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
Minimum Qualifications
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
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.
Compensation Grade/Pay Type:
112S
Expected Hiring Range:
$99,010.00 - $143,567.50
With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend
on several factors, which may include your education, experience,
location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay
comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role.
Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to
change.
To apply, visit https://northeastern.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/careers/job/Boston-MA-Main-Campus/Associate-Director---Contracts_R141705
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