Executive Director, IP

Overview

A partner organization is seeking an Executive Director of Intellectual Property based in the United States. This senior legal leadership role focuses on intellectual property strategy within biotech innovation and late-stage drug development. The position involves shaping and executing a global IP strategy to support genetic medicines and biologics aimed at transforming patient care.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement global IP strategy across patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and related assets aligned with corporate and product goals.
• Manage and expand a complex IP portfolio, including lifecycle strategy, filings, prosecution, and oversight of outside counsel.
• Advise executive leadership on IP risks, opportunities, and strategic positioning for late-stage clinical and commercial assets.
• Lead assessments of patentability, freedom-to-operate, infringement, validity, and regulatory exclusivity across programs.
• Oversee IP aspects of business development, partnerships, licensing, and strategic collaborations, including due diligence.
• Draft, review, and negotiate IP-related agreements such as NDAs, MTAs, collaboration agreements, consulting agreements, and licenses.
• Support and manage IP disputes, oppositions, and post-grant proceedings as needed.
• Provide training and guidance on IP best practices, policies, and protection strategies across the organization.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with scientific, clinical, finance, and legal teams to ensure robust protection of innovation.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) and/or advanced scientific degree in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, or related field.
• Admission to at least one U.S. state bar and registration to practice before the USPTO.
• Minimum 14 years of patent prosecution experience in life sciences, preferably in biopharma or biotechnology.
• Strong expertise in U.S. and international patent, trademark, and trade secret law, with experience in late-stage drug development.
• Proven ability to manage and direct outside counsel and oversee complex global IP portfolios.
• Experience working within or alongside commercial-stage biotech or pharmaceutical organizations is strongly preferred.
• Deep understanding of drug development processes, regulatory frameworks, and strategic biopharma partnerships.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills with executive-level influence.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple high-stakes projects with precision, judgment, and strong organizational skills.
• Prior exposure to IP litigation, licensing, and life sciences transactions is a strong advantage.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive executive-level compensation aligned with experience and expertise.
• Comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer participation.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Life, disability, and supplemental insurance coverage.
• Health savings account (HSA) options.
• Opportunity to work at the forefront of cutting-edge genetic medicine innovation.
• Highly visible strategic role with executive-level impact on company direction.
• Collaborative, science-driven environment with cross-functional exposure.

Location

• United States