Senior Licensing Manager

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff "for fit" makes significant contributions to Howard University's overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us 

BASIC FUNCTION:

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Industry Partnerships and Licensing, the Senior Licensing Manager plays a key role in supporting the commercialization of intellectual property (IP) at Howard University. The incumbent will manage a portfolio of technologies, engage with faculty and industry partners, negotiate licensing agreements, and support the strategic objectives of the Office of Technology Transfer by helping bridge research innovations with commercial opportunities.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:

None

NATURE AND SCOPE:

The Senior Licensing Manager is responsible for the identification, assessment, marketing, and licensing of university−owned IP. The position requires collaboration with internal stakeholders (faculty, researchers, attorneys) and external entities (industry, startups, legal firms) to bring new inventions to market, secure licenses, and contribute to the formation of university−affiliated ventures.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Manage a portfolio of invention disclosures, assessing commercial potential, IP protection strategy, and licensing pathways.
• Develop marketing strategies and materials to attract potential licensees, including leveraging external platforms and industry databases.
• Conduct outreach to companies, investors, and entrepreneurs to promote Howard IP assets and negotiate licensing terms.
• Draft, negotiate, and execute license agreements, options, confidentiality agreements, and other IP-related contracts in coordination with legal counsel.
• Collaborate closely with faculty inventors to understand their technology and support their goals for commercialization.
• Track agreement performance and ensure compliance with contractual obligations, including milestone payments and reporting.
• Maintain accurate records in the university's IP management systems.
• Contribute to the growth of the tech transfer ecosystem by mentoring junior licensing associates and participating in professional development opportunities.
• Support strategic initiatives led by the Assistant Director and Associate Director of Industry Partnerships and Licensing, including spinout development and partnership cultivation.
• Represent the office at conferences, campus innovation events, and industry engagement sessions.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Strong knowledge of intellectual property rights and patent law.

• Demonstrated experience in technology marketing and licensing.

• Skilled in contract negotiation and relationship management.

• Excellent written and verbal communication.

• Highly organized and detail−oriented with strong project management skills.

• Collaborative mindset and the ability to engage with interdisciplinary teams.

• High ethical standards and ability to maintain confidentiality.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific, engineering, or technical discipline; advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in technology transfer, licensing, or industry−based IP transactions.

• Experience drafting and negotiating complex agreements involving intellectual property.

• Familiarity with academic research environments and university commercialization practices.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and technology/IP database systems (e.g., Sophia, Cayuse, etc.).

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Demonstrated entrepreneurial mindset with a track record of identifying, evaluating, and pursuing commercialization opportunities, including startup formation or strategic partnerships.

• Proven success in licensing negotiations, including structuring complex agreements and securing favorable terms with industry partners, startups, and investors.

• In-depth understanding of intellectual property law, licensing strategies, and relevant legal practices, including patent prosecution, IP valuation, and contract negotiation.

• Experience working closely with inventors, legal counsel, and senior leadership to assess risk, protect university assets, and drive impactful outcomes.

• Ability to think strategically and creatively to overcome legal, technical, and business barriers to commercialization.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence, lead, and manage relationships across academic, legal, and industry stakeholders.

• Familiarity with the university tech transfer process and federal compliance (e.g., Bayh-Dole Act, export control, conflict of interest policies) is a plus.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Pay Range: $81,818 - $90,000