Director Software Acceleration (Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures)

We are seeking a Director Software Acceleration to oversees FastForward's full software commercialization and acceleration pipeline across Hop WarmUp (Tier 1), Hop Lite Ventures (Tier 2), and Hop Venture Studio (Tier 3). As the domain leader for digital, data, software, and AI-enabled technologies, this role drives rigorous diligence, commercial pathway design, milestone development, and seed-stage readiness for high-potential software ventures emerging from across the Hopkins ecosystem.

This role is jointly strategic to FastForward and the Johns Hopkins Data Science & AI Institute (DSAI), reflecting DSAI's investment in strengthening the University's capacity to translate cutting-edge data science and AI research into venture-backed companies, industry partnerships, and real-world impact. The Software Acceleration Lead serves as the primary commercialization and venture-building liaison to DSAI leadership, working in close partnership to align faculty innovation, translational programs, and venture creation efforts.

This leader manages the Software & AI acceleration team, sets strategic direction for the discipline, and ensures consistent application of FastForward's tier-based commercialization and company-building framework, while also acting as a trusted strategic partner to DSAI in shaping the institute's innovation-to-impact pipeline.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Partnership with DSAI

• Serve as the primary strategic liaison between FastForward and DSAI.
• Work closely with DSAI leadership to align commercialization strategy, venture creation priorities, and translational programming for software and AI-enabled innovations.
• Identify, source, and shape high-potential DSAI-affiliated research projects and faculty teams for entry into FastForward's tiered pipeline.
• Co-develop mechanisms for early venture formation, founder development, and industry engagement in partnership with DSAI (e.g., joint programs, targeted accelerators, investor showcases, corporate collaborations).
• Ensure strong integration of DSAI-supported projects into Hop WarmUp, Hop Venture Lite, and Hop Venture Studio, with clear commercialization strategies and milestone plans.
• Partner closely with the Senior Builder for Software & AI to coordinate day-to-day engagement with DSAI faculty, students, and programs, while maintaining senior-level alignment with DSAI's executive team.

Lead Software & AI Acceleration Pipeline Across Tiers 1-3

• Own the end-to-end software/AI commercialization and venture-building process across all three tiers.
• Oversee and integrate work across
• Hop WarmUp (Tier 1): early validation, customer discovery, technical feasibility, and commercial model assessment.
• Hop Lite Ventures (Tier 2): structured diligence, milestone planning, and translational preparation for emerging software startups.
• Hop Venture Studio (Tier 3): deep company creation activities including team formation, operator recruitment, product strategy, and seed-stage preparation.
• Shape venture hypotheses, value propositions, competitive assessments, and product/market pathways.
• Determine advancement decisions between tiers and ensure alignment with the broader FastForward model.

Oversee Diligence, Milestones & Venture Progress

• Lead comprehensive diligence for software/AI ventures (technical, market, competitive, IP, data/regulatory considerations as applicable).
• Accountable for commercialization strategies, tier advancement recommendations, and go-forward workplans.
• Develop structured milestone maps for Tier 2 and Tier 3 teams, ensuring clear gates toward investor-readiness.
• Ensure consistent decision-making criteria and high-quality documentation across the entire software pipeline.

Manage & Develop Software/AI Builders

• Supervise and mentor software-focused Venture Builders.
• Establish role clarity, maintain quality standards, and manage capacity across a high-volume pipeline.
• Assign projects strategically to balance workload and ensure efficient progress across Tier 1-3 initiatives.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Collaborate closely with Tech Transfer, Corporate Partnerships, Innovation Network, and internal JHTV groups to ensure integrated support.
• Support consistent handoffs between pipeline stages and alignment with commercialization pathways outside startup formation when appropriate.
• Contribute software/AI-specific insights to FastForward's systems, playbooks, templates, and tools.
• Partner with the Commercialization Academy and GEM to identify high-value scouting opportunities and integrate fellows into relevant projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Advanced Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, applied AI/ML, Product Management, or equivalent experience.
• Seven years of experience in software/AI commercialization, product strategy, technical startup operations, or venture creation.
• U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident required due to Federal Export Controls.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Classified Title: Director Software Acceleration
Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PH
Starting Salary Range: $116,600 - $204,000 Annually (180,000 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: M-F/8:30am-5pm
FLSA Status:Exempt
Location: Hybrid/School of Medicine Campus
Department name: Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures
Personnel area: Academic and Business Centers