Extension Support Specialist III - Innovation Strategist

Plan short- and long-range educational programs; assist with development of program strategies; implement operating and administrative guidelines, policies and procedures.

Identify, define and implement plan of work and accountability measurements to meet and enhance program and development and training.

Design and conduct educational programs utilizing a variety of delivery methods.

Analyze and interpret data; prepare reports and make recommendations for programs based on analysis and complete quarterly reports.

Develop new funding sources; prepare and submit grant proposals and contracts to secure additional funding.

Prepare and develop educational materials.

Serve as subject matter expert and liaison between Cornell researchers, stakeholders and state and/or federal regulatory agencies to develop community support.

Oversee and implement media and marketing plan efforts; develop, edit and revise content; collaborate with authors and leaders.

Represent University to the public and community leaders and stakeholders.

Enhance and structure programs that address stakeholder, community and individual needs, conduct focus groups to evaluate and determine program needs.

Develop and enhance network of volunteers to extend program implementation efforts.

Develop and align budget; identify funding opportunities.

As a university founded to be a place where "...any person can find instruction in any study," diversity and inclusion are at the core of our values and mission. We strive to be a welcoming, caring, healthy, and equitable community where students, faculty, and staff with different backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn, innovate, and work in an environment of respect, and feel empowered to engage in any community conversation. As a member of the Cornell University community, it is important to recognize our shared responsibility to each other to cultivate a culture of inclusion for all. Cornell Core values

As an individual contributor you will model and support a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and wellbeing and continually seek to understand how your role, behaviors, and actions impact the success of this culture.

While position responsibilities vary greatly, the Skills for Success and Leadership Skills for Successare foundational to what is expected ofevery employee and leader working at Cornell. These skills are essential for individual and organizational success. Staff Skills for Success; Leadership Skills for Success

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University's second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world's complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

Position Summary

While position responsibilities vary, all people leaders are expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by being trustworthy; respecting all individuals; being flexible; supporting work/life integration as well as healthy boundaries; inviting new ideas, alternatives, and perspectives; speaking up and taking action if others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and recognizing the contributions of others.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) seeks an Innovation Strategist to work within the Research and Innovation Office (RIO) to promote and support technology innovation transfer and commercialization in all Departments, Schools, and Divisions of CALS.

This position will play a crucial role in identifying and evaluating potentially patentable technologies in the broad fields of climate, life, agricultural, and sustainability sciences developed by CALS faculty and staff, supporting their patent applications, and assisting them in developing commercialization strategies and startup companies.

Main duties will include evaluating existing and emerging patents, disclosures, and technologies; identifying and establishing industrial and investment contacts, conducting market research and industry analysis, supporting thecreation and initiation of startup and joint venture entities, and helping the entities acquire venture funds and SBIR funds.

Other duties include supporting the college-wide innovation activities and industrial engagement,

developing documents and presentations for the purpose of strengthening relationships with industry and corporate representatives that will lead to support of the College and its mission.

A primary focus of this position will be, under the supervision of Director of Innovation and Engagement, to drive CALS' Innovation and entrepreneurial initiatives in creating and cultivating an increasing number of startups and joint ventures through innovative platform and pathway.

Key responsibilities include:

• Working closely with faculty and staff to identify and evaluate commercially viable research outcomes and patentable technologies
• Supporting/leading the development of startup and joint venture companies based on CALS technologies, including business plan development, data base construction, data base management, and financial modeling
• Supporting SBIR/STTR and other grant applications and other funding opportunities for faculty startups
• Building and maintaining relationships with angel investors, venture capital firms, and other funding sources
• Coordinating with Cornell's technology transfer office to facilitate IP protection and licensing
• Creating and delivering entrepreneurship training programs for faculty and graduate students

This role requires understanding of technology commercialization processes, start-up essentials, and the ability to bridge the gap between academic research and business development. The specialist will work closely with faculty entrepreneurs to help translate their research into viable commercial ventures, facilitate connections with industry partners and investors, and support the administrative aspects of company formation.

This is a full-time position at 100% FTE. This is an initial appointment for 2 years with opportunities to renew upon performance and funding.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, management, or economics and 5 to 7 years relevant experience or equivalent combination
• Experience in technology commercialization, startup development, and/or technology transfer
• Demonstrated success in SBIR/STTR grant writing and startup funding acquisition
• Advanced knowledge of intellectual property protection and patent processes
• Knowledge of (high level) federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and policies of business
• Consulting experience (> 5 years), program management experience, and ability to work across industries required
• Established network of venture capital and angel investor contacts preferred

• Demonstrated ability to initiate new and innovative relationships (internal and external to Cornell) and collaborate across internal and external work teams

• Must be able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Proven skills in project management, coordination, and leadership are essential
• Must be able to work with diverse audiences and partners
• Excellent communication skills, including writing and public speaking
• Good working knowledge and experience with current software, such as MS Office, Qualtrics, PowerPoint
• Must be personable, andflexible and possess excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent customer service skills and demonstrated ability to communicate with a broad range of people is essential
• Must have the ability to multitask and prioritize

• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position.
• Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted NYS driver's license and be cleared to drive for university business.
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities, including communities of color.
• Experience working with diversity, equity, inclusion, and wellbeing programs.
• Passionate about working in an organization that values and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and wellbeing.
• Ability to serve as an advocate for individuals of all ethnicities, genders, ages, and backgrounds.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in those areas with a minimal of 5 years relevant experience.
• Experience in corporate engagement, business development and development of strategic partnerships
• Work experience or education in broader agriculture or related business
• Understanding of university technology transfer processes and regulations
• Familiarity with topics related to animal, food/nutrition, plant, and soil/environment/climate sciences, digital agriculture, synthetic biology, or pharmaceutical or engineering including AI, data science, and new fields related to these topics
• Experience with material transfer, product-testing, non-financial, non-disclosure, or sponsored research and innovation agreements
• Awareness and enthusiasm for the impact the work occurring in CALS and beyond has on addressing large-scale humanitarian issues such as food, energy, and water security, inequality, and global climate change control

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Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline

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Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell's union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

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EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.