Vice President for Innovation
Reporting to the Provost, the Vice President for Innovation will cultivate initiatives and structures to advance Princeton’s ambitious goals in the area of knowledge and technology transfer, with particular emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, commercialization, and partnerships with industry, non-profits, government entities, and other academic institutions.
Princeton University has retained TillmanCarlson, an executive search firm, to assist in this search. Confidential inquiries, nominations, referrals, and resumes with cover letters should be submitted to:
Kelly A. Carlson
President & CEO
TillmanCarlson
Responsibilities
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Expand connections with the innovation ecosystem surrounding the University, including ties with industry, external entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, alumni, donors, and other potential partners.
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Enable faculty and other researchers to translate their work into commercial or non-profit endeavors by connecting them with resources and opportunities.
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Foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among Princeton’s faculty, students, and other researchers through a robust set of workshops, training, networking opportunities, and access to legal and business expertise.
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Lead University units and staff associated with innovation and entrepreneurship, such as the Princeton Entrepreneurship Council (PEC) and the newly established 30,000-square-foot Princeton Innovation Center BioLabs.
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Partner closely with related University units, including the offices of Technology Licensing, Corporate Engagement and Foundation Relations, and Advancement, and the Keller Center for Innovation in Engineering Education.
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Engage with state and local governments to develop a robust innovation hub for central New Jersey, partnering with other universities where appropriate to build a brand and reputation for innovation in the region, resulting in the attraction and retention of key talent.
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Contribute to Princeton’s overall wellbeing as a member of the President’s Cabinet.
Qualifications
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A proven track record driving innovation in a well-regarded corporate, consulting, and/or academic environment combined with the educational credentials expected of a senior University leader who works closely with faculty and other researchers.
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Experience working in industry, licensing a technology, and/or founding a company, and identifying innovative solutions across a broad spectrum of human endeavor, such as technology, science, nutrition, healthcare, and engineering.
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Experience establishing successful relationships with venture capitalists, angel investors, and entrepreneurs, thereby positioning Princeton as a key contributor to innovation.
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The ability to learn quickly, to appreciate the breadth of University research, and to discern innovative potential, establishing systematic ways of engaging key faculty and departments, raising awareness across the campus, and positioning research in a way that resonates with investors and corporations.
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The ability to communicate persuasively and effectively, both orally and in writing, to a diverse range of constituencies, including entrepreneurs, faculty, investors, alumni, and trustees.
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Experience developing and overseeing strategic approaches and initiatives in a complex organization, including a capacity to synthesize data from diverse research to identify key innovative elements with commercial opportunity for Princeton.
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Strong management and leadership skills, as well as a proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse constituencies.
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A demonstrated record of mentoring and developing researchers in and beyond their own disciplines.
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The ability to cultivate relationships, work with multi-constituency communities, and build and lead high-performing teams.
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A demonstrated commitment to building a diverse and welcoming workforce and workplace and to promoting diversity more broadly.
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An advanced degree in engineering, physical or life sciences, public policy, business, or other relevant area.
Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. EEO IS THE LAW
Salary Grade
ADM, 110
Standard Weekly Hours
36.25
Eligible for Overtime
No
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)
No
Physical Capacity Exam Required
No
Valid Driver’s License Required
Yes