The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission. At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth. Here is what we offer: Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture Join Howard University and thrive with us! https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness BASIC FUNCTION: Reporting to the Assistant Director of Industry Partnerships and Licensing, the Senior Licensing Manager plays a key role in supporting the commercialization of intellectual property (IP) at Howard University. The incumbent will manage a portfolio of technologies, engage with faculty and industry partners, negotiate licensing agreements, and support the strategic objectives of the Office of Technology Transfer by helping bridge research innovations with commercial opportunities. SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY: None NATURE AND SCOPE: The Senior Licensing Manager is responsible for the identification, assessment, marketing, and licensing of university?owned IP. The position requires collaboration with internal stakeholders (faculty, researchers, attorneys) and external entities (industry, startups, legal firms) to bring new inventions to market, secure licenses, and contribute to the formation of university?affiliated ventures. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITY: 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. CORE COMPETENCIES: • 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. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: • 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.). PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS: • 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. Compliance Salary Range Disclosure Expected Pay Range: $81,818 - $90,000 Howard University is a comprehensive, research-oriented, historically Black private university providing an educational experience of exceptional quality to students of high academic potential with particular emphasis upon the provision of educational opportunities to promising Black students. Further, the University is dedicated to attracting and sustaining a cadre of faculty who are, through their teaching and research, committed to the development of distinguished and compassionate graduates and to the quest for solutions to human and social problems in the United States and throughout the world. Howard University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex,sexual orientation,gender or gender identity, marital status, religion, disability or protected veterans status. Veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Inquiries regarding provisions for persons with disabilities or veterans status, Equal Employment Opportunity and Title IX should be directed to the Office of Employee Relations and Equal Employment Opportunity at 202-806-1280. This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not be construed as a contract for employment.
