Executive Director, PCI Ventures

The Penn Center for Innovation (PCI) invites applications and nominations for the role of Executive Director of PCI Ventures (PCIV), an operating division of PCI.  With an overarching goal of helping to further advance and drive innovation across the University of Pennsylvania (Penn), the Executive Director (ED) will accelerate the launch of start-up companies and strategic ventures based on Penn’s intellectual property, research, and expertise, as well as by broadly nurturing the entrepreneurial culture of the University. 

PCI serves to translate Penn discoveries and ideas into new products and businesses for the benefit of society. It catalyzes commercial activity and translational impact across different technology sectors at Penn, further extending and expanding Penn’s prodigious global innovation impact and reach. In 2024, Penn ranked #1 nationally for licensing income by the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM), received 125 U.S. patents, and executed 619 commercial agreements. PCIV is focused on supporting faculty and other Penn researchers in their entrepreneurial endeavors and creating new businesses founded on Penn technology and expertise.

The Executive Director will specifically focus on leading a talented team dedicated to catalyzing new venture creation and supporting a broad range of entrepreneurship activities. In close coordination with faculty and other members of the Penn research community, the ED will lead the PCIV team in facilitating business planning; identifying specific milestones critical for startup success; building and working with an active network of company creation support resources; utilizing strategies to de-risk technologies through company investments; identifying company financing opportunities, including state and federal grants as well as investments from angels, venture capital, and other investor groups; cultivating strong relationships within these same investment communities; and forming a network of entrepreneurs and experienced business professionals to advise, mentor, and lead startup teams.  The ED and their team will conduct their activities in close coordination and collaboration with the other business development and operating divisions of PCI, as well as PCI’s executive leadership and Penn’s Chief Innovation Officer.   The ED will also serve as a key member of the PCI executive leadership team and will work closely with the Managing Director and Deputy Managing Director to shape the strategic direction of PCI initiatives across Penn. 

The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in technology-based venture creation, a firm grasp of the technology transfer process, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the capital and funding cycle of technology ventures across various sectors.  Candidates possessing a thorough grasp of the current “state of practice” in entrepreneurial education and support are welcomed. The ideal candidate will have 10 years or more of experience in growing startup companies, attracting investment to early-stage ventures, working with technology incubators and startup accelerators, working collaboratively with individuals and groups within a large innovation and startup ecosystem, and advancing the commercialization of new technologies. Knowledge and experience working in a university setting or similarly complex organization is advantageous.

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and resumes with cover letters should be sent below. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.

Patricia Hastie is leading this search Karen McPhedran and Sarah Sweeney.

The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class status in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, educational or athletic programs, or other University-administered programs or in its employment practices.

 Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to the Executive Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, Franklin Building, 3451 Walnut Street, Suite 421, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6106; or (215) 898-6993.