Howard University · 5 months ago
Senior Licensing Manager
DC-Baltimore Area
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$82K/yr - $90K/yr
3+ years expHoward University is seeking a Senior Licensing Manager to support the commercialization of intellectual property (IP). The role involves managing a portfolio of technologies, engaging with faculty and industry partners, negotiating licensing agreements, and contributing to the strategic objectives of the Office of Technology Transfer.
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Responsibilities
Manage a portfolio of invention disclosures, assessing commercial potential, IP protection strategy, and licensing pathways
Develop marketing strategies and materials to attract potential licensees, including leveraging external platforms and industry databases
Conduct outreach to companies, investors, and entrepreneurs to promote Howard IP assets and negotiate licensing terms
Draft, negotiate, and execute license agreements, options, confidentiality agreements, and other IP-related contracts in coordination with legal counsel
Collaborate closely with faculty inventors to understand their technology and support their goals for commercialization
Track agreement performance and ensure compliance with contractual obligations, including milestone payments and reporting
Maintain accurate records in the university’s IP management systems
Contribute to the growth of the tech transfer ecosystem by mentoring junior licensing associates and participating in professional development opportunities
Support strategic initiatives led by the Assistant Director and Associate Director of Industry Partnerships and Licensing, including spinout development and partnership cultivation
Represent the office at conferences, campus innovation events, and industry engagement sessions
Perform other related duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in a scientific, engineering, or technical discipline; advanced degree preferred
Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in technology transfer, licensing, or industry−based IP transactions
Experience drafting and negotiating complex agreements involving intellectual property
Familiarity with academic research environments and university commercialization practices
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and technology/IP database systems (e.g., Sophia, Cayuse, etc.)
Strong knowledge of intellectual property rights and patent law
Demonstrated experience in technology marketing and licensing
Skilled in contract negotiation and relationship management
Excellent written and verbal communication
Highly organized and detail−oriented with strong project management skills
Collaborative mindset and the ability to engage with interdisciplinary teams
High ethical standards and ability to maintain confidentiality
Preferred
Demonstrated entrepreneurial mindset with a track record of identifying, evaluating, and pursuing commercialization opportunities, including startup formation or strategic partnerships
Proven success in licensing negotiations, including structuring complex agreements and securing favorable terms with industry partners, startups, and investors
In-depth understanding of intellectual property law, licensing strategies, and relevant legal practices, including patent prosecution, IP valuation, and contract negotiation
Experience working closely with inventors, legal counsel, and senior leadership to assess risk, protect university assets, and drive impactful outcomes
Ability to think strategically and creatively to overcome legal, technical, and business barriers to commercialization
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence, lead, and manage relationships across academic, legal, and industry stakeholders
Familiarity with the university tech transfer process and federal compliance (e.g., Bayh-Dole Act, export control, conflict of interest policies) is a plus
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture
Company
Howard University
Howard University is a federally chartered, private, coeducational, and nonsectarian university.
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Howard University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (22)
2024 (34)
2023 (31)
2022 (29)
2021 (14)
2020 (12)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$29.9MKey Investors
Gilead SciencesAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic SurgeonsNational Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)
2024-02-27Grant
2023-12-01Grant· $0.02M
2023-01-10Grant· $0.15M
Leadership Team
Ta-Nehisi Coates
Sterling Brown Endowed Chair, Department of English
Recent News
2026-01-16
Government Technology US
2026-01-16
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