A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Fast Forward Medical Innovation (FFMI) is a strategic program within the University of Michigan Medical School Office of Research that accelerates the translation of biomedical and life science research into clinical and commercial impact. FFMI provides coordinated commercialization services, industry engagement, and innovation education across Michigan Medicine.
The Office of Research is seeking an experienced, visionary leader to join the team as the Managing Director of FFMI. The Managing Director is a senior leadership role responsible for FFMI's strategic direction, operations, and performance. Reporting to senior leadership within the Medical School Office of Research, the Managing Director serves as a key advisor on translational strategy, commercialization readiness, and industry partnerships. This position requires strong external engagement, operational leadership, and the ability to work effectively across complex academic and clinical environments.
The Managing Director sets the overall team and unit objectives consistent with the vision of the Medical School and Michigan Medicine. As a member of the Office of Research staff leadership team, the Managing Director promotes the broader Medical School research agenda and guides strategic planning and implementation of a range of initiatives.
Program Leadership and Strategy:
- Provides strategic and operational leadership for FFMI in alignment with Medical School and University priorities.
- Advises Medical School leadership on translational research strategy, commercialization readiness, and industry engagement.
- Positions FFMI as a coordinating platform that complements existing campus and Medical School units.
Commercialization and Translational Services
Industry and External Partnerships
- Serves as a senior point of contact for industry partners and external collaborators.
- Supports development and execution of industry partnership models, including sponsored research and co-development.
- Establishes and maintains relationships with external commercialization, R&D, and funding organizations.
- Establish internship opportunities for graduate and postdoctoral trainees through building partner networks and relationships with industry, biotech and governmental agencies.
Operations, Budget, and Performance Management
- Develops and manages FFMI operational budgets.
- Establishes and monitors performance metrics; prepares regular reports for leadership.
- Leads sustainability planning for FFMI program and services.
Team Leadership
- Leads and manages a multidisciplinary team (approximately 12-14 FTEs; 3-4 direct reports).
- Sets expectations, promotes accountability, and supports staff development in accordance with Michigan Medicine policies.
- Fosters effective collaboration across Medical School departments, central campus units, and external stakeholders.
Master's degree or equivalent experience in business, science, engineering, public health, or a related field.
Minimum of six years of experience in life science technology development, commercialization, translational research, or related fields.
Demonstrated leadership experience in strategic planning and program management.
Experience managing the daily operations of a unit. Including responsibility for administrative, financial, and programmatic functions.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to operate independently, balance competing priorities, and exercise sound judgment.
Proven ability to work effectively with faculty, administrators, and external partners.
Successful experience leading and developing a team of professional staff, including setting direction and expectations, managing performance, coaching, and providing performance feedback.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
Doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent).
Experience with end-to-end life science technology development either in industry and/or academic environment.
Experience with medical d
