Director, Intellectual Property & Agreements

Job Summary

Drexel Applied Innovation, a unit within Drexel University’s Office of Research & Innovation, expands the impact of Drexel research through technology transfer. The team focuses on two core functions: Intellectual Property & Agreements, and Industry Engagement. Applied Innovation is also responsible for playing a leadership role in elevating the University’s innovation ecosystem by collaborating with a variety of university-wide initiatives and stakeholders to support Drexel innovators, such as entrepreneurial and translational research programs.  

At the direction of and under the supervision of the Assistant Vice Provost, Applied Innovation, the Director of Intellectual Property and Agreements is responsible for managing the IP portfolio, delivering revenue and cost optimization from IP management and Licensing activities, and driving agreements that support the protection of Drexel IP and the commercialization of research outcomes. The Director oversees all day-to-day aspects of intellectual property management to create impact from Drexel research and inventions.

Essential Functions

• Intellectual Property Management and Agreements
  • Manage all aspects of protecting Drexel research, researchers and inventions through intellectual property and agreements, including evaluation, patenting, and licensing of university intellectual property.
  • Evaluate the commercial potential of university technologies and inventions. 
  • Review, develop and implement effective IP policies and procedures.
  • Develop and implement strategies for effective commercialization of research innovations and evaluation of the IP portfolio.
  • Develop timely and high-quality contracts and agreements to support technology transfer.
  • Negotiate and execute agreements, including, but not limited to, options and licenses, nondisclosure, material transfer, intellectual property, and inter-institutional agreements.
  • Oversee and manage licensing managers, providing direction and support.
  • Manage day-to-day relationships and workflow with outside vendors and law firms related to IP prosecution and management.
  • Manage the lifecycle of IP and agreements, including renewals and terminations.
  • Drive revenue and cost reimbursements from prudent and proactive management of the IP portfolio and by developing relationships with licensees and partners.
  • Monitor IP rights and enforce them as needed in consultation with the Office of General Counsel.
  • Advise the Office of Sponsored Programs on intellectual property terms in research agreements with government, industry and foundation sponsors.
  • Work with the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) leadership to manage conflict of interest and export control related to commercialization activities.
• Relationship Building and Customer Service
  • Communicate and collaborate with a wide range of faculty, graduate students, staff, outside service providers, companies, investors, and entrepreneurs in managing university IP and related agreements. Lead the delivery of effective services to these stakeholders and partners.
  • Communicate and collaborate with faculty and staff involved in programs supporting translational research, entrepreneurial development, and commercialization, such as the Drexel-Coulter Translational Research program, I-Corps, and others.
  • Work closely with Industry Engagement in the promotion of Drexel intellectual property to outside parties through marketing efforts.
  • Engage in regular interactions with university functions such as the Office of General Counsel and Office of Sponsored Programs. 
  • Support the formation of Drexel IP-based spin-off companies or other business ventures. 
  • Collaborate with university leadership in fostering an environment that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship.
  • Participate in regional and national forums and activities related to IP management, commercialization and technology transfer.
• Service Provider & Systems Management and Reporting
  • Manage the University’s intellectual property database system and engagements with service providers for effective intellectual property management and tracking.
  • Develop and implement workflows for decision-making and evaluation related to the IP portfolio.
  • Lead or oversee regular tracking and reporting of university IP, licensing, cost and revenue metrics as needed to internal or outside parties.
• Team Leadership and Budget Oversight
  • Directly manage and mentor the team of licensing managers, promoting professional development, client service, and operational excellence.
  • Track and oversee the IP management budget, ensuring efficient use of resources and driving revenue an