Senior Associate Director for Industry and Technology Transactions

Job Summary

DATE POSTED:
Oct 03, 2025

Schedule:

Full-time
Job Code: 4510
Employee Status:
Regular
Grade: M

Requisition
Work Arrangement:
Hybrid Eligible

Dean of Research / Office of Technology Licensing:
The Office of Technology Licensing (OTL) was established in 1970 to manage the intellectual property assets of Stanford University. OTL evaluates, markets, and licenses technology owned by the University. OTL's mission is to encourage effective technology transfer for the public benefit as well as generating royalty income for Stanford to benefit research and education. OTL is one of the country's most active offices in the field of technology transfer from the university to industry.

Our staff, most of whom are professionals engaged directly in licensing, manages over 3,000 active dockets.

• We create a hub of innovation through the power of diversity of disciplines and people.
• We provide equitable access and opportunity to all members of the community in order to do their best work, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• We listen to and value all colleagues who bring diverse perspectives to the advancement and development of a respectful community.
• We promote a culture of belonging, equity, and safety.
• We embed these values in excellence of education, research, and operation.

The Senior Associate Director for Industry and Technology Transactions is a leadership position within Stanford’s Office of Technology Licensing, responsible for driving complex agreements that advance Stanford’s mission of research excellence, innovation, and strategic collaboration. The position leads a team of contracting professionals and serves as the primary point of contact for strategic negotiations with industry leaders, strategic partners, and non‑profit organizations.

This role oversees the full lifecycle of complex transactions - from drafting through negotiation and execution - to ensure alignment with Stanford’s policies, compliance requirements, and strategic objectives. The portfolio includes technology licensing agreements, research collaborations, strategic industry alliances, and mission‑aligned transactions with non‑profit organizations. The Senior Associate Director establishes clear risk frameworks and deal strategies that protect the University’s interests while enabling sustainable, mutually beneficial partnerships.

A key expectation is the ability to act as a strategic advisor who can translate complex legal concepts into practical, actionable business recommendations. The role partners closely with faculty, researchers, and internal contracting and licensing staff, as well as other Stanford offices to structure agreements that foster innovation, safeguard intellectual property and academic values, and support successful long‑term relationships with external partners.

This position requires excellent judgment, strategic thinking, and the ability to balance risk with opportunity. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative problem‑solver who combines strong legal acumen with business insight to drive agreements that create value for Stanford and its partners. A JD or equivalent advanced degree is preferred, with 9+ years of experience in technology transfer, licensing, or complex commercial transactions and a track record of leading high‑value negotiations in domains such as biotech, engineering, or software.

• Direct staff and provide leadership to Industrial Contracts officers. Promote the goals and vision of ICO. Responsible for hiring, training and retaining staff, career coaching, professional development and accountable for the performance of direct reports.
• Develop strategic plans for ICO. Identify and resolve strategic issues of substantial significance that affect the overall functioning beyond ICO, consult and advise senior University leadership. Advise senior management on programmatic and policy development.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of ICO’s organizational structure and programs to promote success,…