Director, Licensing

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Job Title:
Director, Licensing

Department:
ERIK | Technology Commercialization

The Director - Licensing will oversee the licensing and intellectual property (IP) management functions within the Technology Commercialization Office (TCO) at The Ohio State University under the direction of the Senior Associate Vice President (SAVP) of Technology Commercialization.  The licensing function will be for non-human health sciences technologies for all schools, colleges, and institutes across the university.  The intellectual property (IP) functions will include all domain areas and will exclude decisions relegated to the Health Sciences Node.  The Director is responsible for establishing best practices and ensuring the effective performance of the team across all aspects of licensing and IP management including invention assessment, intellectual property protection strategies, market analysis and commercialization strategy, new venture creation, negotiating and structuring licenses, option and other related agreements, post-license surveillance, and enforcement and monetization.

Through inspirational leadership, the Director will foster a positive culture of service excellence by the staff to all key stakeholders, both internal and external to the university. Defines clear objectives, strategies, and tactics in leading a highly qualified licensing team which align with the mission of the Technology Commercialization Office (TCO) and the university. In addition, the Director will actively work to develop the licensing and IP management staff, improve the effectiveness and efficiency of core processes, and ensure outstanding customer experience through all aspects of stakeholder engagement. Leads a highly qualified team managing the university's portfolio of non-human health intellectual property working with IP staff and outside counsel to achieve the appropriate level of claim protection. They will manage the pipeline of technologies from invention disclosure to license expiration and manage all aspects of reporting. Leads the core unit in driving productivity for TCO. Actively engages with college leaders and their faculty to drive engagement, invention, intellectual property and relationship management across the university. As part of the TCO leadership team, actively works with the SAVP on short- and long-range strategic vision as well as executing the strategies and tactics to reach core licensing objectives.

Enforcement monetization – outside entity practicing on our IP, he would work with Legal to communicate with the external entity, yielding fair value for OSU.
This role is responsible for setting aspirational goals, developing effective strategies and tactics, and managing directives to achieve the goals that align with leadership initiatives.  Works closely and collaborates with leaders and teams responsible for compliance, quality, continuous improvement, and contracting.  In addition, works collaboratively across all aspects of innovation, commercialization, and entrepreneurship and support functions at the university.  Effectively markets new technologies and leads a highly qualified licensing team.  Works closely with the SAVP to create short- and long-range goals to further the objectives of technology transfer at The Ohio State University.  Oversees talent acquisition and develops a strategic staffing model to yield high productivity within the licensing and intellectual property functions. Responsible for coaching and mentoring team managers, influencing customers and stakeholders, and participates in difficult conversations that lead to positive outcomes. Works closely with the SAVP and senior leaders to establish OSU as a top-tier, nationally recognized innovative university.

May serve as an officer or agent of the Ohio State Innovation Foundation (OSIF) and/or its affiliates, and which may include working with internal and external counsel on enforcement, monetization, and other legal matters to yield fair value for the university and its constituents and to protect its interests.

Additional Information:

Required Qualifications

Bachelors in STEM related field. Minimum 10 years of relevant working experience. At least eight (8) years of experience in licensing early-stage intellectual property and/or commercialization with an emphasis on business development and deal negotiation. Excellent interpersonal skills, management skills and written and oral communication skills. Adept in negotiation, university policies, patent and recent changes in patent law, exceptional knowledge and network in industry licensing. Proven track record of closing successful deals demonstrable through deal sheet. Has positive attitude and models inspirational leadership to build strong, resilient, and innovative teams.

Desired Qualifications

At least 15 years of relevant work experience, including licensing early-stage intellectual property and/or commercialization with an emphasis on business development and deal negotiation strongly preferred. Certified Licensing Professional and/or Registered Technology Transfer Professional. University and industry experience in the pharmaceutical, life sciences, or related sectors.

The pay range for this job profile is $135,000 - $180,000. The offer for this position will fall within this range based on multiple factors including internal equity, unit’s available budget, and the candidate’s qualifications.”

Position Mapping:

Function: Research Administration

Sub function: Technology Commercialization

Due to U.S. export control regulations governing information, technology, and facilities accessed during the performance of work, applicants must be: (1) U.S. citizens or nationals; (2) permanent residents; (3) asylees or refugees; or (4) individuals otherwise described as “protected individuals” pursuant to Title 8 U.S. Code Section 1324b(a)(3)(b). This position has flexibility for remote work opportunities although the strong preference is for location in Columbus, Ohio with on-site work.

OSU will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

Location:
Energy Advancement and Innovation Center (1044)

Position Type:
Regular

Scheduled Hours:
40

Shift:
First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check.  A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

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