Director of the Office of Technology Development

The Director of Corporate Engagement serves the Vice President for Research and Economic Development (VPR) and the Research Division senior staff to advance the strategic goals of the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) in research, technology transfer, innovation and corporate engagement.  The Director works closely with the VPR primarily in support of technology transfer, intellectual property, commercialization, corporate relationship development, communications, and economic development. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilitie

1. Oversees and manages the Office of Technology Development (OTD) to include the preparation, implementation, review, interpretation and revision of technology development policies and procedures. Reviews and evaluates invention disclosures, supervises the development of specific intellectual property management plans, directs the collaboration with patent attorneys, manages the prosecution of all patents and negotiates the licensing of USM’s intellectual property and capabilities.

2. Provides reliable and timely high-level data management and trend analyses that support reporting, strategic planning, and decision-making.  Assesses quantitative analytics needs and works collaboratively with the Office of Research Administration, Office of General Counsel, the USM Research Foundation, and other campus units to meet those needs.  Manages processes for completing annual surveys such as AUTM Licensing Survey, Institutions of Higher Learning, and Mississippi University Research Authority, and ad hoc reports and analyses for research enterprise performance measurement and decision support.

3. Drafts, reviews, negotiates and prepares all technology-related agreements (e.g. licensing, option, memoranda of understanding, non-disclosure, material transfer, and inter-institutional agreements) and serves as a liaison with businesses and industrial partners in fields related to USM’s research enterprise. Advises the Office of Research Administration and other units on terms related to intellectual property. Reports inventions to federal agencies in accordance with regulations and guidelines. 

4. Serves as a consultant to corporate partners by engaging and collaborating to understand their investments, industry driven needs, and strategic direction, offering solutions that leverage USM’s strengths, represent their individual needs, and add value to their business and the university as a whole. 

5. Provides training, education, and communication to USM faculty and staff related to intellectual property and corporate engagement, including formal and information presentations, written documents, and website maintenance.

6. Manages the Mississippi University Research Act (MURA) start-up company applications and ongoing review in accordance with Mississippi law and the Institutions for Higher Learning procedures. Encourages entrepreneurship for USM and public benefit. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university and five (5) years’ experience in management of technology development or a combination of administrative, consultative, managerial, or executive capacity in university technology transfer and intellectual property management or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and ten (10) years of relevant experience in management of technology development or a combination  administrative, consultative, managerial, or executive capacity in a university setting.

Preferred Qualifications: 
Ph.D. preferred, and preference will be given to those with experience in a university and industrial environment. Working knowledge of intellectual property law, major areas of scientific advancement, technology marketing, business and investment strategies, and business law and processes. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA): 

• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of the higher education research enterprise. 

• Strong leadership and sound decision making skills, and judgment with the flexibility of thought and approach to produce effective results in a matrix environment.

• Knowledge of general management principles and practices.

• Must be comfortable as a visible leader in research and technology transfer representing himself/herself internally and to the outside community.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Excellent communication skills at executive and strategic level.

• Ability to work effectively in an environment subject to potentially conflicting priorities.

• Strong familiarity with U.S. Patent and Copyright law; strong familiarity with the U.S. and international patenting processes; skills and experience in negotiation of agreements.

• Skill in problem solving, adept at discerning requirements, and managing multiple projects.

• Skill in effectively managing, supervising and evaluating assigned staff.

• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with faculty, staff, and administrators.

• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

•  Ability to travel or complete overnight stays.

About The University of Southern Mississippi 
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites in central and southern Mississippi, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 76 public universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Foundation’s "higher research activity" designation for doctoral universities, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and sport venue safety and security, among others. USM is also one of only 40 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of approximately 15,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 35 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 21 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit www.usm.edu. 

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.