Associate Vice Chancellor, Research Commercialization

Associate Vice Chancellor, Research Commercialization

The Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Commercialization (AVC-RC) provides executive leadership for NC State's commercialization enterprise, spanning intellectual property management, licensing, startup formation, venture development, and investment programs. The AVC sets university-wide commercialization strategy, ensures compliance with federal and institutional requirements, and leads programs that accelerate the translation of research into societal and economic impact. As the AVC-RC, you will have the opportunity to expand NC State's innovation ecosystem by connecting researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry partners to accelerate the journey from discovery to impact. You will lead initiatives such as the Wolfpack Investor Network (WIN), commercialization funding programs, and the NSFI-Corps Mid-Atlantic Hub, while representing NC State within regional and national innovation communities. Through your vision, partnership-building, and strategic leadership, you will help position NC State's research enterprise for greater economic and societal impact while advancing a culture of innovation across the university.

Key Responsibilities fall within the following functional areas:

• Strategic Leadership for Research Commercialization
• Intellectual Property, Licensing & Commercialization Governance
• Venture Development & Innovation Funding
• Innovation Ecosystem & Executive Leadership

This is an opportunity for an accomplished commercialization leader to shape strategy, influence innovation at scale, and build connections that move groundbreaking research from discovery to impact. If you are ready to lead with vision and purpose, we invite you to apply.

Other Responsibilities - In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there will be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department's operations.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience - Requires a relevant post-Baccalaureate degree with a minimum of three (3) years or greater of related professional experience, or a relevant undergraduate degree and a minimum of five (5) years or greater of relevant experience may be substituted for the advanced degree.

Other Required Qualifications - Extensive progressively responsible leadership experience in sponsored programs, research administration, or a closely related function within a large, complex research institution. Demonstrated success leading enterprise-wide research administration operations, including developing strategy, guiding organizational change, and advancing operational excellence. Experience negotiating complex research agreements and managing institutional risk while ensuring compliance with federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and university policies. Proven ability to lead organizational transformation through process improvement, technology modernization, or implementation of enterprise research administration systems. Demonstrated success building collaborative partnerships, influencing executive and academic leaders, and leading high-performing teams within a decentralized organization. Exceptional communication, strategic decision-making, and relationship management skills with the ability to represent the institution in complex, high-impact matters.

Preferred Qualifications - Terminal degree (e.g., PhD, JD, or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Executive leadership experience within an R1 university or similarly complex research-intensive organization. Experience leading enterprise-wide research administration technology, data governance, or institutional modernization initiatives. Demonstrated success leading and developing senior leaders within a large, decentralized organizational environment.

Required License(s) or Certification(s) - N/A