layiq

/la·yiq/adjective

worthy; deserving; fitting; suitable.

A role, opportunity, or path that merits attention, time, and pursuit.

Associate Director - Contracts at Northeastern University | LAYIQ

Contract Management and Agreement Execution (60%)
Draft, negotiate, and finalize technology transfer and commercialization agreements, including exclusive licenses, non-exclusive licenses, field-of-use licenses, option agreements, inter-institutional agreements, material transfer agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and amendments
Evaluate contractual risk and develop appropriate mitigation strategies while exercising independent judgment and serving as a point of escalation for complex agreements
Collaborate with the Office of General Counsel to ensure all agreements comply with university policies and legal requirements
Provide guidance, mentorship, and direction to staff involved in contract review and administration, supporting professional development and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment
Lead and oversee agreement deliverables related to licensing revenue, compliance reporting, and grant requirement adherence
Develop and maintain frameworks that promote contract quality, accuracy, and consistency in contract management procedures
Oversee the day-to-day operations of the contracts function, including prioritizing workload, monitoring performance, and ensuring timely and consistent service delivery
Maintain accountability for the performance, effectiveness, and continuous advancement of the contracts function
Identify and implement process improvements, enhance systems and workflows, and contribute to the long-term strategy for contracts management services
Licensing Support and Commercialization (25%)
Collaborate with the Commercialization Team to provide specialized expertise related to contract terms, intellectual property rights, and licensing options
Evaluate the risks and rewards of proposed licensing arrangements and guide decision-making to maximize commercial value while mitigating institutional risk
Work with internal and external parties to resolve conflicts and explain contract terms
Monitor contract compliance and track contract-related deliverables for financial reporting and compliance purposes, ensuring alignment with grant requirements and iEdison reporting standards
Support technology evaluation and licensing strategy development
Research Collaboration and Support (10%)
Collaborate with Northeastern University Research Enterprise Services (NU-RES) and draft, negotiate, and finalize intellectual property provisions in sponsored research and collaborative research agreements
Address complex intellectual property issues and negotiate favorable agreement terms
Respond to inquiries related to encumbrances on university intellectual property and provide guidance regarding licensing and ownership rights
Provide guidance to researchers and university faculty on intellectual property matters
Support the identification and evaluation of intellectual property assets generated through university research for potential commercialization opportunities
Professional Development and Relationship Management (5%)
Maintain professional relationships with the Office of General Counsel, Center for Research Innovation leadership, and external partners
Stay current on developments in technology licensing and commercialization practices
Conduct training on licensing agreements and contract processes for internal stakeholders

Required
Bachelor's degree
Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in technology licensing, contract negotiation, or commercialization
Experience in technology licensing, contract negotiation, and commercialization
Experience negotiating and drafting technology transfer and commercialization agreements
Demonstrated knowledge of legally binding agreement terms and considerations, including intellectual property rights, indemnification and insurance requirements, publication restrictions, ownership of research data, and export control issues
Strong knowledge of technology licensing and commercialization principles
Knowledge of licensing and business principles
Strong negotiation and agreement drafting skills
Understanding of key issues faced by academic institutions when negotiating contracts with industry, particularly in the areas of intellectual property management, publications, data ownership, and data rights
Demonstrated organizational and analytical skills with the ability to establish priorities and drive projects to completion
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and successfully execute competing priorities
Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and communication skills
Ability to interact effectively with colleagues, licensees, inventors, and external partners
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Ability to proactively identify and develop solutions to complex problems
Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, courtesy, and a collaborative approach to relationship building
Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
Preferred
Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree
Master's degree in Law or Business
Technology transfer experience
Required Documents
Resume
Position Type
Legal and Regulatory Administration
Additional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Associate Director - Contracts

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