Director, Innovation Development

Lakehead University is seeking a dynamic collaborator passionate about working with faculty, students, industry/community players and both federal and provincial government agencies to bring real life solutions that will help our industries and community partners grow and prosper.

An innovator with a passion for problem solving, the Director, Innovation Development, will work within the Office of Innovation, Partnerships and Economic Development (IPED) of the VPRI unit to define processes and implementation strategies that will drive economic and social prosperity for our community.

This unique role will work with all members of the innovation system and will help find ways to ensure efficient technology transfer, ways of optimizing partnerships with industry and community - especially relating to IP management and partnership agreements - and ways to move ideas into the community that make a difference. This could involve creating start-ups or helping develop intrapreneurs that will work with and help companies manage their innovation processes.

This position plays a key advisory role in strengthening and highlighting the unique strengths of Lakehead's innovation ecosystem.

1. Developing Lakehead's Innovation System

• Understand the needs of our industry and community partners and how Lakehead can help bring our expertise to assist in solving problems inhibiting economic and social development
• Work with faculty involved in research to understand their needs and interest in participating in Lakehead's Innovation system, either independently or with industry/community partners
• Develop, in conjunction with the VPRI team, policies to promote best innovation practices by working and interacting with innovation practitioners.
• Develop policies and proposals to increase the culture of innovation across Lakehead’s 3 locations.
• Build and manage, in conjunction with the VPRI team, partnerships within the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem and coordinate outreach to faculties, researchers, students, and community partners.
• Prepare and apply for funding opportunities to support applied research activities
• Create and deliver faculty, student, and community events related to innovation development and industry research partnerships.
• Professionally represent and promote Lakehead University and the Office of the VPRI to external partners and stakeholders.
• Identify potential licensees and support the drafting, negotiation, and management of option, assignment, and license agreements.
• Support the drafting, review, and negotiation of industry and community research contracts, confidentiality agreements, material transfer agreements, IP agreements, data sharing agreements, collaboration agreements, and related contracts.
• Advise researchers on commercialization-related grants and assist in drafting and managing applications requiring IP or commercialization components.
• Provide advice on industry research contracts and related agreements.
• Determine when to license University IP to start-up companies; incorporate and organize start-ups and provide mentorship related to governance, financing, and corporate management.
• Advise the University on equity positions, revenue sharing, and when to liquidate interests in start-ups.
• Assist in identifying industry research partners and represent the University on local and regional organizations to encourage industry liaison activities.
• Liaise with relevant innovation offices and government agencies regarding legal, IP, and commercialization matters.

3. IPED & Operational Leadership

• Co-manage the Office of IPED budget, operating standards, policies, and file management processes.
• Source, draft, submit, and manage innovation development operating fund grant applications.
• Measure and track relevant metrics and report on departmental progress, goals, and strategic direction.
• Support recruitment, supervision, and co-management of staff.
• Support the ongoing development, promotion, and fundraising efforts of IPED, including engagement with partners.

• Formal education (Bachelors Degree) is required. A Masters degree or equivalent is recommended. On the job experience, certification as a Registered Technology Transfer Professional (RTTP) from the Association of Technology Transfer Professionals, and/or a Law Degree, would be considered a great asset
• High level knowledge of collaborative research agreements, confidentiality agreements, material transfer agreements, facility access agreements, intellectual…