Associate Director of MSU Technologies - Compliance Officer​/S

Associate Director of MSU Technologies

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Associate Director of MSU Technologies manages the university’s intellectual property and research agreement operations. The role oversees IP administration, license compliance, and CDA/MTA/DUA negotiation, monitors patent activities and invoices, ensures legal alignment in licensing templates, and advises on strategic planning and budgeting. Through mentorship and process improvement—including AI integration—the Associate Director enhances efficiency, compliance, and cost‑effectiveness.

Collaborating with faculty inventors, the MSU Research Foundation, Office of the General Counsel, Business Connect, and Office of Sponsored Programs, the position ensures legal soundness and strategic alignment of MSU’s commercialization efforts. This primarily in‑person role requires a minimum of four days in the office with occasional remote flexibility.

• Efficiently manage the day‑to‑day research agreements handled by the department.
• Mentor and develop the CDA/MTA Coordinators advising on modified agreement language and best practices.
• Supervise the negotiation, drafting, and implementation of all CDAs, MTAs and DUAs, including leading on execution of such agreements. With the Executive Director and the MSU Office of the General Counsel (OGC), revise template agreements based on current licensing practices and changes in the law.

• Mentor and develop the IP Administrator Team regarding IP docketing, patent administration and federal compliance; identify best practices and opportunities for increased efficiencies and cost savings, such as bringing certain tasks in‑house or implementing AI solutions.
• Monitor patent activities and invoices to ensure deadlines are being met, attorney charges are appropriate, and patent expenditures meet budget expectations.

• Mentor and develop the Agreement & Compliance Team regarding preparation, internal review, execution and compliance of license agreements, option agreements, IIAs and other technology agreements; identify best practices and opportunities for increased efficiencies and increased licensee compliance.
• Review all license agreements, option agreements, IIAs and other technology agreements as part of the pre‑execution process; advise the Agreement & Compliance Coordinator, Technology Managers and/or Executive Director on potential changes or exceptional terms.

• Develop and recommend policy and provide high‑level advice and guidance to the Executive Director to advance the commercialization of MSU technologies.
• Supervision of the MTA/CDA/DUA Coordinators, IP Agreement Coordinator, and Agreement Compliance Coordinator.
• Assist in the development and execution of MSU’s strategic plan, and in the preparation of the annual operating plan and budget.

• Collaborate with the Conflict‑of‑Interest Office to manage COI matters, particularly those related to faculty‑engaged start‑up companies.
• Collaborate with the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) on matters related to MSU intellectual property policies, complex agreements, policy issues and patent matters.
• Provide support to Business‑CONNECT and OSP on intellectual property terms of research agreements, balancing MSU policies and the positions of funding organizations to reach mutually beneficial outcomes.

• Knowledge equivalent to that normally acquired by completing a bachelor’s degree in a technical field related to either Engineering, Life Science, or Physical Science, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; five to eight years relevant experience.
• Capacity to comply with federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control law.

• Proficiency with computer operation, MS Office suite, Zoom, Minuet, Adobe Pro, Microsoft Teams, One Note, and databases.

• Strong written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, ability to maintain confidentiality, time management and…