Venture Development Manager

Department

SIP Polsky Technology Ventures - Administration

About the Department

The Polsky Center advances innovative ideas and technologies from the University of Chicago ecosystem to the world. Through education, resources, and programs, the Polsky Center commercializes discoveries, partners with companies, and attracts venture capital. Amongst other programming, the Polsky Center runs a top-ranked business accelerator, the Edward L. Kaplan, ’71, New Venture Challenge; operates a multi-disciplinary co-working space called the Polsky Exchange; and manages the George Shultz Innovation Fund that invests in early-stage ventures. Finally, the Polsky Center houses the University of Chicago’s technology transfer unit, which manages all University-based intellectual property originating from faculty research and discoveries that can be licensed to industry partners and investors.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director of Venture Development, the Manager, Venture Development will serve as a key member of the Polsky Center’s Venture Development team. This position will support the Senior Director in advancing the commercialization of faculty-led computer science and physical science ventures and managing a robust network of relationships with investors. Solves straightforward problems related to the transfer and use of intellectual property. Provides professional support to faculty to transform ideas and discoveries into patents, licenses, products, services, and ventures.

The Manager will work closely with the Senior Director of Venture Development and University researchers to manage portfolio tracking and follow up; provide connections to relevant funding, talent, and advice; and support start ups with their launch, commercialization strategies, and preparation for investor engagement. Additionally, the Manager will support the director in managing the Polsky Center’s engagement with the venture capital and investor ecosystem. This role supports the program development related to identification, investigation, and negotiation of licensing opportunities for permission to use intellectual property rights, including trademarks, patents or technology.

Responsibilities

• Assists in developing and maintaining relationships with venture capital, corporate, and other investment partners to create funding and strategic opportunities for faculty startups.
• Works closely with faculty and researchers, the Venture Development Senior Director, and partners across campus, including the Data Science Institute to understand faculty and researcher venture needs and next steps, and to identify potential resources.
• Works with Venture Development Senior Director to support faculty to evaluate research innovations, develop commercialization strategies, navigate the venture creation process, and prepare for investor meetings and funding opportunities, including refining business plans and pitch decks.
• Helps identify, engage, and coordinate a network of entrepreneurial talent, including mentors, to support faculty-led startups.
• Coordinates with internal teams, including licensing, business development, and technical marketing, to align efforts across the commercialization continuum.
• Supports operational activities related to venture development, such as budget tracking, data collection, startup updates, and process improvements.
• Monitors and communicates trends in venture capital and emerging technology sectors, providing actionable insights to inform faculty ventures and team strategies.
• Maintains and analyzes metrics to track the progress and success of faculty ventures and external partnerships, ensuring continuous improvement.
• Actively solicits and evaluates inventions, materials and software arising from research for intellectual property protection and commercial potential.
• Has a moderate/solid understanding of the legal issues concerning patent, copyright, or trademark matters. May provide advice on the patentability of inventions, infringement of patents or copyrights, and the validity of trademarks.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications 

Education: 

• Advanced degree in computer science, engineering, physics, materials science, chemistry or related discipline. 

Experience:  

• Knowledge and skills developed through years of work experience in technology commercialization, venture creation, and/or investments.
• Launching, working at, or investing in early-stage science and deep tech startups, particularly AI or data science startups.
• Proven ability to assist in the creation and early growth of science-based faculty ventures.

Preferred Competencies 

• Familiarity with the science startup venture landscape and provide operational support to early-stage startups, especially AI/computer science and physical science startups.
• Strong ability to build rapport and credibility with faculty, researchers, and their labs.
• Proficiency in addressing complex technical, legal, and business issues under the guidance of senior leadership.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to effectively engage with internal and external stakeholders.
• Adaptability and comfort with ambiguity in a continually evolving field.
• Creative problem-solving skills to support faculty ventures and address day-to-day challenges.
• Basic knowledge of intellectual property and the venture creation process, with a willingness to grow expertise in these areas.
• Background or familiarity with data science and AI, quantum technology or material science.

Working Conditions 

• This position is currently expected to work a minimum three days per week in the office.
• Work flexible hours according to demands of business.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required) 
• Cover Letter (preferred)

Job Family

Legal & Regulatory Affairs

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$95,000.00 - $125,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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