ASU Enterprise Partners – Skysong Innovations - Director Business Development, Life Sciences

What we do:
ASU Enterprise Partners is a global-reaching non-profit based in Tempe, AZ. We raise resources to support students, researchers and programs at Arizona State University so that they can improve the world.

As is customary at ASU, we operate a little differently: not only do we cultivate philanthropy, we also identify real estate, technology transfer, international partnership and defense research opportunities that yield private support for the university. You can learn more about each of these entities at www.asuenterprisepartners.org.

Who we are:
Our team is varied – fundraisers, designers, scholars, financial wizards, ex-CEOs, filmmakers, venture capitalists, inventors, volunteers – and each member brings a different perspective to our vision.

Regardless of background, we share a mission that we can help, that quality higher education should be accessible -- no matter from where one comes -- and that we are responsible for the wellbeing of the communities we live in and serve.

Want to advance the most innovative university in the country – and your work? Join us.

 
There is no single career journey at Enterprise Partners. Roles often shift as passions are discovered. You’ll be encouraged to look across the organization to determine if new areas are of interest – whether in fundraising, real estate development, social media or something else. Training courses are offered every week, and our main offices face ASU’s Tempe campus, where our employees’ tuition is significantly reduced.

Our advancement opportunities are real – and so is the ability to be part of an intellectually stimulating, people-focused, mission-driven team doing meaningful work in a beautiful, vibrant, sunlit location.

Details about our comprehensive benefits are available at https://www.asuenterprisepartners.org/careers/benefits.

Partner Description: Skysong Innovations

As the top-rated university for innovation, Arizona State is a powerful generator of intellectual capital and technology. Skysong Innovations, a private non-profit organization, disseminates and manages that capital in the marketplace by nurturing relationships between faculty, investors and industry partners. Since its creation in 2003, Skysong Innovations has launched more than 120 startups, which support over 1,000 jobs and contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to Arizona’s economy.

GENERAL SUMMARY:
The mission statement for the Life Science Technology Transfer function is to identify, evaluate, protect, market and commercialize innovative life science based technologies developed at Arizona State University by removing impediments associated with licensure of university technologies, while ensuring a fair return for the university. In addition, this function may support technology transfer activities for other universities and research institutions.

The overall responsibility of the Director of Business Development is to lead a team of experts that works with faculty and administration in identifying life science inventions; securing appropriate IP coverage; marketing to potential licensees; executing commercial license agreements including facilitating faculty startups; and ensuring diligence on the part of the licensees.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

·Lead a highly skilled team of technology transfer experts in the Phoenix area

·Enhance strong working relationships with faculty

·Work with faculty to disclose and prosecute intellectual property filings

·Market to potential licensees via emailing, phone calls, and face-to-face meetings

·Negotiate and execute licensing transactions from term sheet to definitive agreement

·Maintain up to date project status via central database

·Make presentations to faculty, industry, university leadership and boards

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

·Ability to represent the institution well and to enthusiastically serve as an emissary for ASU

·Team-oriented strategist able to effectively manage complex situations involving numerous and sometimes competing constituencies

·Collaborative style, combined with the ability and desire to work in a team-based environment 

·Ability to maintain a high-degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to Skysong Innovations, the Foundation and University business and confidential prospect information

·Strong and collegial interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively in person, writing, and by phone with faculty, researchers, administrators and industry

·Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

·Problem solver who can take initiative and set priorities while being flexible 

·Ability to represent and promote the institution

·Attention to detail and thoroughness in completing assigned duties

·Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects

·Adept at navigating complex environments with evolving priorities and communication plans

·Proven experience and success in the negotiation and conclusion of successful licensing and research agreements

·Familiarity with the basic concepts of intellectual property law, particularly patent law, is required

· Proven ability to work productively with inventors, administrators and investors in an academic environment

·Proven communicator – comfortable dealing with senior faculty - as well as with executives in the commercial communities of technology, in order to develop and maintain relationships with faculty, industry, and other academic institutions

 EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS:

Advanced technical degree, Masters or Ph.D. required and a minimum of ten years of related experience. 

 Contact us today.

Skysong Innovations, through ASU Enterprise Partners offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance; a 401(k) plan and reduced tuition at ASU.

For more information on Skysong Innovations, visit our web site at www.skysonginnovations.com/  If interested in the Director Business Development Life Sciences position, please apply online at www.asuenterprisepartners.org/content/careers.

Skysong Innovations is an Equal Opportunity Employer