Associate Director - Contracts

Northeastern University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 99,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeastern University in Boston seeks an Associate Director of Contracts to lead technology transfer contracting for strategic partnerships with industry and researchers. The role ensures timely execution, mitigates institutional risk, and drives contracting process improvements to support commercialization of the university's intellectual property.

The position requires strong managerial skills, expert negotiation and drafting capabilities, and the ability to collaborate with the Office of

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, with strong practical experience in technology licensing and contract negotiation.
• JD or equivalent preferred for enhanced licensing and IP expertise.
• Experience negotiating and drafting technology transfer and commercialization agreements is essential.

Responsibilities

• Draft, negotiate, and finalize technology transfer and commercialization agreements across license types and collaborations.
• Evaluate risk and mitigate exposure while guiding internal stakeholders and escalating complex issues.
• Lead contract execution, ensure policy compliance, and drive process improvements.

Skills

Negotiation

Drafting agreements

Legal knowledge

Communication

Analytical skills

Relationship management

Independent working

Education

Bachelor's degree

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Master's degree in Law or Business

Job description

Associate Director - Contracts

About the Opportunity

Job Summary

The Associate Director of Contracts plays a key role in enablingsuccessful technology commercialization at Northeastern University.The role has a primary focus on drafting, negotiating, and managinglegal technology transfer and commercialization agreements thatfacilitate 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 subjectmatter expertise across all aspects of research and relatedagreements. The position is responsible for ensuring efficientcontract execution, mitigating institutional risk, and advancingthe continuous improvement of contracting processes andsystems.

The Associate Director of Contracts supports the Center forResearch Innovation (CRI) through effective leadership of thetechnology transfer contracts function and works closely with theCommercialization Team to advance successful commercialization ofthe University's intellectual property. This position reports tothe Executive Director and works closely with the Office of GeneralCounsel (OGC) to accurately represent the University's legalposition on matters related to complex intellectual property (IP)and research agreement terms.

This position requires strong managerial capability combined withan entrepreneurial mindset to optimize the technology transfercontracts function of the Center for Research Innovation. Organizedand timely communication, efficient time management, anddemonstrated prioritization skills are essential for success inthis role.

This position directly supervises one full-time ContractsAdministrator.

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 mitigationstrategies while exercising independent judgment and serving as apoint of escalation for complex agreements
• Collaborate with the Office of General Counsel to ensure allagreements comply with university policies and legalrequirements
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and direction to staff involvedin contract review and administration, supporting professionaldevelopment and fostering a collaborative, high-performing teamenvironment
• Lead and oversee agreement deliverables related to licensingrevenue, 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, andensuring timely and consistent service delivery
• Maintain accountability for the performance, effectiveness, andcontinuous advancement of the contracts function
• Identify and implement process improvements, enhance systemsand workflows, and contribute to the long-term strategy forcontracts management services

Licensing Support and Commercialization (25%)

• Collaborate with the Commercialization Team to providespecialized expertise related to contract terms, intellectualproperty rights, and licensing options
• Evaluate the risks and rewards of proposed licensingarrangements and guide decision-making to maximize commercial valuewhile mitigating institutional risk
• Work with internal and external parties to resolve conflictsand explain contract terms
• Monitor contract compliance and track contract-relateddeliverables for financial reporting and compliance purposes,ensuring alignment with grant requirements and iEdison reportingstandards
• Support technology evaluation and licensing strategydevelopment

Research Collaboration and Support (10%)

• Collaborate with Northeastern University Research EnterpriseServices (NU-RES) and draft, negotiate, and finalize intellectualproperty provisions in sponsored research and collaborativeresearch agreements
• Address complex intellectual property issues and negotiatefavorable agreement terms
• Respond to inquiries related to encumbrances on universityintellectual property and provide guidance regarding licensing andownership rights
• Provide guidance to researchers and university faculty onintellectual property matters
• Support the identification and evaluation of intellectualproperty assets generated through university research for potentialcommercialization opportunities

Professional Development and Relationship Management(5%)

• Maintain professional relationships with the Office of GeneralCounsel, Center for Research Innovation leadership, and externalpartners
• Stay current on developments in technology licensing andcommercialization practices
• Conduct training on licensing agreements and contract processesfor 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, andcommercialization
• Experience negotiating and drafting technology transfer andcommercialization agreements
• Demonstrated knowledge of legally binding agreement terms andconsiderations, including intellectual property rights,indemnification and insurance requirements, publicationrestrictions, ownership of research data, and export controlissues
• Strong knowledge of technology licensing and commercializationprinciples
• Knowledge of licensing and business principles
• Strong negotiation and agreement drafting skills
• Understanding of key issues faced by academic institutions whennegotiating contracts with industry, particularly in the areas ofintellectual property management, publications, data ownership, anddata rights
• Demonstrated organizational and analytical skills with theability to establish priorities and drive projects tocompletion
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously andsuccessfully execute competing priorities
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and communicationskills
• Ability to interact effectively with colleagues, licensees,inventors, and external partners
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to proactively identify and develop solutions tocomplex problems
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, courtesy, and acollaborative approach to relationship building
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaborativelywith internal and external stakeholders

Preferred

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree
• Master's degree in Law or Business
• Technology transfer experience

Required Documents

• Resume

Position Type

Legal and Regulatory Administration

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate workexperience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefiteligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paidtime off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- aswell as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receiveconsideration for employment without regard to race, religion,color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disabilitystatus, or any other characteristic protected by applicablelaw.

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 dependon several factors, which may include your education, experience,location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a paycomparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject tochange.