University of Rochester Advancement · 20 hours ago
Executive Director, STELLAR Program
Rochester - NY
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$205K/yr - $328K/yr
10+ years expThe University of Rochester is committed to advancing a regional innovation ecosystem through the STELLAR program. The Executive Director will lead the initiative, focusing on strategic direction, financial stewardship, and building partnerships to enhance technology commercialization and workforce development in the Rochester area.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Provide executive leadership and overall direction for STELLAR, with authority and responsibility for the entire initiative, ensuring alignment with NSF priorities, award terms and conditions, and the University’s research, innovation, and economic development goals
Lead the development, implementation, and continuous refinement of STELLAR’s long-term strategic plan and annual operating plan, advancing NSF’s goals related to research, translational impact, workforce development, and broadening participation;; clearly communicate the vision, strategy, and performance expectations to senior University leadership, board members, staff, and external partners
Direct and oversee STELLAR’s organizational structure, staffing, and operations, including recruitment and supervision of senior personnel responsible for finance, program management, communications, and partnerships
Ensure STELLAR meets or exceeds all programmatic, financial, and performance objectives, including compliance with NSF award requirements, reporting obligations, and University policies
Identify, launch, and advance new initiatives and strategic partnerships to address emerging regional, institutional, and NSF priorities in innovation, workforce development, and technology transfer
Serve as the principal institutional representative and liaison for STELLAR, maintaining high-level relationships with University leadership, faculty, regional stakeholders, economic development organizations, industry partners, and government agencies
Provide executive-level coordination and open communication among major internal and external stakeholders
Inform, advise, and engage the Board of Directors; support governance functions, strategic decision-making, and performance oversight
Build and sustain collaborative, mission-driven partnerships that produce measurable economic, research, and workforce development outcomes
Lead engagement with entrepreneurs, faculty innovators, and startups to advance STELLAR’s technology commercialization and innovation pipeline
Exercise fiduciary responsibility for STELLAR’s financial health through financial oversight and long-term sustainability planning
Maintain and strengthen relationships with the various funding agencies and partners, including NSF, while identifying and securing new sources of support
Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, sponsor, and University financial, contractual, and reporting requirements
Partner with University research administration, finance, and legal offices to ensure effective stewardship of sponsored funds and institutional resources
Provide executive oversight of STELLAR’s marketing and communications strategy to strengthen visibility, credibility, and impact at the regional and national levels
Champion STELLAR’s brand and value proposition with senior leaders, funding agencies, policymakers, and other external stakeholders
Guide and review STELLAR publicity, including building relationships with press
Establish and oversee policies, processes, and performance metrics that promote operational excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement based on stakeholder and client needs
Build, mentor, and evaluate a high-performing STELLAR leadership team
Promote a culture of collaboration, compliance, innovation, and service consistent with University values and NSF expectations
Ensure STELLAR’s operations effectively meet the needs of stakeholders, clients, and partners while advancing institutional and regional impact
Qualification
Required
Advanced technical degree in optics or related science/engineering fields
10 years of managerial responsibility (preferably in an entrepreneurial setting)
Demonstrated ability to establish business, university, non-profit, and community partnerships required
Record of successful engagement with businesses and an understanding of their needs required
Experience with R&D and workforce development coordination required
Experience in working within the regulatory framework of State and Federal funding required
Experience in technology commercialization and/or working with or consulting with a technology company required
Economic development or business incubator experience including the recruitment and coordination of mentors and consultants required
Experience working with nonprofit and/or government funding agencies and sources required
Preferred
Experience with a start-up company preferred
Experience raising venture financing or working with the venture capital community preferred
Company
University of Rochester Advancement
The University of Rochester, one of the nation’s top private research universities, has built a national caliber advancement program in support of the largest campaign in the University’s history.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageCompany data provided by crunchbase