Description

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. This 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.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

25% UNIT LEADERSHIP
Accountable for day to day function of Technology Licensing business unit. Includes 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

20% STRATEGIC PLANNING
Responsible for creating, implementing, and measuring all technology licensing business unit level plans - which may span more than one year, but always include annual goals and objectives.

• 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;

20% STAFF SUPERVISION AND EVALUATION
Responsibility for personnel management of Technology Licensing business unit. Includes sourcing and hiring new employees; regular feedback and interaction with each team member; and annual performance reviews based upon individual and team goals.

• 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;

15% CROSS FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Responsible for ensuring efficient and productive relations exist between the business unit and other key UMN departments and partners.

• 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 in support of UMN mission and Tech Comm goals;
• Communicating with partners in a timely and effective manner;
• Identifying and overcoming obstacles to collaborative relationships;

10% EXTERNAL BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS
Lead role in interfacing with external business executives ensuring a strong connection between the local community and the Tech Comm.

• 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

10% OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED
The Associate Director of Technology Licensing will frequently be asked to be an individual contributor and/or to represent Tech Comm in some broader capacity.

• 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 an 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 endorses 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 has been designated as 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. Your 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 (upward, lateral, and downward through an org chart).
• Excellent interpersonal skills are required--proclivity to be an 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.

About the Department

University of Minnesota Technology Commercialization facilitates the transfer of University technology and ideas to licensee companies--both established and startup--for the development of new products and services that benefit the public good, foster economic growth, and generate revenue to support the University's mission. Visit our website to learn more!

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $175,000 - $195,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 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

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please apply via the link below (https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/373127) and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Requirements

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 (upward, lateral, and downward through an org chart).
• Excellent interpersonal skills are required--proclivity to be an 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.