Senior Business Development and Licensing Manager- Engineering, Physical Sciences, AI, and Digi...

Dartmouth College; Hanover (NH); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Dartmouth College is seeking a Senior Business Development and Licensing Manager to oversee IP evaluation, protection, and commercialization for engineering, AI-enabled, digital, and media assets.

You will work with researchers and industry partners to identify market opportunities, negotiate licenses, and guide open-source considerations while supporting Dartmouth startups and entrepreneurship initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 7+ years in academic technology transfer or business development
• Experience in licensing and commercialization of IP assets
• Knowledge of IP law and open-source protocols and of federal regulations governing IP transfer

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and protect IP including copyrights, patents, and software-related technologies
• Structure and negotiate term sheets, licenses, and IP provisions in sponsored research agreements
• Foster industry relationships and support startups and entrepreneurship

Skills

IP law knowledge

Negotiation

Relationship building

AI & data tech understanding

Open-source protocols

Storytelling & presentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IT/Engineering or related field

Advanced degree (preferred) in CS/IT/Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Purpose

Reporting to the Director and collaborating with the collegial Technology Transfer team, researchers, and other Dartmouth colleagues, the Senior Business Development and Licensing Manager will manage intellectual property (IP) and commercialize research assets from Dartmouth College, with a focus on engineering and physical sciences, digital, media, copyrighted assets, and computer science innovations, and AI enablement of assets resulting from Dartmouth research. They will be responsible for supporting Dartmouth researchers and advancing Dartmouth technology for the betterment of the world by identifying, evaluating, marketing, and licensing Dartmouth discoveries, creations, and associated IP assets, developing relationships with researchers, engaging with industry, supporting Dartmouth start‑up companies, and advancing entrepreneurship.

Required Qualifications

Bachelors plus 6 or more years' experience or combination of education and experience.

• Bachelors degree in computer science, information technology, engineering or related field plus 7 or more years’ experience or combination of education and experience.
• Experience in computer sciences, engineering, or physical science, with a broad technical understanding of related technical and scientific areas.
• At least 7+ years of relevant experience in academic technology transfer or business development in a for‑profit with a proven track record of success in licensing and commercialization of IP assets.
• Knowledge of IP law and open‑source protocols, and of Federal law and regulations pertaining to IP and academic technology transfer.
• Experience in management and monetization of engineering, physical science, data, AI, digital, and/or media assets, with expertise in digital transformation, including areas like data analytics.
• Strong ability to understand and convey the value of engineering, digital and IT‑related technologies and AI to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Passion for development and commercialization of early‑stage technologies for societal benefit.
• Strong interpersonal, storytelling, and presentation skills.
• Experience structuring, drafting, and negotiating term sheets, options, licenses, and other complex agreements relating to IP. Excellent negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit. Commitment to advancing inventorship and entrepreneurship among underrepresented constituents.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, and the ability to recommend and take action with confidence.
• Proven ability to prioritize and manage a diverse group of activities on a daily basis despite multiple interruptions and handle multiple tasks simultaneously and with attention to detail.
• Highly collaborative and open to diverse approaches to solving complex problems.
• Tact, professionalism, and demonstrated experience in working with confidential information and solving difficult problems with tact and discretion.
• Ability to understand and to clearly communicate legal requirements of federal regulations to researchers and other constituencies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and knowledge of computer databases and electronic communications software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in computer science, information technology, engineering or related field.
• Industry experience.
• Experience working with startup companies and/or venture capital.
• Extensive network within relevant industries.

Key Responsibilities

• Intellectual Property Evaluation and Protection
  • Builds collaborative relationships with faculty and investigators, encouraging disclosures of ideas and creations for potential commercial development.
  • Identifies, defines, and analyzes patentability of inventions. Manages patent prosecution and protects IP in digital, copyrighted, AI‑enabled, and software‑related technologies, in areas beyond traditional patentable inventions.
  • Works with researchers and outside counsel and manages outside counsel, as appropriate, to secure protection through copyrights, patents, and other innovative methods.
  • Conducts market research and evaluates the commercial potential of IP assets, assesses appropriateness of marketing through open‑source channels.
  • Works strategically with inventors, counsel, industry partners, and community stakeholders to advance commercialization opportunities.
• Licensing, Agreements, and Compliance
  • Structures, drafts, and negotiates term sheets, option and license agreements, and IP provisions in industry sponsored research agreements and other IP‑related agreements.
  • Manages licensed portfolios, monitors agreements, and ensures compliance with agreement terms and conditions, including through periodic calls, site visits, and review of reports and ongoing monitoring of public documents.
  • Structures, drafts, and oversees joint IP projects and collaborations with other institutions and partners.Provides guidance on IP, conflicts of interest, export control, compliance, and confidentiality issues.
• Business Development, Industry Engagement, and Commercialization
  • Conducts market research and evaluates the potential impact and value of Dartmouth IP.
  • Works with researchers to design strategies for commercializing licensable IP through industry partnerships and start‑up companies.
  • Builds and maintains relationships with industry sponsors, investors, and licensees.
  • Supports new ventures and start‑up activity and collaborates with other Dartmouth and external entities to support entrepreneurship.
  • Works strategically with creators, administrators, attorneys, industry representatives, investors, and community partners to identify market trends and revenue opportunities, and to advance commercialization opportunities.
• Operations and Education
  • Remains at the forefront of evolving technology, legal, and market trends and creatively applies these insights to guide disclosure, protection, licensing, and commercialization decisions.
  • Develops and implements institutional strategies for protecting and commercializing Dartmouth IP rights and for addressing open‑source considerations.
  • Designs and delivers educational workshops and informational sessions for the Dartmouth community.
  • Pursues professional development to maintain expertise in technology transfer regulations and practices.
  • Contributes to the development of office infrastructure, policies, and procedures to strengthen technology transfer operations.
  • May supervise and work with interns.
  • Maintains accurate records of IP and licensing activities; monitors database integrity and reporting accuracy.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity employer under federal law. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications are welcome from all.

Background Check

Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre‑employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, conduct review, and verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, with results acceptable to Dartmouth College. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non‑discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.