JOB SUMMARY:
CU Innovations is seeking a senior-level Faculty Consulting Program Director to serve as the programmatic lead for faculty consulting and external engagement agreements, with a critical focus on the protection and negotiation of intellectual property (IP) terms. This position plays a pivotal leadership role in designing, implementing, and managing the university’s faculty consulting contracting process, ensuring alignment with institutional policy, legal and regulatory standards, and the broader innovation strategy at CU Anschutz.
The Faculty Consulting Program Director will act as the subject matter expert and primary legal resource for all matters involving faculty consulting and external agreements, with a particular emphasis on the review and protection of university and faculty IP in these engagements. This role ensures that external activities do not inadvertently compromise institutional IP rights, future commercialization opportunities, or faculty inventorship. In addition to overseeing individual contract reviews, this position will help shape the strategic direction of the university’s approach to faculty-industry relationships, develop best practices, and lead efforts to educate faculty and administrators on key legal and policy issues.
Key Responsibilities:
- Review, analyze, and negotiate a wide range of faculty consulting agreements, including:
- Industry-sponsored consulting contracts
- Advisory board and speaker engagements
- Confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
- Serve as the programmatic head and subject matter expert for faculty consulting and external engagement contracting processes.
- Lead program development efforts to align faculty consulting with CU Anschutz’s broader innovation and commercialization strategy.
- Mentor junior contract reviewer on the team who are responsible for supporting contract review.
- Promote collaboration and shared learning within CU Innovations and across campus stakeholders involved in faculty consulting oversight.
- Monitor evolving laws, regulations, and university policies that impact IP protection, federally funded research, and faculty-industry relationships.
- Serve as a central liaison and advisor to faculty, department administrators, and external partners on consulting matters.
- Develop and deliver training programs, guidance documents, and resources to educate faculty and staff on consulting best practices, including IP rights and obligations.
- Foster transparency and trust through clear, timely communication and solution-oriented support throughout the contract review process.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies, Business Administration, Public Policy, or a related field.
- 6+ years of progressively responsible experience in contract law, legal compliance, or research administration.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- JD, MBA, or Master’s degree in a related field.
- Experience with contract management systems.
- Experience in a university, academic medical center, or research-intensive institution.
- Expertise in intellectual property law, faculty consulting, or academic-industry partnerships.
- Experience mentoring or supervising legal professionals.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
- Outstanding customer service skills.
- Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of contract law, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
- Knowledge of federal research compliance standards (e.g., NIH, NSF, FDA).
- Familiarity with university policies on conflict of interest, IP, and faculty engagement with external entities.
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