Senior Director, Technology Transfer

George Mason University is advancing its technology transfer and commercialization infrastructure within the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact. This role supports the university’s growth as an R1 institution and its expanding regional innovation ecosystem.

About the Role

The Senior Director, Technology Transfer plays a critical role in translating George Mason’s research discoveries into societal and economic impact through intellectual property protection, commercialization, industry engagement, and startup support. This position leads the university’s efforts to facilitate the transfer of research innovations for public use and benefit, working closely with faculty, university leadership, legal counsel, industry partners, investors, and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Technology Transfer & Intellectual Property Management:
  • Lead and oversee the assessment, protection, and management of intellectual property, including inventions, software, data, and other research outputs;
  • Guide patenting and IP strategy in collaboration with internal stakeholders and external legal counsel;
  • Oversee the evaluation of invention disclosures for commercial potential and prioritize technologies for investment and advancement;
  • Lead negotiation and execution of license agreements, option agreements, NDAs, MTAs, and other IP-related contracts;
  • Assist the Office of Sponsored Programs and University Counsel with intellectual property clauses in university agreements.
• Technology Transfer Operations, Strategy & Team Leadership:
  • Coordinate with the Associate Vice President to lead operational functions and new initiatives aligned with university strategy;
  • Recommend and implement streamlined procedures, systems, and best practices for technology transfer operations;
  • Manage staff and build a high-performing team to support invention intake, IP management, licensing, and industry engagement;
  • Maintain and enhance reporting, project management, and database systems related to commercialization activities;
  • Manage budgets, vendor relationships, and outside counsel;
  • Assist the Vice President of Research with George Mason Research Foundation operations.
• Compliance, Policy & Stakeholder Communication:
  • Ensure compliance with federal regulations, including Bayh–Dole requirements, conflict-of-interest policies, and reporting obligations;
  • Communicate technology transfer policies and processes to faculty in a manner that fosters understanding, trust, and collaboration;
  • Prepare and present reports to university leadership as required.
• Industry Partnerships & Commercialization Strategy:
  • Serve as a liaison between faculty and industry partners to identify and align industry-relevant research opportunities;
  • Cultivate and manage relationships with corporations, startups, investors, venture capital firms, accelerators, and government agencies;
  • Promote George Mason technologies through targeted outreach, meetings, presentations, and strategic partnerships.
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation Ecosystem Development:
  • Support faculty and student entrepreneurs in navigating commercialization pathways;
  • Collaborate with campus entrepreneurship programs, incubators, and economic development organizations;
  • Provide strategic guidance to university-affiliated startups and help reduce barriers to startup formation and growth.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering, business or law, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Significant experience (generally at least 10 years) in technology transfer, intellectual property management, licensing, business development, or a related field within a research-intensive environment;
• Generally, at least 5 years of proven leadership and people management skills;
• Knowledge of technology transfer, intellectual property management, licensing, business development, or a related field within a research-intensive environment;
• Demonstrated skill and success negotiating complex contracts and managing patent expenses;
• Strong understanding of the university research environment and ability to translate between academic research and industry needs;
• Demonstrated strategic thinking, sound judgment, and ability to work independently in a collaborative environment;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Strong organizational abilities;
• Proficiency with MS Office and CRM or database systems;
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Terminal degree such as a J.D., Ph.D., or MBA;
• Background in computing, cybersecurity, bio-technology, engineering or other high-growth technology domains;
• Significant experience in an academic technology transfer or commercialization office, particularly at an R1 institution;
• Experience negotiating early-stage technology intellectual property and licensing agreements for businesses;
• Experience with startup formation, early-stage venture financing, and entrepreneurial ecosystems;
• Experience managing outside patent counsel and converting invention disclosures into strong provisional applications;
• Established relationships with industry, investors, or sponsors involved in research or commercialization;
• Experience implementing operational systems in a technology transfer or innovation office;
• Familiarity with AUTM practices and federal technology transfer regulations.

Schedule

Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hours per week), on-site in Fairfax, VA.

Not eligible for visa sponsorship. Criminal background check required.