Director of Commercialization Finance and Operations

The Office of Research supports the University of Southern California’s strategic plan by building interdisciplinary research collaborations that address societal needs and by increasing the impact and prominence of USC research. The office supports and facilitates research initiatives, promotes our research among sponsors, and provides services that ensure that USC achieves the highest ethical standards in its research.

The Stevens Center for Innovation is an integral organization within the Office of Research that serves as the technology licensing office at the University of Southern California. The Stevens Center is responsible for licensing USC discoveries to existing businesses or startup companies so they can be developed into products and services that improve human lives, solve problems, and fuel economic growth. Through licensing discoveries, promoting entrepreneurship, and stimulating innovation, the Stevens Center is helping to create a better future and plays a key role in Southern California’s innovation ecosystem.

The Stevens Center at USC is recruiting for a Director of Commercialization Finance and Operations to join their talented and highly motivated team. The Director of Commercialization and Finance Operations directs the financial and administrative operations of Stevens through subordinate managers and professional staff. This includes oversight of budget and finance, compliance, facilities and space management, faculty, staff and student relations, policy development and strategic planning. This position reports directly to the Executive Director and serves as the senior staff advisor concerning all administrative and financial matters.

Job Responsibilities:

• Directs all financial management for USC Stevens Center, including the processing of patent bills and payments as well as all other AP. Directs agreement compliance to assure that licensees meet their obligations, including payments, under their agreement.
• Responsible for guaranteeing compliance with all obligations to the US Government pursuant to Bayh-Dole. Assures that the USC Database system, Sophia, is maintained and up to date, responsible for generating reports and maintaining metrics. Oversees the preparation and distributes quarterly reports to the Dean of each school which cover the activities of USC Stevens for that school (including disclosures, patents, patent applications, amounts received, and expenses).
• Oversees, directs, and coordinates the operations team at USC Stevens Center by planning and directing staff, budget administration, space allocation and design, equipment, workflow and operational philosophy. Provides short- and long-term planning of projects and activities.
• Oversees the development, evaluation or review of plans and criteria for a variety of activities. Assesses feasibility of proposed plans, projects, and equipment. Ensures that mandatory reporting deadlines are met keeping in mind academic and/or administrative priorities.
• Assures that the USC Stevens Center budget is being actively managed and that the center stays within budget. Working with Executive Director, this position develops the annual budget.
• Primary contact for all financial matters pertaining to USC Stevens Center, prepares monthly financial reports and responds to all requests from the Vice Provost for Academic Operations and others.
• Responsible for overseeing all royalty distributions and assuring that the USC Stevens Center is meeting all obligations under the USC IP Policy in regard to distributions.
• Manages special projects assigned by the dean. Determines approach, develops plans and enlists cooperation from school administrators and faculty. Documents activities and prepares final reports or recommendations as appropriate.
• Evaluates proposals for major equipment acquisition and approves or declines based on school plans and priorities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Job Qualifications:

Preferred Education:

• Master’s Degree

Preferred Experience:

• 10 years experience
• Experience in a technology transfer office at a university or Research Institute.
• Experience, knowledge and understanding of applying an IP Policy and calculating royalty distributions under an intellectual property policy.
• Thorough knowledge of government reporting obligations, compliance, and reporting procedures under Bayh-Dole.
• Experience using the Wellspring Sophia knowledge management system.
• Experience managing compliance for License and other technology commercialization agreements. Understanding of license agreements, and financial and audit terms.

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) under the Clery Act and must comply with the requirements of said designation.

In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Values of integrity, excellence, diversity, equity and inclusion, well-being, open communication and accountability.

The annual base salary range for this position is $164,313.67 - $175,000.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.