Principal (Intellectual Property practice)

Charles River Associates; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100 hours of training annually

Wellness programs

401(k) retirement plan with employer match

Job summary

Charles River Associates in Chicago is seeking a Senior Project Manager in Intellectual Property with over 10 years of experience in finance, accounting, or economics. The role involves managing projects, overseeing team deliverables, and providing strategic insights to clients.

Ideal candidates should possess strong project management and communication skills, with a background in consulting preferred. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package and competitive salary ranging from $175,000 to $250,000.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of finance, accounting, or economic work experience.
• Proven project management skills.
• Prior consulting or financial services experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage assigned projects effectively.
• Create and develop client deliverables.
• Provide strategic insights to leadership.

Skills

Project management skills

Strong business writing

Communication skills

Flexibility

Creativity

Education

Advanced degree or CFA or CPA

Job description

Job Overview

In our Intellectual Property practice, we bring analytical rigor and objectivity to all types of IP issues, whether in the context of high‑stakes disputes, transactions, valuations, or compliance matters. In the dispute context, CRA is hired to quantify and provide independent, expert testimony on damages in patent, trademark, trade secret, and copyright infringement matters. CRA is also hired to perform valuations of IP for the purpose of mergers and acquisitions, licensing negotiations, or tax reasons, and to evaluate strategic business decisions as they relate to a client’s intellectual property holdings.

Responsibilities

• Effectively plan and manage assigned projects, including supervising and being accountable for the work of other team members.
• Act as a primary point of contact for clients and assist in the presentation of our conclusions and recommendations.
• Create and develop client deliverables, including expert reports summarizing our opinions.
• Independently conceptualize and identify issues, design complex financial models to analyze economic and financial data, and oversee the creation of analyses.
• Direct project team members on project scope, deliverables, and deadlines.
• Summarize key issues identified from the review by team members of client documents, analyst reports, and third‑party financial, market and industry data.
• Provide strategic insights to leadership team regarding project scope, budget, and staffing.
• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of analyses and opinions.
• Lead and participate in recruiting and professional development efforts, as well as other practice, office, and corporate initiatives.

Minimal travel is required in the Intellectual Property practice.

Desired Qualifications

We seek candidates who have 10+ years of finance, accounting or economic work experience with proven project management skills and a strong aptitude in business writing. An advanced degree or CFA or CPA professional certification is beneficial but not required. Individuals with prior consulting or financial services experience are preferred. While we generally seek candidates with 10+ years of relevant experience, exceptions are possible for individuals possessing all of the above skill sets combined with strong business development skills and a track record of independently generating client engagements.

Our environment is collegial and entrepreneurial, requiring teamwork and flexibility. Ideal candidates should possess exceptional communication skills, a high level of initiative and responsibility, dedication to quality, a strong work ethic, creativity, and a positive attitude. We expect our project managers to learn quickly; solve problems; prioritize tasks; and communicate well with team members and clients.

To Apply

• Resume – please include current address, personal email and telephone number.
• Cover letter (optional) – please describe your interest in CRA and how this role matches your goals.

Career Growth And Benefits

• CRA’s robust skills development programs, including a commitment to offering 100 hours of training annually through formal and informal programs, encourage you to thrive as an individual and team member. Beginning with research and analysis skill building, training continues with technical training, presentation skills, internal seminars, and career mentoring and performance coaching from an assigned senior colleague. Additional leadership and collaboration opportunities exist through internal firm development activities.
• We offer a comprehensive total rewards program including a superior benefits package, wellness programming to support physical, mental, emotional and financial well‑being, and in‑house immigration support for foreign nationals and international business travelers.

Work Location Flexibility

CRA creates a work environment that enables our colleagues to benefit from being together in the office to best deliver on our promise of career growth, mentorship and inclusivity. At the same time, we realize that individuals realize a range of benefits when working from home periodically. We currently ask that individuals spend 3 to 4 days a week on average working in the office (which may include traveling to another CRA office or to a client’s location), with specific days determined in coordination with your practice or team.

Our Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity

Charles River Associates is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Salary And Other Compensation

A good‑faith estimate of the annual base salary range for this position is $175,000 – $250,000. Stating pay within this range may vary based on factors such as education level, experience, skills, geographic location, market conditions, and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position may be eligible for additional bonus incentive compensation.

CRA offers a comprehensive benefits package, subject to eligibility requirements, which may include medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) retirement plan with employer match; life and disability insurance; paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays); paid parental leave; wellness programs and employee assistance resources; and commuter benefits.