Associate Vice President of Innovation

Job no: 527584
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: San Diego
Categories: MPP, At-Will, Full Time, Research, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Position Summary

Research and innovation are integral to SDSU's future. The university's strategic plan calls on SDSU to become an R1, premier public research university. SDSU's Mission Valley campus will include a state-of-the-art Innovation District that facilitates meaningful collaboration between our scientists and facilitates public and private partners. To achieve this long-term institutional goal, SDSU is committed to developing infrastructure and resources that allow research activity to grow while continuing to support excellence in teaching.

The Division of Research and Innovation (DRI) is the central university office with oversight of SDSU Research Foundation, and the following units: Research Operations, Research Advancement, Research Support Services, Innovation including Technology Transfer and the ZIP Launchpad, Research Communications, Undergraduate Research, and a specialized IT unit. The leader of the unit is the Vice President for Research and Innovation. As the chief research officer for SDSU, the VPRI is responsible for institutional approval of all grant and contract proposals relating to sponsored research, instruction and service agreements as well as developing partnerships for the Innovation District as part of the SDSU Mission Valley Development.

Reporting to the Vice President for Research and Innovation, the Associate Vice President for Innovation (AVPI) will work closely with the Vice President and university leadership to both strategize and execute the engagement of the SDSU innovation ecosystem. The AVPI will provide leadership and programmatic oversight of commercialization and technology transfer activities, and entrepreneurial support for faculty, students, and staff. They will also support internal and external strategic partnerships in furtherance of research, innovation, and the development of the SDSU Mission Valley Innovation District. The AVPI will serve as the principal for innovation and entrepreneurship at SDSU. The AVPI's portfolio will include the Office of Technology Transfer and the Zahn Innovation Platform Launchpad (ZIP Launchpad). The SDSU Office of Technology Transfer works to deploy the products of research to improve society and bolster the regional economy. The ZIP Launchpad is an on-campus incubator that supports faculty, students, and staff in launching startup companies by surrounding aspiring entrepreneurs with support and resources to realize entrepreneurial objectives. The AVPI will engage with existing entrepreneurial groups on the campus and aid in the creation of new structures as appropriate and especially as they relate to the SDSU Mission Valley Innovation District. Recently, SDSU announced a partnership with Techstars "Techstars San Diego Powered by SDSU" to bring the world-renowned accelerator to the San Diego ecosystem.

In collaboration with university leadership and other members of the Division of Research Innovation team, including the Associate Vice President for Research Advancement, the Director of Strategic Initiatives, and the Director of Federal Government Relations, the AVPI will promote and advance the innovation and entrepreneurship missions and strategic imperatives of the university, ranging from the SDSU Mission Valley Innovation District to external collaborations on other research, innovation and economic development initiatives. The AVPI will work to develop relationships in the community, attend regional events on behalf of SDSU, and serve as an ambassador of the university at selected special events.

San Diego State University

San Diego State University is a place of knowledge, experience, and impact and takes pride in more than 125 years of achievement in education, research, and service. It is one of the oldest institutions in California, with 400,000+ living alumni and many more friends in the community who have a stake in its future. SDSU is expanding its global impact, unifying the university through a common mission and identity. Under a single name, the multi-campus university includes the San Diego campus, SDSU Imperial Valley, SDSU Georgia (Republic of Georgia), and the once-in-a-generation development of SDSU Mission Valley and other programs around the globe and online.

San Diego State University is the flagship research institution of the 23-campus California State University (CSU) system and one of the top 72 public universities in the United States, according to U.S. News and World Report and is designated as a Minority-Serving Institution (MSI), Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). SDSU offers 23 doctoral programs, over 90 master's degree programs and over 60 post-baccalaureate advanced certificate and credential programs. With SDSU researchers securing $164.5 million in grants and contracts last year, the university is currently designated as a doctoral university with high research activity (R2) by the Carnegie Foundation, on the cusp of becoming a "doctoral/very high research activity" (R1) institution in the near future. San Diego has long been a hub of innovation on many levels: biomedical sciences, military defense, public health, engineering, water science, climate change, social policy, social sciences, creative activity within the humanities and more. Guided by SDSU's mission and new strategic plan that centers on weaving equity and inclusion into everything the university does, students pursue real-world challenges under the guidance of internationally recognized mentors in cutting-edge labs, entrepreneurship centers and business incubators.

Education and Experience
Advanced degree10 or more years of experience in both academia and industry that includes deep tech commercialization and partnership developmentStrong acumen for strategic planningDemonstrated experience in building strong collaborations between industry and academia to grow research outputAbility to guide the de-risking and development of early-stage technologiesKnowledge of and a deep commitment to researchAbility to contribute in meaningful ways to SDSU's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Preferred Qualifications
Terminal degree
Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University will offer a competitive salary based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that includes:
Extensive leave benefits: 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per yearRetirement security through a CalPERS defined benefit pension and retiree healthcare benefitsAn array of health, dental and vision coverage at no- or low-cost to the employeeCalifornia State University system fee reduction program (fee waiver) for employee or qualified dependent
Anticipated hiring range: $200,000-$210,000 annually

Diversity and Community at SDSU

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.

Through our commitment to equity and inclusion, we encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement.

Principles of Community

For more information, click here.

Supplemental Information

Upon application, applicants will be prompted to provide basic contact information, a letter of interest, and a curriculum vitae or resume. The position will remain open until filled; however, to ensure full consideration, please apply by June 5, 2023.

Confidential inquiries and nominations are invited. Please contact:
Casie Martinez, Assistant Human Resources Director
Center for Human Resources
cmartinez12@sdsu.edu
(619) 594-3953

CSU Vaccine Policy: The California State University has established a policy requiring faculty, staff, and students accessing campus facilities to be immunized against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. To access the SDSU campus, you must be fully up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, including a booster if you are eligible for one, or request a medical, religious, or off campus exemption, as applicable.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

SDSU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, or covered veteran status.

CSU welcomes candidates of all physical abilities to apply for positions. We provide reasonable accommodations to all applicants and invite applicants with questions, concerns, or needs during any part of the application or hiring process to contact Casie Martinez at 619/594-3953 or by email at cmartinez12@sdsu.edu Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law .

Advertised: May 04, 2023 (9:00 AM) Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Open until filled