This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Executive Director, IP based in the United States.
This senior legal leadership role sits at the intersection of intellectual property strategy, biotech innovation, and late-stage drug development. You will be responsible for shaping and executing a global IP strategy that supports breakthrough genetic medicines and biologics with the potential to transform patient care. The role involves close partnership with R&D, clinical, CMC, and business development teams to identify, protect, and maximize the value of scientific innovation. Acting as a key advisor to executive leadership, you will influence corporate and product strategy through deep IP expertise and commercial awareness. You will oversee patent prosecution, portfolio management, and enforcement while also guiding trade secret, trademark, and copyright strategy. This is a highly cross-functional role with significant visibility, impact, and ownership across the organization’s most advanced programs.
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Executive Director, IP based in the United States.
This senior legal leadership role sits at the intersection of intellectual property strategy, biotech innovation, and late-stage drug development. You will be responsible for shaping and executing a global IP strategy that supports breakthrough genetic medicines and biologics with the potential to transform patient care. The role involves close partnership with R&D, clinical, CMC, and business development teams to identify, protect, and maximize the value of scientific innovation. Acting as a key advisor to executive leadership, you will influence corporate and product strategy through deep IP expertise and commercial awareness. You will oversee patent prosecution, portfolio management, and enforcement while also guiding trade secret, trademark, and copyright strategy. This is a highly cross-functional role with significant visibility, impact, and ownership across the organization’s most advanced programs.
Accountabilities:
- Define and execute global intellectual property strategy across patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and related assets, ensuring alignment with corporate and product objectives.
- Manage and expand a complex IP portfolio, including lifecycle strategy, filings, prosecution, and outside counsel oversight.
- Advise executive leadership on IP risks, opportunities, and strategic positioning for late-stage clinical and commercial assets.
- Lead patentability, freedom-to-operate, infringement, validity, and regulatory exclusivity assessments across programs.
- Oversee IP aspects of business development, partnerships, licensing, and strategic collaborations, including due diligence activities.
- 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 when required.
- Provide training and guidance across the organization on IP best practices, policies, and protection strategies.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with scientific, clinical, finance, and legal teams to ensure robust protection of innovation.
- 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.
- 14+ years of patent prosecution experience in life sciences, preferably within biopharma or biotechnology environments.
- 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.
- 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