Associate Director, Intellectual Property & Award Management

Associate Director, Intellectual Property & Award Management

Associate Director, Intellectual Property & Award Management role at Inside Higher Ed.

The Associate Director of Intellectual Property and Award Management is responsible for strategic planning, innovation, and intellectual property (IP) within the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK) Health Sciences Innovation (HSI) team, under the direction of the Associate Vice President (AVP). Oversees commercial applications, the evaluation of commercial potential of technologies, venture development, awards, and compliance. Works with the AVP in strategy development.

Partners with the Innovation and Commercialization Office (ICO) and the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship. Leads efforts to identify translational projects in key thematic areas, obtaining funding for those projects through industry-sponsored research and other sources, maturing those projects. Works closely with the Office of Sponsored Programs and OBIC to negotiate industry contracts for health sciences research and development. Leads and oversees the stewardship of health sciences intellectual property filings, new company formation, and growing corporate engagements.

Drives participation of faculty and research staff in the commercialization process and fosters the growth of the HSI inventive output and its intellectual property portfolio. In partnership with ICO leaders, develops and communicates commercialization objectives, strategic plan, priority research areas, and commercialization needs to drive alignment and engagement.

• Responsible for ensuring the effective performance of the team across all aspects of intellectual property (IP) and award management, including IP protection strategies, market analysis and commercialization strategy, negotiating and structuring licenses, option and other related agreements in award contracts, post-license surveillance, and enforcement and monetization.
• Track and perform monthly reviews of the university’s health sciences invention disclosures and patent applications and assist with colleges’ strategic IP portfolio development across the entire commercialization continuum.
• Lead a team of qualified staff responsible for IP and award management; work closely with IP staff and outside counsel to achieve appropriate IP protection.
• Mentor support staff and educate faculty and staff in commercialization, innovation, and entrepreneurship; identify high-priority industry/corporate partners and engage those partners across relevant dimensions.
• Collaborate with ICO, Corporate Partnerships, and Office of Legal Affairs to maximize impact, accelerate outcomes, and harness the potential of the Health Sciences Innovation team and the broader OSU ecosystem.
• Engage with college and medical center leaders, faculty, staff, and students to drive engagement, invention, IP, and relationship management across the university.
• Provide leadership as part of the HSI leadership team, contributing to short- and long-range strategic vision and execution of licensing objectives.
• Oversee talent acquisition within the team and develop a strategic staffing model to yield high productivity in IP and award management; coach and mentor managers; improve core processes; ensure outstanding customer experience.
• Lead efforts to position OSU as a top-tier, nationally recognized innovative university in collaboration with senior leaders.
• Lead a team of seven unclassified staff positions.

• Masters, MBA, JD, or Ph.D. in STEM-related field.
• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in early-stage IP with emphasis on deal negotiation.
• Excellent interpersonal, management, and written and oral communication skills.
• Adept in negotiation, university policies, patent law changes, and industry licensing; strong network in the field.
• Proven track record of closing successful deals as evidenced by a deal sheet.
• Positive leadership style with ability to build high-performing teams.
• Process- and metrics-oriented with commitment to continuous improvement.
• Self-motivated, and effective verbal and written communicator.

• PhD or…