Executive Director - Life Sciences Entrepreneurship Center

University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Berkeley is seeking an Executive Director to lead the Life Sciences Entrepreneurship Center (LSEC). The role drives program strategy, external partnerships, and sustainability across Berkeley’s biotech and life sciences ecosystem.

Reporting to senior leadership, the ED will manage multi-entity collaborations, oversee fundraising, and shape a self-sustaining model for high-value initiatives like Venture Grant and Nucleate Venture Fellows.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to develop and manage strategic programs within a university ecosystem.
• Strong leadership, fundraising and external relationship skills are essential.
• Experience translating academic initiatives into scalable programs.

Responsibilities

• Directs program execution for LSEC signature initiatives with emphasis on impact.
• Fosters interdisciplinary collaboration across campus and external partners.
• Oversees budgeting and sustainability efforts for long-term viability.
• Assesss program outcomes using data-driven metrics and iterates accordingly.
• Leads board interactions and external relationship management for funding.

Skills

Business development

Leadership

Strategic planning

Analytical skills

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Fundraising

Academic program design

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree in life sciences/biotech

Experience in research environment

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

CRM systems

Job description

University of California, Berkeley is seeking an Executive Director to lead the Life Sciences Entrepreneurship Center (LSEC). The role drives program strategy, external partnerships, and sustainability across Berkeley’s biotech and life sciences ecosystem.

Reporting to senior leadership, the ED will manage multi-entity collaborations, oversee fundraising, and shape a self-sustaining model for high-value initiatives like Venture Grant and Nucleate Venture Fellows.