Assistant General Counsel

Skysong Innovations•Scottsdale, AZ

12h•Hybrid

About The Position

Assistant General Counsel At Skysong Innovations—the specialized technology transfer and intellectual property management organization for Arizona State University (ASU)—the Assistant General Counsel is a dynamic, collaborative role that provides legal counsel in the areas of intellectual property and contract law, drafts intellectual property license agreements and various related agreements, and otherwise serves as an important part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to positively impact society. At Skysong Innovations You think creatively, and you don’t sacrifice the critical details in favor of the big picture. You look at the broad-scale applications of nascent products and technologies, and work to bring each one of them into the marketplace. You’re willing to brainstorm alternative commercialization pathways to find the best mode to market. You’re a powerful mind in your own field, and you’re eager to work with present and future leaders in others. Your expertise allows you to appreciate how different marketing and licensing decisions will affect potential industry partners, and allows you to act as a sentinel who ensures a fair return on the value provided by university intellectual property. Skysong Innovations is an Equal Opportunity Employer Learn More:

Requirements

Ability to represent the organization and to enthusiastically serve as an emissary/advocate for SI and its key client ASU
Team-oriented strategist able to effectively manage complex situations involving numerous and sometimes competing constituencies
Collaborative style, combined with the ability and desire to work in a team-based environment
Working to extensive knowledge of the anatomy and inner workings of intellectual property licenses is required
Working knowledge of intellectual property principles and basic familiarity with the patent prosecution process is required
Ability to maintain a high-degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to Skysong Innovations (SI), ASU Enterprise Partners, and ASU business and confidential information
Strong and collegial interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively in person, writing, and by phone with faculty, researchers, administrators and industry representatives
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Independent thinking and problem solver who can take initiative and set priorities while being flexible.
Attention to detail and thoroughness in completing assigned duties
Highly organized and able to multitask
Adept at navigating complex environments with evolving priorities and communication plans
A proven communicator – comfortable dealing with senior faculty and university executives and administrators - as well as with executives in the commercial communities of technology, in order to develop and maintain relationships with faculty, industry, and other academic institutions
At least two (2) years of direct, hands-on transactional legal experience in structuring and negotiating transactions involving intellectual assets, including patent and technology licensing
Member in good standing with the State Bar or Arizona or ability to become admitted to the bar in a 12-18 month period from start of employment
Strong background in intellectual property law and contract law
Strong written and verbal communication skills
JD required
High attention to detail is paramount.
Clarity of focus while juggling complex projects or deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with university relationships and agreements viewed as a plus, particularly in the area of university technology transfer

Responsibilities

Assisting with legal matters related to the Skysong Innovations’ business
Structuring, negotiating, and drafting intellectual property license agreements, inter-institutional agreements, intellectual property provisions within industry-sponsored research agreements, MTAs, NDAs, MOUs, grants, subawards, consortium agreements, consulting agreements, academic collaborations, service agreements, CRADAs, and other higher-education transactions
Identifying and mitigating legal risks through implementing strategies to strengthen intellectual property and technology commercialization contract terms, enhance compliance, and mitigate organizational risk
Conducting effective communication of potential contract risk to ASU and SI stakeholders at all levels
Advising on federal intellectual property and technology transfer laws and regulations, including federal funding regulations and the Bayh-Dole Act
Demonstrating knowledge of Arizona Board of Regents intellectual property governance requirements, including IP ownership and revenue distribution, and providing legal support, as needed
Conducting legal research as necessary to provide practical and strategic guidance
Developing training materials and other resources for ASU on intellectual property and technology-related legal issues, including intellectual property and technology commercialization
Managing relationships with outside counsel
Working with business development professionals and deal teams to formulate intellectual property licensing strategies
Building relationships with the legal community to further the Skysong Innovations’ technology commercialization efforts