Associate Director of Technology Licensing
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
About The Job
The Associate Director of Technology Licensing reports to the Associate Vice President for Research in the University’s Technology Commercialization (Tech Comm) office and has primary leadership and management responsibility for the Technology Licensing business unit. The team of Technology Licensing Officers negotiates and executes license agreements with corporations and startup companies that enable the commercialization of UMN inventions and innovations. The Associate Director is responsible for strategic direction, day‑to‑day operations, and all aspects of team supervision and management. The Associate Director also actively engages in unit and Tech Comm‑wide initiatives.
Authority The Associate Director of Technology Licensing is a direct supervisor and has the authority to make decisions or conduct the following: employee hiring, disciplinary action, starting salaries, merit increases, employee performance evaluations. The Associate Director will also have a level of budget approval authority, as well as delegation of authority to sign licenses on behalf of the University.
Unit Leadership – 25%
Accountable for day‑to‑day function of Technology Licensing business unit, including team leadership, establishing and adjusting priorities, issue resolution and resource allocation.
Tracking, communicating and managing unit performance against goals and objectives.
Identifying and resolving issues (personnel, operations, process, procedure) impeding unit success.
Leading efforts on IP licensing standards and deal negotiations, handling escalations as needed.
Supporting and implementing Tech Comm policies and procedures by unit.
Fostering an environment of high expectations, high performance, and team cohesion.
Strategic Planning – 20%
Responsible for creating, implementing, and measuring all technology licensing business unit level plans.
Developing and implementing annual business unit strategies, priorities, and initiatives.
Ensuring business unit alignment with Tech Comm and RIO goals and objectives.
Seeking new collaborative relationships with internal and external partners to enhance unit success.
Leading the development and implementation of new business initiatives and licensing opportunities.
Staff Supervision and Evaluation – 20%
Sourcing, qualifying, interviewing and hiring new employees for open positions.
On‑boarding new employees regarding Tech Comm process, procedure, goals and objectives.
Assisting creation of annual employee performance goals and objectives.
Providing regular and timely feedback to employees regarding ongoing performance.
Conducting annual performance reviews including all compensation matters.
Cross‑Functional Relationships – 15%
Establishing positive working relationships with key internal partners across the university (General Counsel, Sponsored Projects, other Research & Innovation units, etc.).
Working closely with Deans, Associate Deans, Department Heads, peers, faculty, and administration to support UMN mission and Tech Comm goals.
Communicating with partners in a timely and effective manner.
Identifying and overcoming obstacles to collaborative relationships.
External Business Relationships – 10%
Establishing relationships with key business leaders, companies and organizations that engage UMN.
Attending local, regional and national events, making contact with industry representatives.
Identifying other leading organizations involved in IP licensing and benchmarking best practices.
Serving as a key contact for opportunity and issue management with external organizations.
Other Duties – 10%
Reviewing and signing licenses and agreements consistent with approved signature authority.
Participating as a voting member of the Intellectual Property Commitment Committee.
Participating in the Discovery Capital Steering Committee as needed.
Serving as a Tech Comm representative at both internal and external forums.
Assuming leadership for Tech Comm‑wide initiatives.
Performing PR and representing Tech Comm activities (visiting delegations, statewide events, etc.).
Serving in capacity of team members if vacancy or workload necessitates.
Assuming duties in representation of Tech Comm AVP when necessary.
Flexible Work Profile The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and Technology Commercialization endorse a “work with flexibility” approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on‑site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote.
This position is eligible for the following flexible work profile: regularly onsite is expected to work in the office at least 2‑3 days per week. Typically working remotely 1‑2 days per week. The office will be located in the McNamara Alumni Center on the Minneapolis campus. Tech Comm management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.
Qualifications Required Qualifications
BA/BS degree plus at least 12 years of experience in a role where leadership and keen understanding of technology commercialization can be demonstrated.
Strategic planning experience.
Extensive negotiation skills in a licensing or sales environment.
Excellent communication skills, with ability to communicate and work effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
Excellent interpersonal skills; outgoing spokesperson and relationship builder.
Strong initiative and ability to work independently, as well as with teams.
Familiarity with generative AI tools combined with a strong commitment to data privacy and accuracy.
Preferred Qualifications
An MBA or other related advanced degree.
Five years of supervisory experience.
Experience with licensing intellectual property – patents, copyrights, trademarks.
Experience developing relationships with faculty and leadership of various groups within academia.
Diversity The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
Pay & Benefits
Pay Range: $175,000 – $195,000; depending on education, qualifications, experience.
Time Appointment: 100% Appointment.
Position Type: P&A Staff.
Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program.
Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans.
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
University HSA contributions.
Disability and employer‑paid life insurance.
Employee wellbeing program.
Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity.
Financial counseling services.
Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost.
Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area.
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Authority The Associate Director of Technology Licensing is a direct supervisor and has the authority to make decisions or conduct the following: employee hiring, disciplinary action, starting salaries, merit increases, employee performance evaluations. The Associate Director will also have a level of budget approval authority, as well as delegation of authority to sign licenses on behalf of the University.
Unit Leadership – 25%
Accountable for day‑to‑day function of Technology Licensing business unit, including team leadership, establishing and adjusting priorities, issue resolution and resource allocation.
Tracking, communicating and managing unit performance against goals and objectives.
Identifying and resolving issues (personnel, operations, process, procedure) impeding unit success.
Leading efforts on IP licensing standards and deal negotiations, handling escalations as needed.
Supporting and implementing Tech Comm policies and procedures by unit.
Fostering an environment of high expectations, high performance, and team cohesion.
Strategic Planning – 20%
Responsible for creating, implementing, and measuring all technology licensing business unit level plans.
Developing and implementing annual business unit strategies, priorities, and initiatives.
Ensuring business unit alignment with Tech Comm and RIO goals and objectives.
Seeking new collaborative relationships with internal and external partners to enhance unit success.
Leading the development and implementation of new business initiatives and licensing opportunities.
Staff Supervision and Evaluation – 20%
Sourcing, qualifying, interviewing and hiring new employees for open positions.
On‑boarding new employees regarding Tech Comm process, procedure, goals and objectives.
Assisting creation of annual employee performance goals and objectives.
Providing regular and timely feedback to employees regarding ongoing performance.
Conducting annual performance reviews including all compensation matters.
Cross‑Functional Relationships – 15%
Establishing positive working relationships with key internal partners across the university (General Counsel, Sponsored Projects, other Research & Innovation units, etc.).
Working closely with Deans, Associate Deans, Department Heads, peers, faculty, and administration to support UMN mission and Tech Comm goals.
Communicating with partners in a timely and effective manner.
Identifying and overcoming obstacles to collaborative relationships.
External Business Relationships – 10%
Establishing relationships with key business leaders, companies and organizations that engage UMN.
Attending local, regional and national events, making contact with industry representatives.
Identifying other leading organizations involved in IP licensing and benchmarking best practices.
Serving as a key contact for opportunity and issue management with external organizations.
Other Duties – 10%
Reviewing and signing licenses and agreements consistent with approved signature authority.
Participating as a voting member of the Intellectual Property Commitment Committee.
Participating in the Discovery Capital Steering Committee as needed.
Serving as a Tech Comm representative at both internal and external forums.
Assuming leadership for Tech Comm‑wide initiatives.
Performing PR and representing Tech Comm activities (visiting delegations, statewide events, etc.).
Serving in capacity of team members if vacancy or workload necessitates.
Assuming duties in representation of Tech Comm AVP when necessary.
Flexible Work Profile The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and Technology Commercialization endorse a “work with flexibility” approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on‑site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote.
This position is eligible for the following flexible work profile: regularly onsite is expected to work in the office at least 2‑3 days per week. Typically working remotely 1‑2 days per week. The office will be located in the McNamara Alumni Center on the Minneapolis campus. Tech Comm management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.
Qualifications Required Qualifications
BA/BS degree plus at least 12 years of experience in a role where leadership and keen understanding of technology commercialization can be demonstrated.
Strategic planning experience.
Extensive negotiation skills in a licensing or sales environment.
Excellent communication skills, with ability to communicate and work effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
Excellent interpersonal skills; outgoing spokesperson and relationship builder.
Strong initiative and ability to work independently, as well as with teams.
Familiarity with generative AI tools combined with a strong commitment to data privacy and accuracy.
Preferred Qualifications
An MBA or other related advanced degree.
Five years of supervisory experience.
Experience with licensing intellectual property – patents, copyrights, trademarks.
Experience developing relationships with faculty and leadership of various groups within academia.
Diversity The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
Pay & Benefits
Pay Range: $175,000 – $195,000; depending on education, qualifications, experience.
Time Appointment: 100% Appointment.
Position Type: P&A Staff.
Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program.
Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans.
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
University HSA contributions.
Disability and employer‑paid life insurance.
Employee wellbeing program.
Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity.
Financial counseling services.
Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost.
Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area.
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