The Statewide Technology Commercialization Director has oversight management of the SBTDC s Technology Team and programmatically supervises multiple SBTDC staff at distributed SBTDC regional centers across NC. The position will develop annual work plans for the Technology unit and will prepare a quarterly report on performance versus the development plans. Extensive inter-institutional contact with appropriate staff within the 16-campus University System will be expected. The position has responsibility for the development of new products and programs and will facilitate communication and technology transfer initiatives locally, statewide, and nationally. The position will manage and have oversight of existing technology-based student engagement programs and will develop new programs as appropriate. The position will also manage and deploy the existing Investor Ready Entrepreneur program, updating content as appropriate, and will recruit subject matter expertise to facilitate.
The position serves on internal committees and work groups, and is responsible to the State Director for special projects supporting initiatives of the SBTDC and other external organizations.
Significant marketing and outreach will be required, along with instruction/training activities which support the SBTDC s technology development and commercialization objectives. Applied research for various technology reports and publications will be performed.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Providing leadership, supervision, mentoring, and performance management for technology commercialization counselors located throughout the state.
- Delivering one-on-one counseling and strategic guidance to innovation-based companies, entrepreneurs, and university faculty members.
- Planning, developing, and executing statewide educational programs, workshops, webinars, and conferences focused on technology commercialization, entrepreneurial growth, and innovation funding.
- Cultivating sponsorships and external funding sources to support programmatic initiatives and strategic objectives.
- Developing and disseminating educational, promotional, and thought-leadership content through newsletters, social media platforms, websites, and other communication channels.
- Directing a statewide graduate student internship program, including program design, fundraising, university partnerships, student recruitment, client engagement, and program evaluation.
- Building and maintaining strategic relationships with universities, technology transfer offices, innovation centers, MBA programs, research institutions, and entrepreneurial support organizations throughout North Carolina.
- Establishing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with federal, state, regional, and local economic development organizations and innovation ecosystem stakeholders.
- Representing the SBTDC through speaking engagements, networking events, professional conferences, and other public-facing activities throughout the state and nationally.
- Monitoring program performance and outcomes, preparing quarterly and annual reports, and ensuring achievement of annual work plan objectives and contractual deliverables.
- Participating in senior leadership activities and serving as the primary liaison between SBTDC leadership and the Technology Commercialization team.
The Director of Technology Commercialization leads one of SBTDC’s most distinctive and nationally recognized service offerings. This position plays a critical role in strengthening North Carolina’s innovation economy by helping emerging companies secure funding, commercialize research-based technologies, create high-quality jobs, attract investment capital, and bring new products and services to market. The position also serves as a key connector among universities, entrepreneurs, investors, economic development organizations, and public-sector partners, helping to advance innovation-based economic development across the state.
