Collaboration Director - Licensing & Partnerships

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Michigan is seeking a full-time Associate Director of Licensing to lead the WAVE Ventures Collaboration and manage a portfolio of university innovations. You will work closely with faculty, investors, and industry partners to commercialize IP and structure licensing arrangements.

The role requires strong negotiation, IP knowledge, and the ability to align academic research with market opportunities, while coordinating with WAVE Ventures and internal teams to accelerate startup

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline is required.
• Experience in academic research commercialization, startups, venture funds, or related industry settings.
• Excellent interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interact effectively across academic and corporate cultures; interact with scientists, sponsors, industry partners, and investors.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team, and to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Interest or experience in negotiations, contracts, and new technology commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Engage with faculty, researchers, and industry partners to identify licensing opportunities.
• Lead due diligence and IP evaluation for invention disclosures and commercial potential.
• Assist in drafting, negotiating licenses, NDAs, and related agreements.
• Collaborate with WAVE Ventures and internal teams to build relationships and advance collaboration.
• Develop and implement licensing and marketing strategies to maximize commercialization of university IP.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written and verbal communication

Negotiation

Contract knowledge

Intellectual property

Licensing

Project management

Detail oriented

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline

Master's degree or higher (MBA/JD preferred)

Job description

The University of Michigan is seeking a full-time Associate Director of Licensing to lead the WAVE Ventures Collaboration and manage a portfolio of university innovations. You will work closely with faculty, investors, and industry partners to commercialize IP and structure licensing arrangements.

The role requires strong negotiation, IP knowledge, and the ability to align academic research with market opportunities, while coordinating with WAVE Ventures and internal teams to accelerate startup