Associate Director - Contracts

About this role

About the Opportunity

Job Summary The Associate Director of Contracts plays a key role in enabling successful technology commercialization at Northeastern University. The role has a primary focus on drafting, negotiating, and managing legal technology transfer and commercialization agreements that facilitate partnerships between the University, faculty inventors, and external partners. The Associate Director leads the contracts function for the unit, providing strategic oversight, operational leadership, and subject matter expertise across all aspects of research and related agreements. The position is responsible for ensuring efficient contract execution, mitigating institutional risk, and advancing the continuous improvement of contracting processes and systems. The Associate Director of Contracts supports the Center for Research Innovation (CRI) through effective leadership of the technology transfer contracts function and works closely with the Commercialization Team to advance successful commercialization of the University's intellectual property. This position reports to the Executive Director and works closely with the Office of General Counsel (OGC) to accurately represent the University's legal position on matters related to complex intellectual property (IP) and research agreement terms. This position requires strong managerial capability combined with an entrepreneurial mindset to optimize the technology transfer contracts function of the Center for Research Innovation. Organized and timely communication, efficient time management, and demonstrated prioritization skills are essential for success in this role. This position directly supervises one full-time Contracts Administrator.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities 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

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

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