Technology and Commercialization Director

Job Group:
Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

Special Required Qualifications
Drivers License

Preferred Qualifications:
Prior experience advising or working with technology startups or research-driven companies.
Experience working with universities, research institutions, or commercialization offices.
Working knowledge of SBIR/STTR programs and federal innovation funding mechanisms.
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to evaluate optimal funding sources, manage data collection, and communicate insights effectively in both written and verbal formats.
Master’s degree (MBA, MPA, MS, or similar) in Business, Finance, Accounting, Management, Marketing, or related fields.

Job Description:

Summary

The State of Iowa Small Business Development Center (SBDC), located in Ames, Iowa, is seeking applications for a full-time Technology and Commercialization Director (Program Specialist III).

This position provides statewide support for Iowa SBDC’s technology-based entrepreneurship, innovation, and commercialization services. The Technology and Commercialization Director is responsible for designing, delivering, and managing programs that support innovative and technology-driven small businesses, with a particular emphasis on commercialization readiness, innovation funding pathways, and execution of the SBA Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program.

The Director delivers advanced advisory services to technology-based entrepreneurs, including conducting commercialization readiness and prequalification assessments; advising clients on technology commercialization strategies; and supporting innovation-driven funding pursuits, including SBIR/STTR and other federal, state, and private capital sources. This role assists clients in translating research, inventions, and emerging technologies into commercially viable products and companies.

In addition, the Technology and Commercialization Director collaborates closely with Iowa SBDC regional centers, Iowa State University constituents, state and federal partners, and Iowa’s broader entrepreneurial ecosystem to coordinate programming, deliver technical assistance, and expand access to innovation and commercialization resources statewide. The position is also responsible for tracking performance metrics and producing quarterly programmatic reports detailing outcomes, impact, and continuous improvement efforts.

The successful candidate will possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, demonstrated experience working with technology-based or innovative businesses, and the ability to manage complex programs with measurable outcomes.

Example of Duties

• Manages a program to ensure that implementation and prescribed activities are carried out in accordance with the objectives of the university.

• Plans, monitors, and manages an internal or external project from initiation through completion.

• Leads or coordinates project planning, resourcing, and staffing for assigned program.

• Monitors and manages budget and ensures that the program meets the overall objectives of the university.

• Develops public relations initiatives, workshops, seminars, surveys, or other activities to promote the program and carry out its objectives.

• Acts as a representative of the program.

• Participates in project management.

• May secure external funding as needed.

Level Guidelines

• Senior-level position possessing high-level professional and/or technical skills working independently under minimal supervision to support ISU’s mission and department or work unit goals

• Applies senior-level professional knowledge and expertise to work requiring greater latitude

• Solves moderately complex problems and regularly exercises judgment to determine appropriate action

• Regularly exercises judgment to resolve problems and determine appropriate action on a broad set of issues and problems.

• May provide recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices

• Responds to complicated inquiries, provides training, and provides direction to lower-level staff

• May provide supervision for one to two other staff (i.e., leads a small work team)

• May lead projects for which well-defined practices and procedures may not exist

• Provides guidance to students

This position requires periodic statewide and occasional national travel.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Appointment Type:
Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Full time

Pay Grade:
PS809

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
 

Original Posting Date:
February 9, 2026

Posting Close Date:
February 23, 2026

Job Requisition Number:
R18565