Job Details

Executive Director of Strategic Programs, Scientific Initiatives and Innovation

Position Number: 6578444
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Position Type: Executive - Other Executive

Executive Director of Strategic Programs, Scientific Initiatives and Innovation

University of California Santa Barbara

Position overview
Position title: Executive Director of Strategic Programs, Scientific Initiatives and Innovation Salary range: A reasonable estimate that the University expects to pay for this position at 100% time is $250,000 - $300,000 Percent time: 100% Anticipated start: October 13, 2025 Application Window

Open date: September 17, 2025

Next review date: Wednesday, Oct 1, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Wednesday, Sep 16, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Executive Director of Strategic Programs, Scientific Initiatives, and Innovation plays a critical role in building and sustaining UCSB's innovation ecosystem. Reporting to the Dean of the College of Engineering, the Executive Director will drive technology translation, translational research, industry relations, and startup incubation by connecting campus research strengths with external partners in industry, government, and foundations. This position fosters collaborations across the Colleges of Engineering and Math, Life, and Physical Sciences, as well as research institutes such as the California NanoSystems Institute, to accelerate use-inspired research and support the commercialization of new technologies. The Executive Director develops strategic plans to grow translational research programs, promote entrepreneurship, and expand access to world-class facilities and incubator spaces. They will identify new research areas and funding opportunities through engagement with faculty, funding agencies, corporations, startups, investors, and other stakeholders.

The role also includes leading fundraising efforts, advancing industry alliance benefits, and overseeing shared experimental facilities that support innovation and workforce development. The Executive Director will collaborate closely with UCSB's Technology & Industry Alliances Office on intellectual property, patent, and licensing matters arising from research. In addition, they will serve as Executive Director of the NSF BioPACIFIC Materials Innovation Platform and play a leadership role in initiatives such as the Consumer Products Foundry, Advanced Battery Manufacturing Facility, and Expanded Quantum Research. The position requires vision, independence, and the ability to establish strategic partnerships that align with UCSB's research priorities while enhancing the university's visibility and impact in innovation.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Ph.D. degree in materials science, electrical engineering, applied physics, or a closely related field

Preferred qualifications

At least ten years of industrial and research experience, with a broad knowledge of the science and technology surrounding material and device nanostructures.
Demonstrated success in leading research and technology development teams and interacting with executives and research leaders at corporations of various sizes as well as in academia.
In-depth understanding of and experience with intellectual property strategy and management, proposal preparation, transitioning technology from academia to industry, and negotiating terms for agreements and contracts.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter

Reference requirements

References are not required for this position
Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF03014

Help contact: kathrynhopkins@engineering.ucsb.edu
About UC Santa Barbara

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination as defined by the employer.
UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, students and third parties
APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Additionally, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Job location
Santa Barbara, CA

To apply, please visit: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF03014