Job Description:

The Oklahoma Biotech Startup Programs (OKBIOSTART) Assistant Director plays a crucial role within the Tom Love Innovation Hub team, collaborating closely with the OKBIOSTART Executive Director to lead, develop and implement outreach, training, and mentoring initiatives for the Concept and Launch programs. The Associate Director will handle a diverse range of tasks and projects aimed at enhancing Oklahoma’s competitiveness in the biotech sector, particularly for early-stage innovators.

The OKBIOSTART Programs aim to unite key ecosystem partners from academia, investors, corporate entities, government, and entrepreneurial support organizations to accelerate innovation, commercialize research, and foster the growth of new biotech startups in Central Oklahoma in a scalable and repeatable way. The Associate Director will lead in the development and execution of the OKBIOSTART Concept and Launch Programs.

For promising startup ideas that arise from the community, the Concept Program will assess market size, industry interest, regulatory outlook, intellectual property status, technical risks, fundability, and prospects. Participants in the Concept Program will receive targeted entrepreneurial training, leveraging the University of Oklahoma’s top-ranked business programs and extensive startup expertise.

The Launch Program is a customized program for successful Concept teams, designed to guide them through critical milestones to secure investment. The Launch Program implements strategies from the Concept stage to provide translational research grants, support team building and business growth through mentorship and legal aid, offer guidance on securing funding via SBIR/STTR grants and investors, and connect teams to essential physical infrastructure for business operations. The Launch program also awards non-dilutive funding with grant funded sub-awards. 

The Assistant Director will be responsible for a broad spectrum of tasks and projects supporting programs designed to increase Oklahoma’s competitiveness in biotech for early-stage innovators.

Primary Roles & Responsibilities:

Program Management

•  Lead the Concept and Launch Programs, including program staff and daily operations.


• Oversee vendor contracts and participant budgets for the Concept and Launch Programs.


• Develop long-term feasibility plans for the Concept and Launch Programs with the Executive Director.


• Coordinate OKBIOSTART Concept and Launch Program support with key organizations across the entrepreneurial ecosystem.


• Promote Concept and Launch Programs, managing application, evaluation, and feedback processes.


• Organize entrepreneurial training for Concept participants.


• Assist in strategic planning alongside the Executive Director.

Essential Job Requirements:

• Direct and plan needs assessments for programs and participants to ensure alignment with objectives and resources.


• Develop annual goals and objectives for the Launch and Concept programs to drive program success and impact.


• Display excellent organizational skills with a strong attention to detail.


• Lead and manage teams effectively, demonstrating leadership and people management experience.


• Write and administer grants, ensuring compliance with financial policies while managing grants, subawards, and vendor contracts.


• Exhibit strong oral and written communication skills, with proficiency in composing reports or delivering presentations.


• Build and maintain relationships with entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs) through strong networking skills and serving on advisory boards and committees. 


• Facilitate client consultations and discussions confidently to provide guidance on programs and initiatives.


• Manage multiple projects and shifting priorities, collaborating across various departments to achieve goals.


• Oversees project management.


• Directs and plans for needs assessment of client groups.


• Ensures the evaluation of programs and instruction


• Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.

Required Education and Experience: Master’s Degree, AND:

• 36 months of program administration or related experience.

Equivalency/Substitution: Will accept 72 months of related experience in lieu of the Master's degree for a total of 108 months of related experience

Skills:

• Able to communicate well and build rapport quickly with students, faculty, and staff


• Proficient in Microsoft Office


• Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects and deadlines


• Able to read and interpret policy as well as State and Federal regulations


• Able to effectively evaluate projects/programs and produce comprehensive reports


• Able to supervise staff and communicate directions and expectations effectively


• Strong initiative to solve problems


• Able to work well with interdepartmental teams and initiatives


• Grant and contract management skills

Working Conditions:

Physical

• Ability to engage in repetitive motions

Environmental

• Standard office environment. Frequent exposure to pressure caused by deadlines and busy periods. May be required to travel. May require contact with other departments and university officials.

Department Preferences:

• Master’s degree in business administration or Biosciences, or Ph.D.


• 36 months experience working with startup companies, universities, and entrepreneurial ecosystem partners


• Experience with leading entrepreneurial support programs, technology transition, venture, capital, product development, and commercialization.


• Biotech startup or support program experience

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.

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