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University of Nevada, Reno

Entrepreneurial Development Program Manager, Enterprise and Innovation

University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, Nevada, United States, 89501

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University of Nevada, Reno

The University of Nevada, Reno invites applications for an Entrepreneurial Development Program Manager. In this leadership role, you will guide statewide commercialization efforts under the Manufacture Nevada initiative, including support for SBIR/STTR proposals, translating university-affiliated research into market strategies, and building early-stage startups. Working across NSHE institutionsUNR, UNLV, DRIyou will oversee grant operations, manage external collaborations (including with the Governor's Office of Economic Development), and coordinate efforts to align programming with Nevada's regional economic development priorities. You will apply your expertise in technology commercialization frameworks (e.g., SBIR/STTR, IP strategy, patent analysis, regulatory pathways) to evaluate innovation potential and advise stakeholders on funding and market readiness. Your responsibilities include analyzing scientific and patent literature, developing commercialization strategies, delivering training workshops, and communicating complex technical content to faculty, entrepreneurs, and policymakers in accessible terms. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, as you will represent the University at local and national innovation forums. Success in this role depends on the ability to navigate multi-institution collaborations, lead program initiatives under tight timelines, and oversee outcomes through effective project and budget management. Your contributions will help shape pathways for Nevada's research to support job creation, business start-ups, and a thriving innovative ecosystem across the state. Duties include but are not limited to: Guide faculty and entrepreneurs in developing strategic commercialization plans and navigating SBIR/STTR pathways by conducting market research, analyzing patent landscapes, and fostering partnerships to enhance innovation and reduce risks. Collaborate with UNR RPDS, research institutions, and economic development partners across Nevada to co-develop competitive grant proposals, including travel to engage stakeholders statewide and nationally. Design and deliver capacity-building programs such as NSF I?Corps and SBIR/STTR seminars, pitch coaching sessions, and workshops tailored for faculty, students, and early-stage companies within NSHE. Represent UNR and the Enterprise & Innovation team at key convenings across state, national, and federal innovation forumsfostering relationships that expand commercialization pathways and economic alignment. Serve as principal contact to statewide economic development stakeholders, including GOED's Innovation-Based Economic Development and Office of Entrepreneurshipintegrating university-led programs into regional policy and funding priorities. Maintain collaboration with manufacturing and entrepreneurial networks (via Manufacture Nevada, NCAR, Innevation Center), coordinating programs, referrals, and commercialization resources across Nevada's research infrastructure. Required Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree and five (5) years of related professional work experience OR Master's Degree (in a STEM Discipline preference) and three (3) years of related professional work experience Related Experience: Experience in reviewing scientific and patent literature to support commercialization efforts or related. Preferred Qualifications: PhD

No experience required. Training and ongoing professional development will be provided on the job to ensure success and alignment with the program goals. Schedule or Travel Requirements: Variable work schedule Travel regularly throughout Nevada Compensation Grade: Administrative Faculty C To view the salary schedule for this position, please visit: Salary Schedules and select Administrative Faculty by Grade. Salary is competitive and commensurate with related education and experience. Remarkable Retirement: Our retirement plan is beyond compare. Your 19.25% contribution is generously matched by the University. With the faculty retirement plan, you are 100% vested your first day. Sit back and watch your retirement dollars grow! All permanent employees on an annual "A" or "B" contract who are employed at least 50% full-time are eligible to participate in the NSHE retirement program unless they are members of PERS of Nevada. Perks of Working at UNR: Health insurance options including dental and vision Generous annual and sick leave, life insurance E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center offers annual or semester memberships and spouse/domestic partner membership options Reno is proud to be a University town! Many local businesses offer discounts to WolfCard holders. Mountain EAP supports employees (and eligible dependents) through life's difficult moments. Mountain EAP is located in Reno and specializes in counseling and advising services for personal or interpersonal issues. Several Diversity Committees and Affinity Groups focusing on campus-wide diversity initiatives to ensure we are working to create a diverse and welcoming campus climate. Faculty Senate is the principal representing body for faculty. Its membership includes representatives from each academic and administrative major unit of the University. No state income tax! Grants-in-Aid for Faculty Employees: The University is proud to provide a reduced-rate tuition benefit to faculty and qualified dependents. Faculty can take up to six credits per semester at a reduced rate. Dependents of faculty have unlimited credits but, in order to be eligible, children must be unmarried and under the age of 24 and must receive at least 50% of their financial support from the employee and/or employee's spouse or domestic partner. Faculty Dual Career Assistance Program: The University of Nevada, Reno recognizes the importance of addressing dual-career couples' professional needs. We offer a dual career assistance program to newly hired faculty spouses/partners that provides resources and assists them to identify career opportunities in Northern Nevada. Contact Information: Search Coordinator, Dylan Fuson at dfuson@unr.edu