Senior Manager, Venture Development

Department

SING Polsky Technology Ventures - Administration

The Polsky Center advances innovative ideas and technologies from the University of Chicago ecosystem to the world. Through education, resources, and programs, the Polsky Center commercializes discoveries, partners with companies, and attracts venture capital. The Polsky Center runs a top-ranked business accelerator, the Edward L. Kaplan, ’71, New Venture Challenge; operates a multi-disciplinary co-working space called the Polsky Exchange; and manages the George Shultz Innovation Fund that invests in early‑stage ventures.

Finally, the Polsky Center houses the University of Chicago’s technology transfer unit, which manages all University‑based intellectual property originating from faculty research and discoveries that can be licensed to industry partners and investors.

Reporting to the Director of Venture Development, the Senior Manager, Venture Development will serve as a key member of the Polsky Center’s Venture Development team. This position will support the Director in advancing the commercialization of faculty‑led science ventures and managing a robust network of relationships with investors. The Senior Manager will work closely with the Director of Venture Development, university researchers and university intellectual property companies to evaluate research innovations and assess startup potential, provide guidance on commercialization strategies, support preparation for investor engagement, and provide connections to relevant funding, talent, and advice.

Additionally, the Senior Manager will support the director in managing the Polsky Center’s engagement with the venture capital and investor ecosystem. The role supports the program development related to identification, investigation, and negotiation of licensing opportunities for permission to use intellectual property rights, including trademarks, patents or technology. Solves straightforward problems related to the transfer and use of intellectual property.

Provides professional support to faculty to transform ideas and discoveries into patents, licenses, products, services, and ventures.

• Assists in developing and maintaining relationships with venture capital, corporate, and other investment partners to create funding and strategic opportunities for faculty startups.
• Works closely with faculty and Venture Development Director to understand faculty venture needs and next steps and to identify potential resources.
• Works with faculty to evaluate research innovations, develop commercialization strategies, and navigate the venture creation process.
• Supports faculty ventures in refining business plans, pitch decks, and presentation skills to prepare for investor meetings and funding opportunities.
• Helps identify and engage entrepreneurial talent including mentors to support faculty‑led startups.
• Coordinates with internal teams, including licensing, business development, and technical marketing, to align efforts across the commercialization continuum.
• Supports operational activities related to venture development, such as budget tracking, data collection, and process improvements.
• Monitors and communicates trends in venture capital and emerging technology sectors, providing actionable insights to inform faculty ventures and team strategies.
• Marries and analyzes metrics to track the progress and success of faculty ventures and external partnerships, ensuring continuous improvement.
• Actively solicits and evaluates inventions, materials and software arising from research for intellectual property protection and commercial potential.
• Works in collaboration with internal team to draft, negotiate, execute, and manage intellectual property licenses and other agreements.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications: ---

• Advanced degree in life sciences,…