Vice President for Business Development and Innovation

The Vice President for Business Development and Innovation reports to the Provost and will have leadership and administrative responsibilities for exploring, developing and implementing revenue generating opportunities for the University.  In addition to focusing on new business ventures for the University each year, the Vice President will provide oversight to the Delaware Institute of Science and Technology to ensure that this revenue producing entity expands and becomes the premier consulting and training entity for government and academic institutions in the United States.  The Vice President will work closely with senior administrators throughout the University to cultivate business and innovative initiatives related to their perspective areas.  Oversee an entrepreneurship fund which will invest in potential revenue generating activities and develop revenue sharing models.  The Vice President will also be involved in special projects and activities that will lead to the outcome of Delaware State University sustainability.  The Vice President of Business Development and Innovation will be responsible for the strategic leadership of research programs and business development.

Key Responsibilities

1. Identify new business opportunities within assigned programmatic priorities and geographic areas.

2. Establish and manage partner relationships with nonprofits, developers, public agencies, technical assistance providers, other lenders, etc.

3. Manage internal investment programs aimed at providing seed grants to faculty to initiate and grow their research, equipment purchases, new faculty start-up packages, and proposal.

4. Develop and grow partnerships with other universities and organizations.

5. Utilize proactive leadership skills, including a willingness to motivate faculty, keeping them appropriately informed and professionally engaged to develop and focus on their research.

6. The ability to build productive relationships, connecting with all members and constituency groups within a higher education community and connected to it, the ability to work collaboratively with those at the campus, state, and national levels.

7. Outstanding communication and leadership skills; ability to articulate a vision and inspire the full range of University constituencies, including administration, faculty, students, and external audiences.

8. Possess entrepreneurial skills to stimulate growth; the ability to identify and pursue a path to success.

9. The ability to engage with individuals, non-profits, foundations as well as business and government in the social sector to find new ways to strengthen the DSU brand and surrounding communities to promote social equity by developing new approaches to social innovation.

10. Experience with innovative practices and professional development opportunities that will enable faculty, students, and staff to become more effective researchers.

11. Foster and develop opportunities for student engagement through research at the graduate and undergraduate levels through collaboration with the deans and faculty.

12. A commitment to working effectively with administrators, staff, faculty, and other stakeholders in communicating the mission of the University to ensure student success and overall sustainability.

13. Evidence of a network of contacts within key research funding agencies and other organizations that support research in higher education.

14. Significant personnel and budgetary management experience.

15. Familiarity with the regulatory environment for research.

16. Experience with commercialization and technology transfer.

17. An understanding and appreciation of the history, culture, and mission of the University.

Qualification Standards

1. Academic credentials to include an earned terminal doctoral degree or a Master’s degree, with relevant experience, from a recognized accredited institution.

2. Proven leadership experience in a public higher education institution with demonstrated administrative success.

3. Strong administrative and management skills, with a demonstrated ability to successfully plan and implement strategic initiatives and to inspire, motivate, develop and mentor staff.

4. Experience in the administration ofsponsored research, including experience dealing with research compliance issues, funding agencies, commercial enterprises, and the industrial/business sector, including experience nurturing the development of intellectual property.

5. Strong fiscal management skills and experience allocating and re-allocating limited resources to fulfill the priorities of the strategic plan.

6. Experience with innovative practices and professional development opportunities that will enable faculty and staff to become more effective.

7. A commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.

All interested applicants who meet the qualifications of this position must apply on line at the DSU website.  No applications will be accepted by mail.