Michigan State University · 1 day ago
Associate Director of MSU Technologies — Compliance Officer/S
East Lansing, MI
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
5+ years expMichigan State University is seeking an Associate Director of MSU Technologies to lead the management of intellectual property and research agreement operations. This role involves overseeing key personnel, negotiating agreements, and ensuring compliance with legal and policy standards while mentoring teams for improved efficiency and collaboration with various stakeholders.
EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Efficiently manage the day-to-day research agreements managed by the department:
Mentor and develop the CDA/MTA Coordinators, advising on modified agreement language and best practices
Supervise the negotiation, drafting and implementation of all CDAs, MTAs and DUAs, including being lead on execution of such agreements. With the Executive Director and the MSU Office of the General Counsel (OGC), revise template agreements based on current licensing practices and changes in the law
Mentor and develop the IP Administrator Team regarding IP docketing, patent administration and federal compliance; identify best practices and opportunities for increased efficiencies and cost savings, such as bringing certain tasks in-house or implementing AI solutions
Monitor patent activities and invoices to ensure deadlines are being met, attorney charges are appropriate, and patent expenditures meet budget expectations
Mentor and develop the Agreement & Compliance Team regarding preparation, internal review, execution and compliance of license agreements, option agreements, IIAs and other technology agreements; identify best practices and opportunities for increased efficiencies and increased licensee compliance
Review all license agreements, option agreements, IIAs and other technology agreements as part of the pre-execution process; advise Agreement & Compliance Coordinator, Technology Managers and/or Executive Director on potential changes or exceptional terms
Develop and recommend policy and provide high-level advice and guidance to the Executive Director to advance the commercialization of MSU technologies
Supervision of the MTA/CDA/DUA Coordinators, IP Agreement Coordinator, and Agreement Compliance Coordinator
Assist in the development and execution of MSUT’s strategic plan, and in the preparation of the annual operating plan and budget
Collaborate with the Conflict-of-Interest Office to manage COI matters, particularly those related to faculty-engaged start-up companies
Collaborate with the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) on matters related to MSU intellectual property policies, complex agreements, policy issues and patent matters
Provide support to Business-CONNECT and OSP on intellectual property terms of research agreements, balancing MSU policies and the positions of funding organizations to reach mutually beneficial outcomes
Qualification
Required
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a bachelor's degree in technical field related to either Engineering, Life Science, or Physical Science, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Five to eight years relevant experience
Capacity to comply with federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control law
A minimum of 5 years' experience in licensing, leadership, Technology transfer or corporate business development; legal, contract and patent experience required
Preferred
Proficiency with computer operation, proficiency in MS Office suite, Zoom, Minuet, Adobe Pro, Microsoft Teams, OneNote, and databases
Strong written and oral communication skills
Attention to detail
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Time management and prioritization
Strong interpersonal skills
Organizational skills
Collaborative mindset
A minimum of 10 years' experience
CLP (Certified Licensing Professional), registration to practice as a Patent Agent or Patent Attorney
BS degree in a technical field and/or Juris Doctor
Company
Michigan State University
Michigan State University has been working to advance the common good in uncommon ways for more than 150 years.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Michigan State 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 (163)
2024 (217)
2023 (224)
2022 (162)
2021 (121)
2020 (66)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$118.22MKey Investors
Carnegie Corporation of New YorkUS Department of EnergyDenso
2025-09-23Grant· $0.9M
2025-03-27Grant· $48.5M
2024-10-30Grant
Leadership Team
Raymond Boeman
Director, IACMI Scale-up Research Facility and Vehicle Technology Area
Stephanie Vasko
Senior Research and Innovation Consultant, MSU College of Arts and Letters
Recent News
2025-12-14
International CIO Leadership Association
2025-12-05
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