Director of Innovation - School of Data Science
University of Virginia
About Us: The School of Data Science is a future-thinking institution dedicated to advancing education, and research and translating them into practice in the dynamic field of data science. As a fast-growing school at the University of Virginia, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative environment where faculty, staff, and students can grow and thrive.
The Opportunity:
Amid shifts in research funding landscape, broader changes in higher education and the university’s deepening commitment to innovation, we have recognized the emergence of an opportune moment - evidenced by the hiring of a Chief Innovation Officer and the launch of UVA Innovates. Data science has and will continue to be at the leading edge of capability development aimed at solving society’s biggest challenges. The School of Data Science (SDS) at the University of Virginia seeks to build upon our foundation and drive greater innovation through individual entrepreneurism and working with less traditional sectors, notably the private sector, NGO’s, and local communities. Evidence comes from an increasing number of private companies wishing to engage with SDS, eager for access to our students, faculty, and growing research portfolio. Concurrently our researchers, both faculty and students are becoming more entrepreneurial as SDS’s research emphasis shifts to be more driven to provide tangible outcomes relevant to our society where data is a major driver.
Position Overview: The School of Data Science (SDS) at the University of Virginia seeks a Director of Innovation to lead the school and contribute to the university’s drive towards greater innovation. In this role, you will have the responsibility to:
- Champion entrepreneurism across the School of Data Science—turning research into ventures, partnerships, and programs that deliver real-world outcomes.
- Build on strong institutional momentum, and partner closely with the UVA Chief Innovation Officer and UVA Innovates to activate a start-up mentality, expand external engagement, and accelerate commercialization in collaboration with faculty, students, and staff.
- Catalyze venture creation with the UVA Licensing & Ventures Group.
- Design pathways from lab to market with the Office for the Vice President for Research and the Office of Sponsored Programs.
- Cultivate external partnerships across corporate, NGO, and government sectors.
- Identify innovations ready to be leveraged, align with internal stakeholders, and embed hands-on education in innovation and entrepreneurism for students and faculty.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with the UVA Chief Innovation Officer and UVA Innovates to co-develop programming and foster innovation across the university.
- Build and scale new start-ups in partnership with the UVA Licensing & Ventures Group, translating high-potential research into viable ventures.
- Establish sponsored contracts and collaborative agreements with key external partners through the Office for the Vice President for Research and the Office of Sponsored Programs.
- Create repeatable pathways from research to market, coordinating with faculty, staff, students, and the SDS Office of Research Administration to surface and advance promising innovations.
- Develop strategic partnerships with corporate, NGO, and government organizations that connect SDS research and teaching to workforce needs and societal impact.
- Align innovation efforts with the SDS Industry Partners Program and identify philanthropic opportunities that accelerate venture and partnership growth.
- Educate and mentor students and faculty in entrepreneurism, building a culture that consistently produces tangible outcomes.
Administrative Responsibilities:
- Develop metrics to assess the outcomes of innovation and entrepreneurism.
- Develop an annual budget.
- Prepare quarterly reports to the SDS Dean and the UVA Provost describing activities and reporting any bottlenecks from the perspective of a public university.
Minimum Qualifications:
Candidates for the SDS Director of Innovation MUST demonstrate the following qualifications:
- Experience in establishing startups either directly or on behalf of others.
- Experience in taking research products to market.
- Experience as an innovator or fostering innovation in others.
- Proven research experience either as a scientist or administrator.
- Knowledge of research contract negotiation.
- Proven communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
Candidates for the SDS Director of Innovation should demonstrate the following qualifications:
- Experience with research across interdisciplinary boundaries.
- Working knowledge of the field of data science.
- Experience with implementing strategies to develop and expand external research partnerships.
- Ability to work with members of the SDS leadership team including the Dean and the Dean’s Cabinet.
- A record of strong teamwork, ethical behavior, and collaboration with others.
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please submit the following items as individual files:
- Cover letter including a statement that outlines your philosophy on cultivating an environment of entrepreneurship and innovation across disciplines and disparate environment - (no more than 250 words).
- Curriculum vitae.
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
For questions about the application process please contact Sunny Taylor, Executive Assistant to the Dean slt9e@virgnia.edu
This is an Exempt level, benefited position. The University will perform background checks on all hires (if required) prior to employment. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. For this role, the University will not sponsor or consider candidates requiring sponsorship for employment visas now or in the future. This is a Restricted (term limited) position.
Base salary commensurate with experience and education, with supplemental performance-based incentive package.
Please apply through the University job board, Careers at UVA, and search for R0077656.
Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching ‘Find Jobs’ or through their ‘Jobs Hub’. Applicants must complete an application online with the following documents: a resume and cover letter.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education: Bachelor's degree required.
Experience: 7+ years of relevant professional experience required.
Licensure: None.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.