Director, Innovation Development

Lakehead University; Northwestern Ontario; Hybrid; CAD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Lakehead University seeks a dynamic collaborator to advance innovation delivery across faculty, students, industry and government partners. The Director, Innovation Development, will shape IP management, partnerships, and startup activity to drive regional prosperity.

The role sits in the Office of Innovation, Partnerships and Economic Development and focuses on policies, contracts, funding, and ecosystem engagement to translate research into community impact.

Qualifications

• Formal education (Bachelor's degree) is required; a Masters is recommended.
• High level knowledge of collaboration agreements and IP contracts.
• Knowledge of Canadian, US and international IP laws and procedures.
• Superior networking and public speaking skills are essential.
• Ability to manage grants, budgets, and multi-stakeholder initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop Lakehead's Innovation System with industry and faculty.
• Co-manage IPED budget, policies, and file management processes.
• Draft, review, and negotiate industry and IP agreements.
• Build partnerships with regional ecosystem and funders.
• Lead engagement and fundraising efforts for IPED.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Networking

Public Speaking

Policy Development

IP Knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Masters encouraged

Law degree asset

Job description

Lakehead University is seeking a dynamic collaborator passionate about working with faculty, students, industry/community players and both federal and provincial government agencies to bring real life solutions that will help our industries and community partners grow and prosper.

An innovator with a passion for problem solving, the Director, Innovation Development, will work within the Office of Innovation, Partnerships and Economic Development (IPED) of the VPRI unit to define processes and implementation strategies that will drive economic and social prosperity for our community.

This unique role will work with all members of the innovation system and will help find ways to ensure efficient technology transfer, ways of optimizing partnerships with industry and community - especially relating to IP management and partnership agreements - and ways to move ideas into the community that make a difference. This could involve creating start-ups or helping develop intrapreneurs that will work with and help companies manage their innovation processes.

This position plays a key advisory role in strengthening and highlighting the unique strengths of Lakehead's innovation ecosystem.

Responsibilities

1. Developing Lakehead's Innovation System

• Understand the needs of our industry and community partners and how Lakehead can help bring our expertise to assist in solving problems inhibiting economic and social development
• Work with faculty involved in research to understand their needs and interest in participating in Lakehead's Innovation system, either independently or with industry/community partners
• Develop, in conjunction with the VPRI team, policies to promote best innovation practices by working and interacting with innovation practitioners.
• Develop policies and proposals to increase the culture of innovation across Lakehead’s 3 locations.
• Build and manage, in conjunction with the VPRI team, partnerships within the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem and coordinate outreach to faculties, researchers, students, and community partners.
• Prepare and apply for funding opportunities to support applied research activities
• Create and deliver faculty, student, and community events related to innovation development and industry research partnerships.
• Professionally represent and promote Lakehead University and the Office of the VPRI to external partners and stakeholders.
• Identify potential licensees and support the drafting, negotiation, and management of option, assignment, and license agreements.
• Support the drafting, review, and negotiation of industry and community research contracts, confidentiality agreements, material transfer agreements, IP agreements, data sharing agreements, collaboration agreements, and related contracts.
• Advise researchers on commercialization-related grants and assist in drafting and managing applications requiring IP or commercialization components.
• Provide advice on industry research contracts and related agreements.
• Determine when to license University IP to start-up companies; incorporate and organize start-ups and provide mentorship related to governance, financing, and corporate management.
• Advise the University on equity positions, revenue sharing, and when to liquidate interests in start-ups.
• Assist in identifying industry research partners and represent the University on local and regional organizations to encourage industry liaison activities.
• Liaise with relevant innovation offices and government agencies regarding legal, IP, and commercialization matters.

3. IPED & Operational Leadership

• Co-manage the Office of IPED budget, operating standards, policies, and file management processes.
• Source, draft, submit, and manage innovation development operating fund grant applications.
• Measure and track relevant metrics and report on departmental progress, goals, and strategic direction.
• Support recruitment, supervision, and co-management of staff.
• Support the ongoing development, promotion, and fundraising efforts of IPED, including engagement with partners.

Qualifications

• Formal education (Bachelors Degree) is required. A Masters degree or equivalent is recommended. On the job experience, certification as a Registered Technology Transfer Professional (RTTP) from the Association of Technology Transfer Professionals, and/or a Law Degree, would be considered a great asset
• High level knowledge of collaborative research agreements, confidentiality agreements, material transfer agreements, facility access agreements, intellectual property agreements, and other commercialization related contracts
• Knowledge of Canadian, USA and international intellectual property laws and procedures including patents, copyright and trademarks, the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
• Superior social skills including networking ability and public speaking
• Knowledge of available commercialization and proof of principle grants, and ability to draft, edit, and manage such grants
• Knowledge of angel, bank, and venture capital financing sources and practices Knowledge of intellectual property policies and ability to draft, implement and manage such policies
• Superior leadership skills
• Knowledge of various university policies relevant to IPED operation including travel, financial, HR (i.e. vacation and overtime), conflict of interest, and others
• Knowledge of budget creation and management Office and file management protocols
• Ability to multitask; ability to seek answers from others and problem-solve
• Ability to utilize the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to identify and manage conflicts of interest
• Professional continuing education as required to maintain professional licenses
• Formal technology transfer and business development courses including AUTM, LES, and CTTP Canada courses such as the basic licensing course and start-up business development course, and intermediate licensing course
• At least two years experience in technology transfer and commercialization activities as they relate to university research
• General business knowledge including the ability to quantify market potential, draft and understand business plans and cash flows, and methods of obtaining and managing business financing
• Ability to manage both people and space, including setting up office routines, processes, protocols, procedures, and systems to follow for everyday workflow
• Knowledge of business incubation programs, marketing, provincial and federal laws for business, business development, basic business finance, networking importance
• Demonstrated track-record of high achievement, leadership and self-motivation in any discipline (including non-work related activities)
• Passion for technology transfer, innovation, business and entrepreneurship
• Ability to work in a team and independently
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders, clients, colleagues in a fast-paced business environment
• Experience in relationship management, often with contrasting interests.
• Superior project management and organizational skills
• An aptitude for accurate, highly detailed, analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and other equity‑seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.

Lakehead University has a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of underrepresented groups among applicants, candidates, and hires. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity‑deserving groups, is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.

We appreciate your interest; Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] ext. 8334 or [e-mail] to make appropriate arrangements.