Senior Director of Tech Transfer and Industry Partnerships

George Mason University; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

George Mason University in Fairfax, VA invites applications for a Senior Director, Technology Transfer. The role leads IP protection, licensing, and commercialization across GMU campuses, translating research into societal impact.

You will guide patent strategy, manage disclosure evaluation, and supervise a team supporting industry engagement and startup activity. This executive position requires strategic thinking, strong communication, and a proven track record in technology transfer

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering, and business or law, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 10 years in technology transfer, IP management, licensing, or a related field within a research-intensive environment.
• Generally, at least 5 years of proven leadership and people management skills.
• Knowledge of technology transfer, IP management, licensing, business development, or a related field within a research-intensive environment.
• Demonstrated skill and success negotiating complex contracts and managing patent expenses.
• Strong understanding/knowledge of the university research environment and ability to translate between academic research and industry needs.
• Demonstrated team leadership and people management skills.
• Ability to translate complex technical research into clear, non-confidential technology descriptions.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking, sound judgment, and ability to work independently in a collaborative environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational abilities.
• Proficiency with MS Office and CRM or database systems; and
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Terminal degree such as a J.D., Ph.D., or MBA.
• Experience in academic technology transfer or commercialization at an R1 institution.
• Experience negotiating IP and licensing for startups.
• Experience with startup formation and early-stage venture financing.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the assessment, protection, and management of intellectual property, including inventions, software, data, and other research outputs.
• Guide patenting and IP strategy in collaboration with internal stakeholders and external legal counsel.
• Oversee the evaluation of invention disclosures for commercial potential and prioritize technologies for investment and advancement.
• Lead negotiation and execution of license agreements, option agreements, NDAs, MTAs, and other IP-related contracts; and
• Assist the Office of Sponsored Programs and University Counsel with intellectual property clauses in university agreements.
• Coordinate with the Associate Vice President to lead operational functions and new initiatives aligned with university strategy.
• Recommend and implement streamlined procedures, systems, and best practices for technology transfer operations.
• Manage staff and build a high-performing team to support invention intake, IP management, licensing, and industry engagement.
• Maintain and enhance reporting, project management, and database systems related to commercialization activities.
• Manage budgets, vendor relationships, and outside counsel; and
• Assist the Vice President of Research with George Mason Research Foundation operations.
• Ensure compliance with federal regulations, including Bayh–Dole requirements, conflict-of-interest policies, and reporting obligations.
• Communicate technology transfer policies and processes to faculty in a manner that fosters understanding, trust, and collaboration; and
• Prepare and present reports to university leadership as required.
• Serve as a liaison between faculty and industry partners to identify and align industry-relevant research opportunities;
• Cultivate and manage relationships with corporations, startups, investors, venture capital firms, accelerators, and government agencies; and
• Promote George Mason technologies through targeted outreach, meetings, presentations, and strategic partnerships.
• Support faculty and student entrepreneurs in navigating commercialization pathways;
• Collaborate with campus entrepreneurship programs, incubators, and economic development organizations; and
• Provide strategic guidance to university-affiliated startups and help reduce barriers to startup formation and growth.

Skills

Leadership & people management

Technology transfer

Negotiation of licenses

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Confidentiality & discretion

CRM / database systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in science/engineering + business or law

Terminal degree (J.D., Ph.D., MBA)

Tools

CRM systems

Patent management software

Job description

George Mason University in Fairfax, VA invites applications for a Senior Director, Technology Transfer. The role leads IP protection, licensing, and commercialization across GMU campuses, translating research into societal impact.

You will guide patent strategy, manage disclosure evaluation, and supervise a team supporting industry engagement and startup activity. This executive position requires strategic thinking, strong communication, and a proven track record in technology transfer