Operations Program Managers

University of Utah; Utah; On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Utah is seeking a Senior Manager, Venture Development, to drive innovation and support high-growth ventures from university research. This hybrid role involves managing networks of business leaders and connecting startups with the necessary resources for funding and growth. Qualifications include a bachelor's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience or a master's degree with 6 years. Strong experience in entrepreneurship and relationships within the investor community are preferred.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of related experience required, or equivalent education.
• Ability to work effectively with faculty inventors and entrepreneurs.
• Strong track record in raising capital appreciated.

Responsibilities

• Curate and manage a network of business leaders and advisors.
• Help startups craft compelling pitches and prepare investor materials.
• Represent University’s startup community at events.

Skills

Understanding technical or research-based information

Fundraising experience for early-stage companies

Experience in entrepreneurship or venture capital

Strong communication skills

Relationship management

Network in the investor community

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent + 8 years experience

Master's degree or equivalent + 6 years experience

Job description

8 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday, (hybrid: must work 2 days in the office per week)

Location: Salt Lake City, UT

Pay Rate Range: $90,000 - $110,000

Close Date: 06/10/2026

Job Summary

The University of Utah is building the future of innovation – and we’re looking for a connector, strategist, and startup champion to help drive it. The Senior Manager, Venture Development will play a key role in shaping and supporting high-growth ventures emerging from university research. This position will focus on helping scientific founders find the right business talent. The Senior Manager will also help prepare startups to raise the capital they need to thrive and connect them with potential investors.

This is a unique opportunity to sit at the center of the University’s innovation ecosystem – working closely with the Technology Licensing Office (TLO), inventors, entrepreneurs, and investors – to accelerate the growth of breakthrough ideas into successful companies.

Responsibilities

• Curate and manage a network of seasoned business leaders, strategic advisors, industry executives, and specialized support vendors.
• Align executive talent, board members, and domain-specific mentors with operational needs across our startup portfolio, ensuring companies have investable teams and experienced guidance at critical inflection points.
• Facilitate introductions and foster long‑term relationships between startups and advisors to create an integrated support ecosystem.
• Represent the University’s startup community at events, strengthening ties with entrepreneurs, strategic advisors, and funding sources, while elevating the profile and credibility of our ventures.
• Help startups craft compelling pitches, prepare investor materials, and get deal‑ready.
• Connect startups to appropriate funding opportunities.
• Cultivate relationships with local, regional, and national investors, including venture capital firms, angel investors, and strategic partners.

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 8 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

• Ability to understand and interpret technical or research‑based information
• Track record of raising capital or supporting fundraising efforts for early‑stage companies.
• Experience in entrepreneurship, venture capital, startup operations, or technology commercialization.
• Strong network within the investor, startup, or corporate innovation community.
• Excellent communication, relationship management, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively with faculty inventors, entrepreneurs, and external partners.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities. Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non-Discrimination page.

Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu or https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/. As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job until the successful completion of the probationary period.