Executive Director, Intellectual Property

The University of Tennessee Knoxville (UTK) seeks a dynamic and strategic Executive Director Intellectual Property (EDIP) to lead the Universitys intellectual property strategy protection and commercialization activities. Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor of Brand Partnerships & Licensing the Executive Director provides vision leadership and operational oversight for a broad range of intellectual property protection licensing and commercial development activities.

The Executive Director will align intellectual property management with UTKs institutional and athletic brand corporate partnerships and commercialization goals ensuring that trademark copyright and related creative works are translated into meaningful strategies supporting efforts to expand and elevate our brand. The role sits at the intersection of business and brand advancement requiring both technical expertise and collaborative leadership with key campus stakeholders.

Develop and implement a comprehensive intellectual property strategy aligned with UTKs mission brand stewardship athletic vision and partnership objectives.

Lead the interpretation and application of UTK UT System state and federal intellectual property policies while actively participating in the identification maintenance and need for other policies.

Advise senior leadership on risks opportunities and emerging trends affecting branding and commercialization.

Oversee and evaluate brand-related intellectual property disclosures protection strategies prosecution portfolio management and maintenance focusing primarily on trademarks and copyrights with some patent and/or trade secret support.

Manage and direct relationships with outside counsel and service providers.

Ensure compliance with applicable state federal and collegiate regulations.

Provide executive oversight of licensing option and commercialization agreements including those connected to brand partnerships and strategic collaborations.

Work closely with the Office of Brand Partnerships & Licensing and the Athletics Department to ensure consistency across campus assets.

Collaborate with campus partners including research administration corporate engagement athletics and advancement.

Serve as a trusted advisor to campus units on intellectual property and commercialization matters.

Promote a culture of innovation and asset development through education outreach and training related to intellectual property licensing and entrepreneurship.

Lead mentor and develop a high-performing intellectual property and licensing team.

Work with the Director of Licensing to manage budgets revenue distribution and financial reporting related to their licensing activities and intellectual property initiatives.

Establish performance metrics and reporting structures to assess impact and continuous improvement.

Required

Juris Doctor (JD) or advanced degree in business intellectual property technology (physical sciences engineering etc.) or a related field.

Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in intellectual property management licensing technology transfer or related fields.

5 years supervisory experience.

Demonstrated leadership experience in a complex academic corporate or innovation-driven organization.

Deep knowledge of U.S. intellectual property law and commercialization practice.

Strong working knowledge of U.S. intellectual property law and licensing methods.

Proven experience negotiating and managing sophisticated intellectual property arrangements.

Familiarity with brand licensing corporate partnerships athletics or consumer-facing intellectual property programs.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Strategic integrative thinking across legal brand and partnerships

A collaborative solutions-oriented leadership style

Exceptional communication and negotiation skills

High ethical standards and sound judgment

Strong judgment integrity and communication skills

Proven ability to lead complex negotiations and manage diverse stakeholder interests

Preferred

Experience at a university or within a corporate intellectual property division or firm is preferred.

Interested candidates should formally apply and include a letter of intent CV/Resume and names and contact information for three (3) professional references. Nominations and confidential inquiries are encouraged and may be sent via e-mail to Anthony Lanagan Executive Recruiter .

Work Location

Knoxville TN

This is an onsite position

Compensation and Benefits

The university offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes health insurance and retirement plans through the State of Tennessee generous annual and sick leave accruals longevity pay tuition waivers and discounts and more. Find more information on UT Benefitshere

Application Instructions

For full consideration applicants must apply electronically and submit a cover letter resume and the names email addresses and phone numbers of three references. A minimum of two references should be current or previous supervisors.

About The College/Department/Division

The Office of Communications and Marketing is dedicated to advancing the universitys reputation. Staff members support the institutions mission and goals promote its successes and achievements inform and engage its stakeholders and ensure the integrity of its brand. We craft audience-focused communications based on data best-practices and emerging trends.

The division comprises several cross-functional teams employing professionals with expertise in design development video production content strategy feature writing editing marketing media relations internal communication and special events.

Additional Information on all postings provided by UTK