Director of Business Development

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

About the Harvard Office of Technology Development (OTD)

The Office of Technology Development (OTD) is part of Harvard University's Central Administration. OTD fulfills the University’s commitment to translate technologies developed in Harvard labs for the public good and to establish corporate partnerships that advance research towards commercial impact.

Reporting to the Associate Provost and Chief Technology Development Officer, the Director of Business Development (DBD) will support OTD’s core mission to
1) commercialize technologies emerging from Harvard labs and
2) secure funding from corporate sources to advance research.

The DBD will be responsible for developing and implementing commercialization plans for technologies in the physical sciences, engineering, applied, and computer sciences. This entails assessing the commercial potential and market opportunities for new technologies and formulating strategies for their transfer to society through licensing, startup creation, or partnering with industry. The DBD will manage a portfolio of inventions in diverse fields of technology, including materials science, quantum, AI, energy, medical devices, imaging, and nanotech.

S/he will draft term sheets and negotiate license and sponsored research agreements; help create startups and develop relationships with entrepreneurs and investors; support research personnel issues related to technology transfer and business development; prepare technology profiles reflecting the commercial potential of new technologies; identify potential licensees; initiate industry contacts and develop strong relationships with potential commercialization partners; and facilitate interactions among faculty and industry scientists, patent counsel, research sponsors and university administration.

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:

An advanced scientific, computer science, or engineering degree in the physical sciences or a related discipline. Ten years of relevant experience in positions involved with corporate partnering, deal making, marketing, licensing, technology transfer, business development or business incubation in an industrial setting.

Additional

Qualifications and Skills:

PhD, strong scientific background, preferred. Strong preference will be given to candidates who have had business/corporate development or startup experience and the contacts that accompany those types of experiences. Experience dealing with patent and licensing law and practices and related legal agreements. Skills needed to negotiate agreements within a highly complex and demanding organization. Highly entrepreneurial.

Harvard University has retained Park Square Executive Search to conduct the search for this position. All inquiries, nominations, and applications can be sent to Bruce Rychlik, Managing Partner, or Jack Carter, Principal, of Park Square Executive Search at

• Standard Hours/
  
  Schedule:
  
  standard work week
• Visa Sponsorship: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screenings:
  Identity and Education
• Other Information: This position has a 6-month orientation and review period.

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This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts.

Additional details will…