OCHE Director, Nucleus

Company: The University of Utah
Location: Lehi
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Job Summary Housed within the Nucleus Institute, Nucleus Grow works with Utah entrepreneurs, researchers, and small businesses to access non-dilutive funding to develop innovative technologies, supporting the overall Nucleus vision to serve as the hub of Utah’s innovation economy. The team provides resources, expert guidance, training, and proposal assistance to support small businesses as they competitively bid for federal research and development funding. The Director of Nucleus Grow is responsible for establishing the strategic vision and managing the team to align with the goals of the Nucleus Institute while actively building Utah’s innovation ecosystem. Responsibilities Manage team, including program and project managers. Prepare and manage budgets. Provide strategic direction to accomplish the Nucleus goals. Train and mentor team. Evaluate and report on Nucleus Grow success, including tracking data of programs and metrics. Consult with entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators on technology development goals and program alignment. Review and provide feedback on grant proposals, including technical plans, budge documents, and commercialization strategies. Understand nuances across federal agency implementation of the Small Business Innovation Research ( SBIR ) and Small Business Technology Transfer ( STTR ) programs. Develop and maintain partner relationships. Create content and present workshops and training. Develop messaging strategies and marketing initiatives. Oversee the Utah Technology Innovation Funding program. Collaborate with other Nucleus directors and managers. Oversee the Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology annual awards. Minimum Qualifications Education & Experience: Master’s degree required; Minimum of 5 years of full-time relevant work experience. Science or business background preferred. Equivalent work experience in a related field will be considered (1 year experience is equivalent to 1 year of education). Skills & Abilities: Demonstrated ability managing a team. Technical and/or grant writing and editing experience. Ability to understand and analyze complex ideas. Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills orally and in writing with individuals or presenting on a larger scale. Project management experience. Excellent soft skills including critical and strategic thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and time management. Attention to detail with an innate ability to see the broad picture. Experience working with budgets. Understand Utah’s innovation and start-up ecosystem. Ability to network and build partnerships with resource providers and key players.

Keywords: The University of Utah, Orem , OCHE Director, Nucleus, Science, Research & Development , Lehi, Utah