Director of Technology Innovation

Syracuse University; City of Syracuse, New York (NY, NY); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Syracuse University is seeking a strategic leader for the Director of Technology Innovation role. This full-time position will drive semiconductor commercialization and enhance public-private collaboration through the C3 initiative. Responsibilities include managing teams, fostering partnerships, and ensuring strategic milestones are achieved. The ideal candidate should hold a Master's degree and have extensive leadership experience in technology and innovation.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in relevant field required.
• At least 7 years of responsible leadership experience.
• Strong organizational skills and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation and management of the C3 initiative.
• Manage relationships with partners and stakeholders.
• Coordinate efforts across multiple institutions.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Diplomatic skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in engineering, business, public administration, or related field

Job description

Job Description

Syracuse University is seeking a strategic and entrepreneurial leader to serve as the Director of Technology Innovation for the Commercialization and Collaboration Center (C3), a cornerstone of the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub initiative. This full-time position reports directly to the Vice President for Research and will lead the implementation and ongoing management of C3, a multi-institutional program designed to accelerate semiconductor commercialization, increase public-private collaboration, and expand access to research infrastructure for small and medium-sized enterprises. The Director will oversee a regional team of innovation professionals, manage relationships with implementing partners and stakeholders, and ensure delivery of key milestones and strategic outcomes across the I-Corridor.

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in engineering, business, public administration, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in technology innovation, economic development, research administration, or related sectors.
  
  

Skills and Knowledge

• Familiarity with research commercialization, intellectual property, university-industry partnerships, and federal/state innovation programs.
• Skilled in developing and executing long-range plans, while also managing day-to-day operations and adapting to changing circumstances.
• Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills to coordinate across academia, industry, government, and community partners.
• Familiarity with Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), tech transfer processes and university-industry collaboration models.
• Experience reporting, budgeting, and compliance requirements associated with federal and state funding.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams, deadlines, and deliverables simultaneously.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for diverse audiences: executive leadership, funding agencies, public stakeholders, and community organizations.
  
  

Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Strategy

• Coordinate efforts across 10+ university and research partners, including Cornell, RIT, UB, UR, SUNY ESF, and others. Develop and track progress toward strategic milestones.
• Coordinate long-term planning and evolution of the C3 model.
• Serve as a primary liaison to Vice Presidents for Research and institutional leadership across the I-Corridor.
• Collaborate with the IP team at RIT to oversee implementation of regional IP collaboration frameworks and licensing practices.
• Support development of cross-institutional policies that reduce barriers to commercialization.
  
  

Stakeholder and Partner Engagement

• Convene university, industry, and nonprofit partners across the I-Corridor.
• Serve as the public-facing voice of the C3 initiative in regional and national forums.
• Build and manage relationships with startups, industry groups, and economic development entities to strengthen tech transfer and R&D collaboration.
• Oversee the Innovation Voucher Program, ensuring transparency, equitable distribution, and alignment with commercialization goals.
  
  

Community of Practice Leadership

• Establish and lead the C3 Community of Practice, including regular convenings and thematic workshops.
• Promote collaboration across institutions, startups, and investors.
• Oversee development of shared knowledge products (e.g., white papers, innovation agendas).
• Guide design and management of the web portal for accessing shared facilities and expertise.
• Ensure user-friendly digital access for regional businesses and researchers.
  
  

Administrative and Fiscal Management

• Manage program budgets, staffing, and compliance reporting.
• Coordinate evaluation and sustainability planning with the C3 Governance Component.
• Oversee the activities of the Innovation Concierges at each university.
• Coordinate expenditures with partner institutions and Syracuse University Office of Sponsored Programs, including Federal funds and New York State matching funds.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

Application Instructions

In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

About The Syracuse Area

Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement

Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans

Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community

Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.