Work With NCI

NCInnovation, Inc. (NCI) is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Research Triangle Park, NC.  NCI was created to accelerate the commercialization, capital formation needs, and scale of innovative research from North Carolina universities.  Backed by more than $25M in corporate contributions from companies including Bank of America, Duke Energy, Truist, Wells Fargo, and SAS, and through an endowment established by the NC General Assembly, NCI is building the partnerships, organizational, and grant management capabilities to deploy state resources into infrastructure, applied research funding, and capital investments to position North Carolina as first-in-the-country in innovation. 

NCI seeks an experienced professional to lead the development of a Hub, hosted at, and in close partnership with, University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW).  

Job Summary:

Reporting directly to the Senior Innovation Network Director – Eastern Region, the UNCW Regional Innovation Hub Director will be responsible for building the organization’s engagement with research universities, entrepreneurial communities, campus and local support organizations, and regional industry and business partners. In close partnership with UNCW, the Director will be NCI’s regionally-located employee charged with developing a network approach to understanding and growing university applied research opportunities, needs, collaborations; and coordinating partnerships to leverage NCI resources to accelerate the commercialization of university research. The employee will be based out of the Wilmington area, with office space provided by UNCW. They will be expected to work closely with the university team and the broader innovation ecosystem to maintain a mutually beneficial and effective working relationship with NCI.

Responsibilities:

NCI Regional Innovation Hub Director at UNCW will: 

• Collaborate with NCI and UNCW teams to refine and implement NCI’s strategic plan, to include long-range goals, short-term objectives, and related plans and policies; 
• Work closely with university faculty, researchers, the Office of Innovation and Commercialization, and Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship to proactively identify, cultivate, and refine university IP; 
• Report directly to the Senior Regional Innovation Network Director – East to inform and align on regional priorities, strategies and tactics; 
• Work closely with and support NCI’s internal team, including the VP of Technology Commercialization, VP of Grants Program and Regional Hubs, Senior Director for Research and Innovation Strategy, Director of Programs and Public Engagement Lead to ensure interconnectivity and effectiveness across NCI’s initiatives and programs; 
• Assist in evaluating the effectiveness of strategies, programs, and initiatives while seeking continual programmatic improvements; 
• Understand and utilize NCI background research and promotional materials, develop strategies and tactics to articulate NCI’s partnership with UNCW in a clear and concise manner to relevant regional stakeholders; 
• Work closely with university leadership to be an effective spokesperson and point of contact for all regional and university developments and efforts; 
• Keep apprised of research priorities, needs, and opportunities to inform NCI and UNCW strategies and tactics in accelerating the commercialization of research products; 
• Liaise with key leaders from across the target region, and support NCI leadership in understanding the perspectives of those constituencies and how best to engage with them in furthering NCI’s and UNCW’s objectives

Requirements:

The successful candidate must be well organized, flexible, and enjoy the challenges of working in a dynamic organization; must demonstrate a high level of professionalism and discretion; and have the ability to interact with stakeholders at all levels in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while remaining proactive, resourceful, and efficient. The Director will be self-motivated and, as NCI’s regional representative, demonstrate the highest standards of moral and ethical conduct. This position requires a proven ability to develop and leverage partnerships and relationships; expert written and verbal communication skills; strong decision making and networking skills; and a proactive attention to detail. Position will require some travel to universities, partners and stakeholders within the eastern region and other regions of North Carolina.

Qualifications:

NCI seeks qualified candidates who possess the following minimum qualifications: 

• Bachelors degree required, advanced degree preferred; 
• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in the North Carolina college or university ecosystem;  
• Understanding of translational research, IP technology development, sponsored research, and innovation ecosystems; 
• Demonstrated expertise in building relationships, networks, and support systems in complex, multi-faceted environments. 
• Existing relationships and experience with UNCW and/or current and prospective partners are preferred but not required; 
• Experience working with startups, researchers, or NGOs focused on ocean, marine, and coastal technology is highly preferred; 
• Prior experience as an entrepreneur is preferred but not required. 

Comp & Benefits:

NCI offers competitive compensation based on experience, to include a comprehensive benefit package with flexible paid time off; employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision insurance; disability; and a 401(k) plan.

More Information:

For more information, or to apply for this position, email your cover letter and resume to humanresources@ncinnovation.org