Job Description:

Future Use of Energy in Louisiana (FUEL), is an NSF-funded program, NSF Engine: Louisiana Energy Transition Engine, that is positioning the state as a global energy transition leader through high-impact technology development and innovation that supports the energy industry in lowering carbon emissions. FUEL brings together a growing team of universities, community and technical colleges, state agencies, and industry and capital partners led by LSU. The Director of Technology Commercialization will be responsible for working closely with the FUEL Executive Director, Industry Members, Universities, and community stakeholders to promote, develop, design, implement, and monitor all Translation of Innovation to Practice/Technology Commercialization activities. This position will supervise and manage all Technology Commercialization projects including a energy entrepreneur network across the Region, an Energy Transition Proof-of-Concept fund, an executives-in-residence (EIR) program in support of new FUEL supported ventures, a structure for incubation of early-stage FUEL supported ventures, an investor alliance, a FUEL-focused technology transfer office, a patent fund for FUEL supported inventions, and a FUEL pitch event for early stage ventures.

Job Responsibilities:

Relationship Management: Serve as the FUEL Director of Technology Commercialization. This position will require engagement with the 50+ partner organizations, NSF, the Executive Director, the Technology Commercialization Subcommittee, and other stakeholders. FUEL is structured to bring representation from various stakeholders with the vision of aligning workforce needs and capabilities with special emphasis on energy transition issues impacting the Region of Service, Louisiana. The Director will serve as a liaison across FUEL industry partners to develop Technology Commercialization projects. This position will be responsible for ensuring all Technology Commercialization reporting obligations are satisfied for NSF, LED, and other partners. (20%)

Project Management: The Director of Technology Commercialization will work directly with the Technology Commercialization Subcommittee to propose, develop, establish, and implement appropriate policies and procedures to deploy all FUEL project deliverables and programming associated with the Technology Commercialization activities of the FUEL engine. The Director will be responsible for convening quarterly meetings with the Technology Commercialization Subcommittee as well as maintaining regular communication with the Subcommittee between convenings. The goal for all Technology Commercialization activity is to identify, develop, and implement a sustainable model for FUEL Technology Commercialization activities. (15%)

FUEL STEM Network and Executives in Residence (EIR): The Director of Technology Commercialization will be responsible for developing, establishing, engaging, and managing a Technology Commercialization network across the FUEL region to help engage all stakeholders. The FUEL Science, Technology, and Research (STAR) Energy Entrepreneur Network will create world-leading mechanisms to identify, cultivate, grow, and engage entrepreneurs in the energy-tech space to support FUEL-led technology development. The EIR program will function as part of the network will include seasoned executives to mentor early-career innovators that are participating in the proof-of-concept programs of FUEL. (15%)

FUEL Energy Transition Incubator: The Director of Technology Commercialization will be responsible for developing, establishing, engaging, and managing an Energy Transition Incubator across the FUEL region. The Director will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, growing, and engaging early stage founders, with a special focus on BIPOC-led ventures. The incubator will run in-person and virtual programming to support the early-stage ventures that are in the FUEL region. (15%)

FUEL Investor Alliance, Technology Transfer Office, Pitch Events: The Director of Technology Commercialization will be responsible for developing, establishing, engaging, and managing an Investor Alliance across all stages of investment to provide investment opportunities in FUEL-led activities. As needed, and through appropriate partnerships with the local universities, the Director will establish a Fuel-focused Technology Transfer Office responsible for helping commercialize FUEL-developed technologies. The Director will establish a series of pitch events for early-stage energy transition related startups to help link the Investor Alliance to early-stage technology opportunities. (10%)

FUEL Proof-of-Concept Fund and Patent Fund: The Director of Technology Commercialization will be responsible for developing, establishing, and implementing Proof-of-Concept fund to make investments in early-stage technologies both at universities and at startup companies. These projects will range from $50k to $500k. The Director will develop and implement an RFP process to deploy across the Region in a fair and inclusive manner. This position will manage external evaluators to review, evaluate, and score proposals to provide guidance and feedback to the Technology Commercialization Governance Subcommittee, which will make the final funding decisions under the direction of the Director of Technology Commercialization. (10%)

Grant and Budget Management: The Director of Technology Commercialization will be responsible for managing all aspects of the Technology Commercialization budget under the leadership of the Executive Director. Budgets will be established on an annual basis in support of all Technology Commercialization activities in alignment with need, scope, and project requirements. Management of the Technology Commercialization portion of FUEL, including tracking, budgeting, documenting, and reporting on all Technology Commercialization key metrics. Provide key programmatic and administrative support, including scheduling meetings, maintaining records, tracking outputs and outcomes, and providing program oversight. (10%)

Other duties as assigned by the FUEL Executive Director. (5%)

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, business or related field and 7 years experience; must have valid driver's license

Proven track record of relationship-building Strong, demonstrable track record of project management and program delivery Experience working in a university technology transfer office

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in science, engineering, business or related field;

MS, MBA, JD or an advanced degree related to the energy field Grant writing and management experience Advanced degree in communications, business management or public administration