Overview
The Office of the Vice Provost for Innovation (OVPI) is responsible for harnessing the innovative power of the Tufts community to develop strategic and new business opportunities for research, scholarship and education. The primary mission is to provide business development services for the University and includes key efforts focused on Innovation Community and Brand Development, Network Development (Internal & External), Innovation Infrastructure (Physical and Digital), Global Initiatives and International Strategy, Online, Hybrid, and Life-long Learning and other advisory services.
What You'll Do
This is a 1 year limited term position with possibility for renewal.
The Business Development Associate will be responsible for identifying new business opportunities for the university to pursue, perform diligence on new business opportunities, lead efforts to enhance physical and digital infrastructure, collaborate with other internal units to drive innovation, network with the external community, and support key innovators at the University.
This position will also help faculty identify and secure commercial partners and lead transactions in collaboration with the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and the Office for University Counsel.
What We're Looking For
Basic Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 1-2 years of experience working in a business development capacity and or a commercial, legal, or academic environment
- Strong background in life sciences, health sciences or engineering
- Basic computer literacy
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work with multiple constituents, including faculty, other university administrators, industry counterparts and Tufts counsel
- Outgoing and approachable with a professional demeanor with strong customer focus
- Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects and concurrent deadlines with frequent interruptions
- Highly-motivated, self-starter, detail-oriented, able to handle confidential matters with discretion, have excellent prioritization, creative problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Able to work both independently and as part of a team
- Adaptable to shifts in prioritization of projects and still be able to keep projects going
- Basic knowledge of patent law and familiarity with license and research agreements
Preferred Qualifications:
- MS in life sciences, health sciences or engineering, and preferably a PhD
Special Work Schedule Requirements:
- May need to travel to and from all of Tufts’ campuses.
