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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Assistant Director, Innovation and Entrepreneurship - **Company:** Washington State University - **Location:** Pullman, WA, United States - **Experience:** Experienced - **Salary:** $7,542.0 - $11,667.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Microsoft Access, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Software Applications, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Office, Workday - **Published:** November 7, 2026 - **Apply:** https://wsu.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/WSU_Jobs/job/Pullman-WA/Assistant-Director--Innovation-and-Entrepreneurship_R-15676 ## About the Role * Positions require a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and four (4) years of progressively responsible relevant experience, which has included at least one (1) year of managerial experience. A Master's degree in a related field may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required experience. Any combination of relevant education and professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis. Education and experience can be tailored to fit the specific organizational entity/directorial assignment. Positions may require applicable licensure and/or certification. * Demonstrated effective interpersonal, written and oral communication skills. * Demonstrated computer software skills, including the ability to use Microsoft Office programs, such as: Outlook, Word, Excel, and Access. * Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying laws, rules, policies and procedures., * An advanced degree (PhD, MBA, JD, MS, or equivalent) in business, engineering or science. * Experience in marketing, sales, licensing, negotiating and/or business development, and significant record of successful technology transfer in areas of physical sciences, life sciences, engineering, software, devices, and advanced technology sectors. * An additional two (2) years experience working with intellectual property administration or technology transfer. * Experience which demonstrates knowledge of policies and procedures relating to intellectual properties within a research university setting. * Knowledge of intellectual property strategy, patent prosecution, licensing, university-industry collaboration, and entrepreneurship ecosystems. * Experience which demonstrates knowledge of current trends in university/industry technology transfer. * Demonstrated success in licensing, startup formation, venture development, industry partnerships, or research translation. * Experience managing technology commercialization and innovation programs within a research university. * Experience in strategic planning, formulation, design, implementation and tracking. * Experience leading innovation ecosystem initiatives or entrepreneurship programs. * Experience building industry, investor, and community partnerships. * Experience in translational research funding programs. * Experience operating in multi-campus or distributed organizations. * Demonstrated experience advancing research translation, innovation, entrepreneur. ## Description The Opportunity: The Office of Research at Washington State University (WSU) is responsible for advancing the research enterprise at WSU systemwide. The Office of Research facilitates all aspects of the research from pre-award to compliance, advancement, development, and commercialization. The Office of Research amplifies WSU's land-grant mission by partnering with the university community, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to advance, extend, and grow the positive impact of WSU research for the state, region, and nation. The Assistant Director, Innovation & Entrepreneurship is a full-time, 12-month position within the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Team in the Office of Research. The position provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for technology commercialization, intellectual property management, entrepreneurship support, industry engagement, and research translation activities across the Washington State University system. Consistent with WSU's commitment to the President's vision for system-wide integration, the Assistant Director works collaboratively with colleges, campuses, research centers, and external partners to connect discovery, innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic impact across the university. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, this position is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing activities related to technology management, intellectual property strategy, licensing, startup creation, industry-sponsored research development, translational funding initiatives, and innovation ecosystem partnerships. The Assistant Director directly supervises technology commercialization personnel and serves as a senior leader responsible for advancing research translation, innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic impact across the WSU system through integrated engagement with academic, industry, government, and community partners. Percentage Breakdown of Job Functions: 35% - Administration, Personnel, & Supervision 30% - Direct Intellectual Property Management, Technology Commercialization, Industry Partnerships, & Sponsored Research 10% - Outreach & Education 10% - Budget Management, External candidates, upload all documents in the "Application Document" section of your application. Current WSU Employees (internal candidates), before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday. Internal candidates, upload all documents in the "Resume/Cover Letter" section of your application. Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible. Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday. Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made., Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU's Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights, or both.