Company: Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC)

Reports To: Executive Director, KCV

Job Summary:

The Kentucky Commercialization Ventures (KCV) Licensing & New Ventures (LNV) Manager manages the commercialization strategy and execution in coordination with KCV Partner Institutions & designated stakeholders related to all innovations disclosed and opted-in to KCV. This role involves developing identifying opportunities for intellectual assets and innovators including technology marketing, corporate partnering, and collaborative research project development. The manager will consult with innovators and KCV Champions, in accordance with university policies, on impactful research practices, innovation de-risking strategies, licensing, and new venture formation. Additionally, the manager will oversee university innovator participation in KCV commercialization programs related to entrepreneurial education, intellectual property, conference pitching, and more. The role includes conducting and leading education for faculty and students related to research commercialization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. License Negotiations:

   - Initiate and lead license option and collaborative agreement negotiations.

   - Oversee commercialization partner compliance and leverage optimal outcomes.

   - Track and report on KCV metrics, prepare financial reports, and assist with programmatic operations.

2. New Venture Formation:

   - Assist and advise in new venture formation, including building a network of investors, grant funders, and entrepreneurs.

   - Seek out and provide resources for successful university start-up formation and launch.

3. Commercialization Strategies:

   - Develop commercialization strategies and technology marketing materials.

   - Market opted-in innovations to industry investors and entrepreneurs.

4. Education and Outreach:

   - Provide commercialization and start-up education and advice to KCV Partner Institutions.

   - Develop and launch outreach events and online resources.

5. University Collaboration:

   - Travel to participating KY university campuses to meet with inventors, administrators, and partners.

   - Drive research commercialization engagement opportunities with KCV Partner Institutions and positive economic development opportunities.

6. IP and Patent Management:

   - Manage intellectual property portfolios.

   - Maintain database management for KCV compliance monitoring.

7. Additional Responsibilities:

   - Assist KCV Executive Director and/or other KCV staff in various tasks central to the development and success of KCV.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

- Advanced degree in science, engineering, business, law, or a related field and three years of related experience.

- Additional experience may offset the educational requirement on a one-to-one basis.

- US Citizenship or Permanent Residency.

Skills & Competencies:

- Successful leadership experience in managing, marketing, negotiating, and licensing innovations out of academia.

- Experience in new venture formation, including working with entrepreneurs and investors.

- Strong network of knowledge exchange, industry, investor, and entrepreneur contacts.

- Excellent communication skills.

Physical Requirements:

- Travel to KY universities and the KCV office(s) as needed.

About KCV:

Kentucky Commercialization Ventures (KCV) is a program under the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC) aimed at driving innovation and economic development through the commercialization of research and technology. KCV empowers ideas that impact lives – by collaborates with higher education institutions across Kentucky to transform research ideas into market-ready products and startups, enhancing the state’s innovation ecosystem and entrepreneurial capacity.

Additional Information:

- The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required. Other duties may be assigned as determined by management. - Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties and responsibilities.