Venture Development Specialist

Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $57,200 - Midpoint: $74,300 (Salaried E9)

Department/Organization: 704103 - Technology Development

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Note to Applicants: Position is eligible for hybrid work subject to University policy.

Job Summary: The Venture Development Specialist will complement existing research engagement and translation functions by focusing on startup formation, market validation, investor and industry partnerships, and accelerator programming. Enhances UA’s innovation ecosystem, economic impact, and provides direct support to faculty, students, and collaborators in translating research into sustainable ventures and industry collaborations.

Additional Department Summary: The Integrated Venture Development (IVD) arm of The University of Alabama’s Division for Research is dedicated to advancing the university's research enterprise from initial ideation to real-world impact. This is accomplished through three distinct but interconnected offices: Research Engagement (ASSIST), Technology Development, and Cross-Sector Engagement. Each office plays a critical role in supporting faculty, staff, and students, with the shared goal of translating research and scholarship into meaningful capture, solutions, and partnerships.

IVD is dedicated to advancing the university's research enterprise from initial ideation to real-world impact, ensuring that scholarship translates into meaningful capture, solutions, and partnerships. The Technology Development Office specifically serves as the engine for accelerating solutions through strategic innovation and technology transfer, uniting the academic research enterprise to create a seamless innovation pathway from research discovery to commercialization and industrial impact.

This position advances this mission by building relationships with faculty, industry, investors, and government partners to accelerate commercialization, grow the university's intellectual property portfolio, support new startups, and enhance UA’s vital role in regional and state economic development. Provides integrated services across the innovation continuum, from venture acceleration to strengthening crucial industry partnerships, ensuring the maximum real-world impact of UA's research.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of experience; OR master's degree.

Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Due to U.S. export control regulations governing information, technology, and facilities accessed during the performance of this work, applicants must be: (1) U.S. citizens or nationals; (2) permanent residents;(3) asylees or refugees; OR (4) individuals otherwise described as "protected individuals" according to Title 8 U.S. Code Section 1324b(a)(3)(b).

Must have valid U.S. driver's license. Must be at least 19 years of age at time of hire and have an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report that is in compliance with University policies. Applicants under the age of 21 will have some driving restrictions.

Skills and Knowledge: Strong organizational and relationship-building skills. Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication. Ability to manage multiple projects independently. Strong analytical skills, including market research and business model development. Knowledge of funding landscapes (federal, state, private, venture) relevant to commercialization and small business growth. Ability to evaluate business opportunities and support early-stage ventures.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in venture development, innovation, technology transfer, or entrepreneurship. Experience working with startups, accelerators, or venture capital in an academic environment. Familiarity with industry engagement and economic development initiatives. Demonstrated success in building partnerships across academia, industry, and government.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.