Program Manager for Venture and Innovation Development

University of South Carolina, United States

Updated: 12 days ago
Location: Columbia, SOUTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 27 Mar 2026

Posting Summary


Logo
Posting Number STA00150PO26
Job Family Operational Analysis
Job Function Partnerships & Initiatives
USC Market Title Commercialization Manager
Link to USC Market Title https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/203344
Job Level P4 - Professional
Business Title (Internal Title) Program Manager for Venture and Innovation Development
Campus Columbia
Work County Richland
College/Division Office of Economic Engagement
Department Office of Economic Engagement
State Pay Range G13
USC Market Range MRL - $95,423 $121,664 $147,906
Anticipated Hiring Range Salary commensurate with qualifications
Location of Vacancy
Part/Full Time Full Time
Hours per Week 37.5
Work Schedule
  • Standard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pm
  • Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Basis 12 months
Job Search Category Other Professional


About USC


About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Veterans' Preference Statement
The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.


Benefits for FTE Positions


The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.




Position Description


Advertised Job Summary
The Office of Economic Engagement is excited to announce the opening of the Program Manager for Venture and Innovation Development position.
Reporting to the Deputy Director of Economic Engagement, the Program Manager for Venture and Innovation Development is responsible for the development and execution of strategies to de-risk, mature, and commercialize technologies within the University’s TCO intellectual property portfolio. This position builds strong, collaborative relationships with faculty to understand research capabilities and unique institutional assets, aligning them with industry needs and commercialization funding opportunities. This position actively prospects and manages relationships with decision-makers across diverse industry sectors, promotes the University’s research and economic development strengths, and increases industry-sponsored research and licensing activity.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
  • Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 4 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in business or related field. 3-5 years of experience in university technology transfer or technology-based business development/sales; demonstrated experience in venture creation and business incubation; demonstrated experience in technology assessment & evaluation; working knowledge of intellectual property law.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
  • Skills in university technology transfer or technology-based business development/sales.
  • Skills in venture creation and business incubation.
  • Skills in technology assessment & evaluation.
  • Knowledge of intellectual property law.
  • Ability to create strong relations with university leadership and external stakeholders.


Job Duties


Job Duty
Intellectual Property Marketing and Licensing
Develop strategies for de-risking, maturation, commercialization, and venture creation for technologies in the TCO portfolio. Engage inventors and subject matter experts through customer discovery to define market problems, value propositions, and unique technology features. Use market intelligence to identify and promote technologies to high-potential commercialization partners. Present new venture opportunities to entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate partners.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 35
Job Duty
Faculty Research and Innovation Mapping and Marketing
Build strong relationships with faculty to understand research capabilities and unique resources. Market these opportunities to industry partners and assist faculty in securing commercialization funding. Educate internal stakeholders on technology transfer and industry engagement challenges and opportunities. Interact and develop relationships with faculty, research staff, and students as well as other offices, centers and institutes within the University environment.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 30
Job Duty
Prospect Development and Pipeline Management
Identify and cultivate relationships with industry leaders across sectors. Maintain consistent engagement with decision-makers, document progress per TCO standards, and rigorously pursue target opportunities. Promote University resources to increase industry-sponsored research and licensing.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 20
Job Duty
Proposal and Transaction Development
Prepare and deliver compelling proposals that highlight University strengths and address client needs. Demonstrate familiarity with transactional mechanisms to formalize partnerships and secure agreements with industry and corporate clients. Manage special projects and initiatives as needed.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 15


Position Attributes


Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.


Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive No
Hazardous weather category Non-Essential


Posting Detail Information


Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date
Job Open Date 03/13/2026
Job Close Date 03/27/2026
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by March 27, 2026.
The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
  • Health and Life Insurance
  • Retirement Programs
  • Paid Tuition
  • Dependent Scholarships
  • Annual Leave
  • Sick Leave
  • 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Professional Development Opportunities


Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.
Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/203469
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

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