Description:
Reporting to the Vice President of Research, the Business Director, Validation, Prototyping and Manufacturing Institute (VPMI) will develop and manage VPMI operations, finances, and strategic business opportunities. You will collaborate with the Scientific Director to execute revenue-generating activities that enable the achievement of the VPMI’s strategic and operational plans. You will also lead the development and execution of a comprehensive strategic business development plan to support revenue growth & targets, and enhance research partnerships. You will partner with units across Brock University to enable seamless support for VPMI projects across research support and entrepreneurship systems. As well, you will oversee and manage the development, tracking and reporting of key performance indicators for VPMI-funded programs.
As the Business Director VPMI, you will:
- Facilitate industry partnerships and serve as the lead contact at VPMI;
- Promote VPMI as a practical contributor to commercialization and technology transfer;
- Establish new partnerships through the development and implementation of an ongoing strategy for identifying stewardship of external industry partners;
- Oversee VPMI meetings and promotional events;
- Grow and facilitate greater community engagement and research funding and revenue for VPMI
- Facilitate the meaningful involvement of partners in the proposal preparation process and negotiate terms & conditions;
- Contribute to securing contracts, Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), Sponsored Research Agreements (SRAs), and other formal partnerships;
- Support the development of strategic initiatives to access funding opportunities across multiple regions and activity types;
- Evaluate and report on the strategic progress and ensure its alignment with the broader University strategic plan;
- Collaborate with the Office of Research Services to track and report on sponsored research funding for VPMI projects;
- Liaise with marketing & communications staff to develop materials and initiatives to promote research and commercialization activities at VPMI;
- Participate in conferences, symposia, and other events to advance VPMI research and engage with the industry;
- Complete regular environmental scans for the VPMI business plan;
- Provide leadership, coaching and mentorship to the team and lead them towards the short and long-term goals of VPMI; and
- All other related duties and required and/or assigned by the Vice-President Research or designate.
What you need to Succeed…
- Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in business, science or engineering, with focus on Marketing or equivalent combination of education and experience;
- A minimum of five (5) years of experience in business development or technology management in industry, University, or governmental agencies (preference for experience in more than one of these sectors);
- Experience with knowledge translation and mobilization activities;
- Knowledge of federal and provincial research and development programs and policies;
- Proven ability to negotiate contracts and agreements;
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required;
- Project management experience and the ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively with employees and partners at all levels;
- Ability to champion change and influence on all levels and gain support for new initiatives;
- Superior marketing and negotiating experience;
- Ability to learn, understand and balance the distinctive mandates, needs and circumstances of the research enterprise; and
- Strong leadership and management skills to bring people together to achieve a common goal.