Senior Commercialization Advisor

Senior Commercialization Advisor (Washington, DC)

Valiant Harbor International is a CVE Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business that specializes in technical, programmatic, acquisition, compliance, and financial services for Government science and technology, research and development, and technological programs. At Valiant Harbor International, we emphasize our intense focus on helping federal government agencies identify and address organizational challenges to tailor and integrate specific solutions to solve their most difficult problems.

Success is defined by our ability to meet our customers’ needs quickly, efficiently, and effectively.

Valiant Harbor International is seeking a strategic and dynamic Senior Commercialization Advisor to support the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA‑H) Office of Commercialization (OC). This individual will work across ARPA‑H’s entire program portfolio, identifying transformative health technologies and accelerating their path to market. The successful candidate will provide deep commercialization expertise and strategic insight to guide agency investments and ensure high‑impact innovations successfully transition to real-world use.

This is a part-time, remote opportunity with some travel anticipated.

• Partner with the ARPA‑H Federal Lead to design and execute a structured program for performer spin‑outs.
• Provide senior‑level commercialization support to nominated academic performers, including:
  • Licensing strategy and negotiations with university TTOs
  • Freedom‑to‑operate (FTO) and IP landscape reviews
  • Team formation and governance structures
  • Regulatory and reimbursement pathway planning
  • Fundraising readiness (non‑dilutive and investor engagement)
• Support selection and evaluation of performers (e.g., customer discovery sprints, PI pitches, EIR matches).
• Build and manage relationships with commercialization partners, mentors, and external stakeholders (universities, accelerators, investors, foundations, and industry).
• Develop commercialization toolkits, playbooks, and reporting structures to standardize support across cohorts.
• Track and report on performer outcomes, capturing lessons learned and recommendations for program improvement.
• Support organization of program events (workshops, showcases, milestone reviews).
• Draft high‑quality reports, memos, and briefing materials for ARPA‑H leadership.

• Advanced degree in a relevant field (i.e., Master’s, Ph.D., J.D.); degree in business, law, engineering, or biomedical sciences preferred.
• Must have 10+ years of experience in commercialization, technology transfer, or early‑stage venture development.
• Proven expertise in supporting startups through licensing, IP strategy, regulatory planning, or fundraising.
• Familiarity with university TTO operations and negotiation practices.
  
  Strong understanding of non‑dilutive funding mechanisms (SBIR/STTR, BARDA, NIH, DoD).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey scientific and business concepts to diverse stakeholders.
• Experience interfacing with senior leadership and managing high‑stakes stakeholder relationships.

• Prior experience in federal innovation programs (e.g., ARPA, NIH, DoD, BARDA).
• Experience working within or alongside accelerators, incubators, or venture studios.
• Knowledge of reimbursement and payer landscapes in healthcare.
• Track record of successful startup formation, fundraising, or commercialization outcomes.
• Strong professional network in biotech, medtech, digital health, or adjacent sectors.

Clearance Requirements: Ability to obtain a Public Trust.

Environment: Part‑time, remote; some travel anticipated.

Salary Range: Negotiable.

EEO Statement: Valiant Harbor International, LLC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Valiant Harbor International prohibits discrimination with respect to the hiring or promotion of individuals, conditions of employment, disciplinary and discharge practices, or any other aspect of employment on the basis of sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other protected class.

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact (202) 656‑4691 for assistance.

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