Case Western Reserve University - Campus, IL
posted 4 months ago
The Senior Director of Technology Transfer Operations at Case Western Reserve University plays a pivotal role in advancing the university's research commercialization goals. This position operates independently and is part of the senior research and technology management staff. The Senior Director will work closely with the Executive Director for Technology Transfer to oversee operational functions and performance, which includes direct management of the administrative staff. The role involves identifying and executing operational strategic initiatives and directing all compliance matters, both internal and external, related to federal, state, non-profit, and industrial obligations tied to intellectual property. The Senior Director is expected to maintain and continually seek to improve the commercialization operations of the technology transfer office, ensuring sound compliance management and financial decisions are implemented effectively. In this role, the Senior Director will advance the university's research commercialization goals by integrating the Technology Transfer Office's (TTO) investment portfolio tracking with various programs such as the Council to Advance Human Health, the Case-Coulter Translational Research Program, and the CWRU Technology Validation Fund. The Senior Director will collaborate with industry partners and internal stakeholders to develop and implement strategic operational initiatives that enhance service to faculty and staff while improving CWRU's relationships with industry. Additionally, the Senior Director will design and run educational events aimed at faculty, students, and staff to promote technology commercialization, including workshops in partnership with the Veale Institute. The Senior Director will also manage the licensing team's adherence to operational protocols related to the commercialization of technologies, ensuring best practices in intellectual property management are maintained. This includes overseeing expenditure justifications, compliance with government and sponsor requirements, and managing communications with faculty and management. The role requires providing high-level leadership and direction to the Executive Director, designing processes for coordination with area hospitals, and managing federal reporting obligations under the Bayh-Dole Act. Furthermore, the Senior Director will be responsible for the performance and workflow of the administrative staff, ensuring accurate management of the university's intellectual property portfolio and financial operations. The position also entails managing legal expenditures related to patenting and commercialization, ensuring alignment with the office's annual budget, and forecasting patent spending. The Senior Director will maintain relationships with external prosecution counsel and work closely with the business/finance manager to ensure accurate docket management and reporting. Overall, this role is critical in ensuring the effective operation of the technology transfer office and the successful commercialization of university research.