Innovation Engagement Principal
The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Innovation Engagement Principal.
Position Details
Location Hattiesburg
118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States
Division VP Research
Position Type Staff
Employment Status Full Time
Grant Funded Partial
Pay Grade
E20
Posting Close Date August 11, 2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).
Job Summary
The Innovation Engagement Principal responsibility will be to increase the tangible impact of The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) innovations by promoting collaborations with new ventures & entrepreneurs, industry, Department of Defense (DoD), and other sectors. This new role will also assist in the management of USM intellectual property portfolio, development of new strategies for innovation management and accelerating translational research. This position will be partially grant funded.
Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities
Foster relationships with startups, industries, DoD including but not limited to U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and federal/state agencies to promote USM collaborations to secure their active innovation partners, resulting in at least 2 technology demonstration, $1,500,000 in sponsored research/follow on funding secured and at least 4 collaborative research agreements, annually.
Create a robust translational research environment that leverages USM technologies, IP portfolio, unique research and testing capabilities, and regional innovation ecosystem to solve complex technical challenges, identify new solutions, and facilitate technology transfer opportunities.
Work closely with partners and faculty to identify challenges and opportunities that can be addressed through technology solutions offered by USM and its regional innovation ecosystem.
Manage the optimization of innovation processes, programs and training that promotes a research culture focused on establishing USM as an economic engine for enhancing the competitive advantages of the state's industries, creating high demand jobs, and reducing the state's "brain drain".Lead Innovation and Founder Development programs to provide funding and training to support translational research activities for USM innovation, resulting in at least 2 USM technology spinout, annually.
Responsible for organizing and managing the activities of Gulf Blue Connect, overseeing, and coordinating the subawards/contracts, and managing the consultants and contractors; assist the OIM with the management of the University invention disclosures, patent portfolio, and licensing and commercialization activities.
Performs additional duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. degree from an accredited college or university in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics disciplines. Relationship management experience focused on fostering partnerships in high-tech and innovation-focused environments. Proven experience in project management, technology portfolio analysis, and intellectual property development.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)
Understanding of the process of translating academic research into practical applications and commercial products/services. Familiarity with technology transfer procedures, intellectual property rights, and licensing agreements.
Ability to plan, organize, and execute complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and timelines. Proficiency in project management tools and techniques to ensure successful implementation and completion of tasks associated with the ART cooperative agreement.
Capability to develop and implement strategic plans for innovation management, including the identification of new opportunities for research collaboration, industry engagement, and technology commercialization. Experience in fostering a culture of innovation within an academic institution.
Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective relationships with faculty, staff, senior administration, industry partners, and external organizations. Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders to achieve common goals and facilitate knowledge exchange.
Proficiency in analyzing data to identify trends, evaluate program effectiveness, and make data-driven decisions to optimize innovation processes and resource allocation. Ability to interpret research findings and market insights to inform strategic decision-making.
Experience in leading and managing multidisciplinary teams, including the ability to delegate tasks, provide guidance and support, and foster a collaborative work environment. Strong leadership skills to motivate team members and drive performance towards achieving organizational objectives.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders, including the ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner. Experience in preparing reports, presentations, and proposals for all audiences.
Ability to think creatively, identify opportunities for innovation, and develop strategies to leverage the university's intellectual assets for economic development and societal impact. Familiarity with entrepreneurship principles and practices to support the creation of startup ventures and spin-off companies.
Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, environments, and demands while maintaining a high level of performance. Resilience to overcome challenges and setbacks encountered during the implementation of innovation initiatives and research translation activities.
Understanding of ethical considerations and legal regulations related to research, intellectual property, and technology commercialization. Adherence to ethical standards and compliance with relevant laws and policies governing innovation management and intellectual property rights.
Preferred Qualifications
Industry experience in commercialization of advance materials, biomedical or ocean sciences products
Prior experience with DoD research organizations with experience in funding academia and industry partners
General understanding or experience with technology transfer, innovation management, commercialization, cooperative agreements, entrepreneurial training and/or public and private investment.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.
Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.
We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.
