The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) seeks a dynamic and strategic Executive Director, Intellectual Property (EDIP) to lead the University’s intellectual property strategy, protection, and commercialization activities. Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor of Brand Partnerships & Licensing, the Executive Director provides vision, leadership, and operational oversight for a broad range of intellectual property protection, licensing, and commercial development activities.

The Executive Director will align intellectual property management with UTK’s institutional and athletic brand, corporate partnerships, and commercialization goals, ensuring that trademark, copyright and related creative works are translated into meaningful strategies, supporting efforts to expand and elevate our brand. The role sits at the intersection of business and brand advancement, requiring both technical expertise and collaborative leadership with key campus stakeholders.

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The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) seeks a dynamic and strategic Executive Director, Intellectual Property (EDIP) to lead the University’s intellectual property strategy, protection, and commercialization activities. Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor of Brand Partnerships & Licensing, the Executive Director provides vision, leadership, and operational oversight for a broad range of intellectual property protection, licensing, and commercial development activities.

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Required

• Juris Doctor (JD) or advanced degree in business, intellectual property, technology (physical sciences, engineering, etc.), or a related field.

• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in intellectual property management, licensing, technology transfer, or related fields.

• 5+ years supervisory experience.

• Demonstrated leadership experience in a complex academic, corporate or innovation-driven organization.

• Deep knowledge of U.S. intellectual property law and commercialization practice.

• Strong working knowledge of U.S. intellectual property law and licensing methods.

• Proven experience negotiating and managing sophisticated intellectual property arrangements.

• Familiarity with brand licensing, corporate partnerships, athletics, or consumer-facing intellectual property programs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strategic, integrative thinking across legal, brand, and partnerships

• A collaborative, solutions-oriented leadership style

• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills

• High ethical standards and sound judgment

• Strong judgment, integrity, and communication skills

• Proven ability to lead complex negotiations and manage diverse stakeholder interests

Preferred

• Experience at a university or within a corporate intellectual property division or firm is preferred.

Interested candidates should formally apply and include a letter of intent, CV/Resume, and names and contact information for three (3) professional references. Nominations and confidential inquiries are encouraged and may be sent via e-mail to Anthony Lanagan, Executive Recruiter, alanaga1@utk.edu.

Work Location

• Knoxville, TN

• This is an onsite position

Compensation and Benefits

The university offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes health insurance and retirement plans through the State of Tennessee, generous annual and sick leave accruals, longevity pay, tuition waivers and discounts, and more. Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

For full consideration, applicants must apply electronically and submit a cover letter, resume, and the names, email addresses and phone numbers of three references. A minimum of two references should be current or previous supervisors.

About The College/Department/Division

The Office of Communications and Marketing is dedicated to advancing the university’s reputation. Staff members support the institution’s mission and goals, promote its successes and achievements, inform and engage its stakeholders, and ensure the integrity of its brand. We craft audience-focused communications based on data, best-practices, and emerging trends.

The division comprises several cross-functional teams, employing professionals with expertise in design, development, video production, content strategy, feature writing, editing, marketing, media relations, internal communication, and special events.

Additional Information on all postings provided by UTK

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Develop and implement a comprehensive intellectual property strategy aligned with UTK’s mission, brand stewardship, athletic vision and partnership objectives.

• Lead the interpretation and application of UTK, UT System, state and federal intellectual property policies while actively participating in the identification, maintenance, and need for other policies.

• Advise senior leadership on risks, opportunities, and emerging trends affecting branding and commercialization.

• Oversee and evaluate brand-related intellectual property disclosures, protection strategies, prosecution, portfolio management, and maintenance, focusing primarily on trademarks and copyrights with some patent and/or trade secret support.

• Manage and direct relationships with outside counsel and service providers.

• Ensure compliance with applicable state, federal and collegiate regulations.

• Provide executive oversight of licensing, option, and commercialization agreements, including those connected to brand partnerships and strategic collaborations.

• Work closely with the Office of Brand Partnerships & Licensing and the Athletics Department to ensure consistency across campus assets.

• Collaborate with campus partners including research administration, corporate engagement, athletics, and advancement.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to campus units on intellectual property and commercialization matters.

• Promote a culture of innovation and asset development through education, outreach, and training related to intellectual property, licensing, and entrepreneurship.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing intellectual property and licensing team.

• Work with the Director of Licensing to manage budgets, revenue distribution, and financial reporting related to their licensing activities and intellectual property initiatives.

• Establish performance metrics and reporting structures to assess impact and continuous improvement.