Managing Director

Lubbock

42918BR

Research Commercialization

Position Description

Plans and directs the overall operation of a major department (with institutional oversight) and provides leadership for staff members. Meets ORP eligibility requirements. Under executive direction, performs highly varied administrative duties involving the use of independent judgment and professional skills. Responsible for all employees assigned to area.

About the University

Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.
About Lubbock:Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.

About the Department and/or College

Established in 1996, the Texas Tech University System (TTU System) is one of the top public university systems in the nation, consisting of five component institutions - Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Angelo State University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, and Midwestern State University. Headquartered in Lubbock, Texas, the TTU System is a $3 billion enterprise focused on advancing higher education, health care, research, and outreach with approximately 21,000 employees, more than 64,000 students, 400,000 alumni, an endowment valued at $3 billion, and a statewide economic impact of $19.2 billion (FY24).

The Office of Research Commercialization (ORC) serves the TTU System, helping to move research discoveries from the university laboratory to the marketplace. For fiscal year 2025, the ORC achieved historic metrics and activity as a result of the vibrant and expanding commercialization efforts across the TTU System, generating just shy of $1.1 million in revenue and executing 36 license agreements. The ORC partners with TTU System researchers and innovators to help identify high potential research, secure intellectual property rights, and translate Texas Tech innovations into commercial applications and successfully bring them to market. As part of the Innovation Ecosystem, the ORC also works to promote entrepreneurship, start-up ventures, and economic development for the West Texas community.

The Managing Director for Intellectual Property will report to the Senior Managing Director for Research Commercialization, overseeing Intellectual Property assessment, protection, and reporting, direct patent filings and prosecution activities, and coordinating with inventors, licensing managers, and outside counsel.

Major/Essential Functions

• Develops strategies to build TTUS Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio, increases engagement and disclosure activity from Schools, Colleges, Departments and/or Faculty which are under represented and de-risk early-stage IP.
• Directs IP assessment, and protection activities on behalf of the ORC for TTUS-owned innovations and discoveries in collaboration with the Senior Managing Director - Research Commercialization. Oversees patent filings, leads the review of new filings and prosecution related matters (e.g., Office Actions) and responses in collaboration with respective licensing manager(s)/inventors and assists with engagement with contracted outside IP & Legal counsel. Manages IP reporting to foundations and state agencies.
• Oversees annual technology audit to enable IP portfolio prioritization, go/no-go decision points and active pipeline/portfolio management throughout fiscal year.
• Manages technology assessment budget and, where applicable, enforces rates, project fees, and timelines with partner consultants.
• Maintains and develops performance-based metrics for ORC operation.
• Manages TTUS IP master docket with contracted outside IP & Legal counsel.
• Supports Senior Managing Director - Research Commercialization, in the coordination and management of the TTU/TTUHSC Intellectual Property Review Committee (IPRC) meetings and other duties as needed.
• Manages the development and maintenance of ORC Standard Operating Procedures and facilitates updates on an annual basis in collaboration with Senior Managing Director - Research Commercialization.
• Manages the submissions of nominations to the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) for NAI Senior Members and NAI Fellows.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required, master's preferred. Seven years progressively responsible management experience required. Education beyond bachelor's level may substitute for required experience on a year-for-year basis.

This position is designated as involving access to critical infrastructure systems and/or research, as defined by Texas Executive Order GA-48. As such, candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive background check prior to employment. Employees are required to comply with all applicable state and federal regulations related to the protection of critical infrastructure. Ongoing employment is dependent upon maintaining eligibility for access and successfully passing periodic security and compliance reviews.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing IP/patent portfolios within a university technology transfer office.
• Experience managing diverse intellectual property (IP) portfolios with an emphasis on patenting.
• Patent law expertise, particularly prosecution related experience.
• STEM background (Physical, Life Sciences, Engineering, Ag).
• Registered patent agent or patent attorney.

Safety Information

Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.

Does this position work in a research laboratory?

No

Required Attachments

Cover Letter, Professional/Personal References, Resume / CV

Job Type

Full Time

Pay Basis

Monthly

Job Family

Legal & Compliance

Job Sub Family

IP & Innovation Management

Annualized Pay Range

$115,600 - $150,300 - $185,000

Pay Statement

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan. For additional information, please reference the institutional pay plan by visiting www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/payplan.

Travel Required

Up to 25%

Shift

Day

Grant Funded?

No

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.