystem.
• Coordinating with a network of campus and community program partners to ensure effective program delivery and resource utilization.
• Leading and supervising operational and resource management, establishing policies and practices, and monitoring trends to implement best practices for new venture development.
• Tracking data and metrics to evaluate startup performance and reporting on activities, outputs, and outcomes. Leading marketing and communication efforts, strategizing proactive outreach, creating informational materials, and presenting to various audiences.

About Us:

ULP is dedicated to fostering economic development and job creation in Orange County by providing a state-of-the-art life science co-working environment combined with workforce development and training opportunities. Since its inception, ULP has managed advanced wet lab facilities and facilitated peer-to-peer interactions among a life science-focused entrepreneurial community, driving the development of groundbreaking medical innovations that enhance and save lives.

ULP is committed to cultivating a culture of innovation by offering resources and building a network that supports the journey from idea generation to research, intellectual property development, and the creation of commercially viable enterprises. ULP nurtures entrepreneurs in Orange County, fostering an environment that promotes innovation and generates new jobs and businesses. By leveraging existing relationships with industry professionals, universities, philanthropic organizations, government officials, and regional stakeholders, ULP also seeks to establish new connections to bridge economic development and technology commercialization resources.

Impact at a glance:

• 57 Resident Companies served
• 752 new jobs created by the ULP Community
• 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 jobs in Orange County, ULP is committed to developing the next generation of a diverse STEM workforce to support regional job growth. Through the support of our partners and community stakeholders, ULP has inspired over 1,400 students with opportunities in STEM innovation. Our mission is to cultivate the next generation of life science talent through education and workforce development programming, particularly aimed at engaging high school and college students from historically underrepresented backgrounds in STEM careers.

Best-in-Class Benefits and Perks:

We value our employees' contributions and are committed to their success, offering a competitive compensation package and an extensive benefits program, including:

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

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity in the workplace. We do not discriminate based on 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.