Senior Business Development and Licensing Manager- Engineering, Physical Sciences, AI, and Digital Innovation

Position Purpose:

Reporting to the Director and collaborating with the collegial Technology Transfer team, researchers, and other Dartmouth colleagues, the Senior Business Development and Licensing Manager will manage intellectual property (IP) and commercialize research assets from Dartmouth College, with a focus on engineering, and physical sciences, digital, media, copyrighted assets, and computer science innovations, and AI enablement of assets resulting from Dartmouth research. They will be responsible for supporting Dartmouth researchers and advancing Dartmouth technology for the betterment of the world by identifying, evaluating, marketing, and licensing Dartmouth discoveries, creations, and associated IP assets, developing relationships with researchers, engaging with industry, supporting Dartmouth start-up companies, and advancing entrepreneurship.

Required Qualifications - Education and Yrs Exp: Bachelors plus 6 or more years' experience or combination of education and experience

Required Qualifications - Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Bachelors degree in computer science, information technology, engineering or related field plus 7 or more years’ experience or combination of education and experience.
• Experience in computer sciences, engineering, or physical science, with a broad technical understanding of related technical and scientific areas.
• At least 7+ years of relevant experience in academic technology transfer or business development in a for-profit with a proven track record of success in licensing and commercialization of IP assets.
• Knowledge of IP law and open-source protocols, and of Federal law and regulations pertaining to IP and academic technology transfer.
• Experience in management and monetization of engineering, physical science, data, AI, digital, and/or media assets, with expertise in digital transformation, including areas like data analytics.
• Strong ability to understand and convey the value of engineering, digital and IT-related technologies and AI to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Passion for development and commercialization of early-stage technologies for societal benefit.
• Strong interpersonal, storytelling, and presentation skills.
• Experience structuring, drafting, and negotiating term sheets, options, licenses, and other complex agreements relating to IP. Excellent negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit. Commitment to advancing inventorship and entrepreneurship among underrepresented constituents.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to recommend and take action with confidence.
• Proven ability to prioritize and manage a diverse group of activities on a daily basis despite multiple interruptions and handle multiple tasks simultaneously and with attention to detail.
• Highly collaborative and open to diverse approaches to solving complex problems.
• Tact, professionalism, and demonstrated experience in working with confidential information and solving difficult problems with tact and discretion.
• Ability to understand and to clearly communicate legal requirements of federal regulations to researchers and other constituencies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and knowledge of computer databases and electronic communications software.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in computer science, information technology, engineering or related field.
• Industry experience.
• Experience working with startup companies and/or venture capital.
• Extensive network within relevant industries.

Intellectual Property Evaluation and Protection -

• Builds collaborative relationships with faculty and investigators, encouraging disclosures of ideas and creations for potential commercial development.
• Identifies, defines, and analyzes patentability of inventions. Manages patent prosecution and protects IP in digital, copyrighted, AI-enabled, and software-related technologies, in areas beyond traditional patentable inventions.
• Works with researchers and outside counsel and manages outside counsel, as appropriate, to secure protection through copyrights, patents, and other innovative methods.
• Conducts market research and evaluates the commercial potential of IP assets, assesses appropriateness of marketing through open-source channels.
• Works strategically with inventors, counsel, industry partners, and community stakeholders to advance commercialization opportunities.

Percentage Of Time: 30

Licensing, Agreements, and Compliance -

• Structures, drafts, and negotiates term sheets, option and license agreements, and IP provisions in industry sponsored research agreements and other IP-related agreements.
• Manages licensed portfolios, monitors agreements, and ensures compliance with agreement terms and conditions, including through periodic calls, site visits, and review of reports and ongoing monitoring of public documents.
• Structures, drafts, and oversees joint IP projects and collaborations with other institutions and partners.
• Provides guidance on IP, conflicts of interest, export control, compliance, and confidentiality issues.

Percentage Of Time: 30

Business Development, Industry Engagement, and Commercialization -

• Conducts market research and evaluates the potential impact and value of Dartmouth IP.
• Works with researchers to design strategies for commercializing licensable IP through industry partnerships and start-up companies.
• Builds and maintains relationships with industry sponsors, investors, and licensees.
• Supports new ventures and start-up activity and collaborates with other Dartmouth and external entities to support entrepreneurship.
• Works strategically with creators, administrators, attorneys, industry representatives, investors, and community partners to identify market trends and revenue opportunities, and to advance commercialization opportunities.

Percentage Of Time: 30

Operations and Education -

• Remains at the forefront of evolving technology, legal, and market trends and creatively applies these insights to guide disclosure, protection, licensing, and commercialization decisions.
• Develops and implements institutional strategies for protecting and commercializing Dartmouth IP rights and for addressing open-source considerations.
• Designs and delivers educational workshops and informational sessions for the Dartmouth community.
• Pursues professional development to maintain expertise in technology transfer regulations and practices.
• Contributes to the development of office infrastructure, policies, and procedures to strengthen technology transfer operations.
• May supervise and work with interns.
• Maintains accurate records of IP and licensing activities; monitors database integrity and reporting accuracy.

Percentage Of Time: 10

Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others.

Performs other duties as assigned.