About the Department:

Virginia SBDC: The Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network is a partnership with the US SBA and other local hosts to provide counseling services and training to Small Businesses in Virginia. The Virginia SBDC Lead office administers and manages the SBDC network of 25 centers across Virginia with 13 subrecipients including universities, community colleges and economic development organizations. The Virginia SBDC is a program of Mason Enterprise.

ICAP: The Innovation Commercialization Assistance Program (ICAP) is focused on helping Virginia-based technology and innovation-driven startups on their path to success. ICAP works with startups to provide support along their entire journey towards scaling – from the early idea stage, all the way through working on Series A level of funding. This is accomplished through experiential learning programs and one-on-one advising with a team of experienced entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs. These services are offered at no cost and all advising is confidential.

About the Position:

The Director of the Virginia SBDC – Innovation Commercialization Assistance Program (ICAP) leads the strategic development, implementation, and management of initiatives that support the commercialization of technology and innovation across the state. This role oversees the provision of specialized advising and resources to entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses engaged in R&D, tech transfer, SBIR/STTR, and high-growth ventures. The Director ensures integration of services with federal, state, and university partners and maintains alignment with the mission and goals of the Virginia-SBDC network.

Since 2018, Virginia SBDC-ICAP has worked with over 1800 entrepreneurs who have secured more than $240M in capital to support their ventures creating a program ROI of 42x.

Responsibilities:

Program Leadership and Strategy 

• Develops, implements, and oversees the strategic direction of ICAP in alignment with Virginia SBDC, George Mason University and statewide economic development goals;
• Leads and manages a dispersed team of technology commercialization advisors;
• Coordinates with various Mason Enterprise technology commercialization programs including Mason I-Corps, Office of Technology Transfer, Cyber Commonwealth Initiative and others; and
• Coordinates with various statewide, local and regional technology ecosystem supporters, investors, incubators and accelerators including VIPC, Activation Capital, 757 Collab, and others. 

Client Services 

• Provides high-level programming and advising in alignment with I-Corps principles to entrepreneurs, startups, university researchers and small businesses. Areas of assistance include:
  • Lean Startup methodology;
  • Commercialization strategies;
  • Creating a team;
  • Company formation;
  • Equity funding;
  • Grants and federal funding;
  • IP protection; 
  • Go-to-market strategies, etc.; and
• Leads ICAP team to connect clients with research institutions, federal labs, investors, and corporate partners to accelerate innovation adoption. 

Partnership Development

• Builds and maintains strong partnerships with universities, federal laboratories, incubators and accelerators, economic development agencies, industry partners, and angel and venture capital networks to support tech entrepreneurs in Virginia; and
• Coordinates with local SBDCs and other local organizations to integrate technology commercialization services statewide. 

Funding and Resource Development 

• Identifies and pursues funding opportunities to diversify program funding, including federal and state grants (e.g., SBA, NSF, EDA, VIPC, Tobacco Commission, etc.) and corporate partners; and
• Oversees program budget with input from Virginia SBDC finance team;
• Ensures compliance with grant requirements; and
• Manages reporting obligations. 

Program Impact and Reporting

• Develops metrics and evaluation frameworks to measure program effectiveness and client outcomes;
• Monitors program impact and track metrics;
• Prepares and presents reports to stakeholders, including funders and Virginia SBDC and Mason Enterprise leadership;
• Participates in Virginia SBDC leadership and network meetings and support network-wide initiatives; and
• Represents Virginia SBDC Network and Mason Enterprise when required. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Extensive relevant work experience (generally ten or more years);
• Experience managing professional and administrative staff;
• Direct entrepreneurial experience with innovation commercialization;
• Extensive knowledge of current and early-stage technology business management principles;
• Knowledge of innovation commercialization, technology transfer, intellectual property, technology development, and alternative and equity financing;
• Outstanding written and oral communications skills;
• Knowledge of business and economic trends;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; and
• Ability to handle multiple assignments, organize work and establish priorities with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Experience applying NSF I-Corps principles with entrepreneurs;
• Direct experience advising and assisting university spin-outs; and
• Fundamental understanding of consulting and counseling techniques and discipline.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for ICAP Director at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter and Resume for review.

Posting Open Date: August 4, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  August 25, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes