Director, Business Development & Commercial Strategy

The mission of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

The Director, Business Development & Commercial Strategy will lead and oversee the development and growth of collaborative and commercial opportunities with the biopharmaceutical and medical device industries, as well as with not-for-profit organizations, to create and maximize value for MDACC. The successful candidate's responsibilities will include engaging directly with industry and institutional leadership to develop, lead, and manage opportunities that align with institutional strategy and vision.

KEY FUNCTIONS

- Develop data-driven collaboration and commercialization strategies and models that align with institutional priorities, resources, and vision to maximize short-term and long-term value of MDACC assets and resources resulting in positive impact to patients, the scientific community, and the institution's margin.

- Lead opportunities throughout the business development life cycle and across the intellectual property portfolio. Activities include prospecting, deal design, negotiation, and general relationship management to see opportunities through to execution and beyond.

- Manage a high performing team of business development professionals responsible for supporting innovation and entrepreneurship through diligence, design, negotiation, and implementation of transactions (including, but not limited to, licenses, collaborations, options, newco formation, joint ventures) across the Strategic Industry Ventures team.

- Understands the internal and external environments in which we work; synthesizes complex scientific, technical, business, and financial information; and navigates the most complex challenges with high emotional intelligence and wisdom to reach conclusion and solution.

- Spearhead new programs and best practices to move industry transactions forward, and market MDACC priorities and resources both on and off campus. This includes serving as point person and subject matter expert for internal and external relationships.

- Establish strategic alignment among internal stakeholders to implement, review and report on executed and existing business development projects (including collaborations, license agreements, etc.) to ensure the agreement and institutional objectives are well understood and executed according to the contract terms. Develop external relationships:
Actively engage, cultivate, and manage relationships with large and small biopharmaceutical companies, venture capital, other academic institutions, non-profit agencies, and foundations to ensure efficient execution and achievement of milestones.

- Develop internal relationships:
Develop and maintain relationships and a collaborative culture across MDACC in support of the Institution's and SIV's goals, including but not limited to, IP management team, transaction team, operations, faculty at large; and Legal, Business, Finance, Administration, and Communication strategy teams.

- Represent SIV on institutional committees and at industry conferences to further promote the institutional strategy and priorities for strategic industry transactions

EDUCATION

Required:

Advanced degree in business administration, health administration, public health, biomedical science, or equivalent degree

EXPERIENCE

Required:

Ten (10) years of demonstrated successful track record in business development, strategy, and/or operations with significant experience and deal negotiation in and/or with the biopharmaceutical industry.

Five (5) years of leadership experience.

Preferred:

Knowledge of business and management principles; knowledge of licensing terminology and economics; and excellent business acumen.

QUALIFICATIONS

- Demonstrates passion and enthusiasm for the Institution's overall mission and for working in a non-profit high energy environment.

- Leads with high emotional intelligence (EQ) and the ability to handle complex situations deftly and discreetly.

- Demonstrates excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills.

- Maintains ability to impact financial planning and administration both strategically and tactically.

- Displays excellent written, oral, interpersonal and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior and executive leadership, faculty, and staff.

- Maintains an established network of contacts within biopharmaceutical and non-profit organizations.

- Demonstrates strong project, time, and people management skills to maintain organization of multiple transactions and (commonly shifting) activities across SIV pipeline

- Demonstrates strong analytical skills and the ability to connect dots across various contracts, projects, and relationships.

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