Innovation & Tech Scout — University Startup Catalyst

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 113,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages and time off

Tuition benefit programs

Health, dental and pharmacy plans

Retirement plans with employer

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Employee wellbeing program

Job summary

The University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities seeks a Business Development Specialist 1 to join the MIN-Corps team. This role focuses on growing awareness of technology commercialization and entrepreneurship education across campus and the state, guiding innovators from students to faculty toward launch opportunities.

You will design seminars, co-teach I-Corps cohorts, connect innovators with resources, and help measure program impact.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in business with STEM undergrad or equivalent STEM experience.
• Familiarity with Lean Launchpad and customer discovery methodologies.
• Ability to build trusted relationships and raise awareness for offerings.
• Experience presenting in seminars, classes or sales environments.
• Exposure to grant writing and federal grant landscape.
• Excellent written, oral communication and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Self-starter with prioritization based on program goals.
• Proficiency in project planning/management.
• Fluency with Microsoft Office and/or Google apps.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute outreach to build innovator awareness in targeted UMN colleges.
• Design and deliver informational seminars on market discovery and entrepreneurship.
• Develop collaborative relationships with associate deans, chairs, directors and offices to educate innovators.
• Lead Tech Scout for Minnesota in Great Lakes I-Corps Hub.
• Develop a pipeline of teams advancing through Technology Commercialization Office support.
• Collaborate with NSF Regional I-Corps to support Tech Scout activities regionally.
• Connect innovators with mentoring and resources from university and ecosystem.
• Support I-Corps programming for faculty and students.
• Assist with collection, analysis and reporting of MIN-Corps metrics.

Skills

Master's in business

STEM background

Lean Launchpad

Grant writing

Communication skills

Project management

MS Office / Google

Education

Master's degree with STEM background

Tools

Salesforce

Zoho

Job description

The University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities seeks a Business Development Specialist 1 to join the MIN-Corps team. This role focuses on growing awareness of technology commercialization and entrepreneurship education across campus and the state, guiding innovators from students to faculty toward launch opportunities.

You will design seminars, co-teach I-Corps cohorts, connect innovators with resources, and help measure program impact.