21 Oct
|
University of Calgary
|
Winnipeg
21 Oct
University of Calgary
Winnipeg
Description
VP Research
is currently seeking a Full-time Regular
Director, Commercialization Disclosure Office . With its bold Ahead of Tomorrow initiative, the University of Calgary is seeking to maximize its research impact and continue building its capacity as Canada's entrepreneurial university. In advancing these objectives, the University is creating a new office that will become the central source of information for researchers regarding how to navigate the University's innovation ecosystem. The Commercialization Disclosure Office (CDO) will reside within the Office of the Vice-President (Research) and will provide researchers with advice on pathways to commercialization and the requirements of the University's Intellectual Property Policy, including disclosure and revenue-sharing obligations. Reporting to the Senior Director, Vice-President Research (VPR) Operations, the Director, CDO, will help launch the CDO and is accountable for ensuring that University researchers have a facility capable of: Receiving and assessing their Disclosures of Intent to Commercialize; Determining the appropriate revenue-sharing arrangement; Leading negotiation of revenue-sharing agreements; Coordinating execution and financial hand-off of executed agreements; and Generally providing authoritative guidance regarding University policies governing commercialization. The Director will work across the University's commercialization ecosystem, building trusted relationships with researchers, faculty and institute leaders, Legal Services, Finance and Research Services. A particularly close and collaborative working relationship with Innovate Calgary will be essential to provide researchers with coordinated guidance and a clear pathway from disclosure through commercialization.
The Director will navigate matters involving novel business structures, equity, intellectual property, research agreement encumbrances, conflicts of interest or commitment, use of University resources, and the interests of students, research associates and other creators. This is an prospect for an experienced, service-oriented leader to work with VPR leadership in developing a function that helps researchers understand University policy requirements, access timely education and practical guidance, and move efficiently through the commercialization pathway. The successful candidate will bring an entrepreneurial mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement, using stakeholder feedback, operational experience and emerging best practices to refine services over time. They will exercise sound independent judgment, help manage legal and reputational risk, and develop practical solutions where precedent or established procedures may not yet exist. The position requires regular on-site presence to foster strong relationships with researchers and key partners across the University, including Innovate Calgary. The role may experience peak periods associated with complex negotiations, urgent commercialization timelines, institutional reporting and implementation milestones. Summary of
Key Responsibilities
(job functions include but are not limited to)
Team Leadership and People Management
Recruit, orient, train,
coach and manage a small team of specialized professionals to carry out the mandate of the CDO. Establish clear roles, scope of authority, performance expectations and development plans for all team members. Plan workloads and priorities, monitor capacity and service pressures, and adjust resources or processes to maintain timely completion of work. Create an inclusive, collaborative and service-oriented work environment that supports sound judgment, learning, accountability and respectful stakeholder relationships. Provide oversight and quality assurance for staff activities while enabling appropriate independence and professional growth. Respond to Inquiries from Research Community. Receive inquiries from researchers on all aspects of policy compliance related to commercialization, providing explanations and guidance on next steps. Manage Disclosures and Revenue Sharing Agreements
Evaluate whether the researcher has provided sufficient evidence of commercial readiness and a viable plan to proceed with commercialization. Offer options for obtaining support in business planning, where appropriate. Determine the appropriate revenue-sharing option under Intellectual Property Policy and related frameworks, and clearly explain the implications. Lead the finalization of revenue sharing terms of agreement, with support from Legal Services where necessary. Coordinate execution of revenue sharing-agreements by the appropriate University signing authority and ensure timely hand-off to Finance for ongoing administration. Monitor active files, commitments, follow-up requirements and service timelines, and ensure records are complete, secure and auditable. Policy Compliance and Risk Management
Eng
📌 Director, Commercialization Disclosure Office, VP Research (Winnipeg)
🏢 University of Calgary
📍 Winnipeg