Clinical Innovation Director

About Children's Minnesota
Children's Minnesota is one of the largest pediatric health systems in the United States and the only health system in Minnesota to provide care exclusively to children, from before birth through young adulthood. An independent and not-for-profit system since 1924, Children's Minnesota is one system serving kids throughout the Upper Midwest at two free-standing hospitals, nine primary care clinics, multiple specialty clinics and seven rehabilitation sites. As The Kids Experts in our region, Children's Minnesota is regularly ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a top children's hospital. Find us on Facebook @childrensminnesota or on Twitter and Instagram @childrensmn. Please visit

Children's Minnesota is proud to be recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of 2023's Top Diversity Leaders. The national honor recognizes the top diverse healthcare executives and organizations influencing public policy, care delivery, and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in their organizations and the industry.

Position Summary
Children's Minnesota is a leading pediatric healthcare provider dedicated to advancing child health through cutting-edge research, clinical care, and innovative solutions.

This position is accountable for both the management of high-value technologies (commercialization) and the development and operation of the licensing function. This position is expected to be a primary interface between executive management and physician leadership as well as a liaison between the innovation department and inexperienced innovators/departments to advance licensing and commercialization that enhance patient outcomes and drive organizational growth.

This senior role will play a pivotal part in transforming unrecognized assets into valuable innovations, fostering a culture of creativity among staff, and forging strategic partnerships with industry leaders. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a proven track record in healthcare innovation, intellectual property management, and partnership development, and who thrives in a dynamic, mission-driven environment focused on pediatric care.

This role develops and implements technology sales and marketing plans; manages the patent process; identifies potential commercial partners; negotiates license agreements and other commercialization arrangements; manages relationships with industry; advises Children's physicians and scientists regarding protection of intellectual property and technology-based business matters.

License/Certification/Registration required? No

Education:

• MBA or Bachelor's degree plus 10+ years in business, healthcare administration, life sciences, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10-15 years in innovation management, business development, or technology transfer, preferably in healthcare, biotechnology, or a pediatric-focused organization.
• Demonstrated success in commercializing innovations, securing partnerships, and managing IP portfolios.
• Experience with venture capital, startups, or medical device/pharma industries is highly desirable.
• Experience in a hospital or pediatric research setting, preferred
• Proven record of successful innovation programs or startups.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Strong strategic and analytical skills with expertise in business case development, financial modeling, and proposal writing.
• Proven negotiation abilities, including licensing and collaboration agreements.
• Deep knowledge of intellectual property laws, data monetization strategies, and regulatory compliance (e.g., HIPAA, FDA).
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to educate and inspire diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in leveraging relationships in venture capital and medical sectors.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies in cellular therapies, diagnostics, and remote monitoring.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, innovative thinker, collaborative leader, and passion for pediatric health advancements.
• The ability to navigate ambiguity and drive results in a fast-paced environment.

The posted salary represents a market competitive range based on salary survey benchmark data for similar roles in the local or national market. When determining individual pay rates, we carefully consider a wide range of factors including but not limited to market indicators for the specific role, the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate, internal equity and organizational needs.

In addition to your salary, this position may be eligible for medical, dental, vision, retirement, and other fringe benefits. Positions that require night, weekend or on-call work may be eligible for shift differentials or premium pay.

All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of an occupational health assessment, drug screen, background investigation, and compliance with the U.S. Government Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.

Children's Minnesota is proud to be an equal opportunity employer whose staff is representative of its community and considers qualified applicants for open positions without regard to race, color, creed, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.