Assistant Director of Contracts

University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA)
USD $95,400.00/Yr. - USD $208,300.00/Yr.
United States, California, Los Angeles
Feb 24, 2026
Department Summary The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is known worldwide for the breadth and quality of its academic, research, health care, cultural, continuing education and athletics programs. The faculty at UCLA comprise one of the most intellectually productive academic communities in the nation, and the institution receives over $1 billion in extramural research funding annually. The UCLA Technology Development Group serves as a campus-wide gateway to Innovation, Research and Entrepreneurship. Our mission is to promote UCLA innovation, research, teaching and entrepreneurship to benefit society; create economic value to support UCLA's scholarly and educational missions and the State of California; and lead UCLA's research community to bring innovation to market. Position Summary The Assistant Director of Contracts possesses a high degree of knowledge with respect to intellectual property, and is recognized within the department and UCLA campus as having expertise in intellectual property issues and transactions. The position counsels the department on the interpretation of contract language, and provides appropriate business, policy and legal review for a wide range of intellectual property contracts. This review may include consultation with UCOP Office of General Counsel, and guidance from University policies and procedures. The Assistant Director of Contracts is responsible for analyzing and problem-solving unique issues, and problems without precedent or defined structure. This position functions with a high degree of autonomy. The Assistant Director's transactional work includes using advanced contract administration skills to draft and negotiate highly complex or customized contracts - including patent, trademark, copyright and biological materials license agreements, bailments, material transfer agreements, master industry relations agreements - as well as handling more routine consulting, collaboration, and confidentiality contracts, and agreement terminations. The Assistant Director of Contracts also provides transactional and analytical support to the Senior Director of Contracts, who is ultimately responsible for the legal review and management of the large volume and broad range of contracts generated through TDG's commercialization and development activities. This position works closely with Contract Managers who support the processing and management of the licensing team's agreements post-execution. Position negotiates and manages execution of direct billing agreements, manages obligations under various master agreements with industry, supports audit functions in collaboration with the finance team, and various other tasks that support TDG's Business Development Officers. The Assistant Director of Contracts oversees and participates in the most complex projects, with a specific focus on drafting and negotiating complex exclusive license agreements, and deals directly with major department managers. The workload requires an advanced ability to organize, manage and prioritize, as well as to think creatively and constructively, in order to advance agreements quickly and smoothly to execution. Under the direction of the Senior Director of Contracts and/or Associate Vice Chancellor who gives broad guidelines, this position receives supervision through regular individual meetings, department staff meetings, and oral/written communication. Salary & Compensation UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits. Qualifications* At least 3 years of professional legal experience (Required) And At least 3 years of experience handling technology-based contracts, whether at a law firm, tech transfer office, and/or company (Required) And Advanced experience with patent-based license agreements preferred (Preferred) Advanced negotiation skills/experience (Required) And Advanced experience in patent law (Preferred) Education or direct experience in health sciences or engineering (Preferred) Advanced contract administration skills to draft and negotiate highly complex or customized contracts. (Required) Advanced written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills; advanced ability to deal with broad and diverse constituencies using advanced customer service orientation and skills. (Required) Advanced level knowledge of Intellectual Property law. (Preferred) Advanced knowledge of the UC Intellectual Property Management organization including its infrastructure, goals, objectives, achievements, rules, regulations and policies. (Preferred) Advanced knowledge of contract law, the California Public Contract Code and an advanced understanding of University's Business and Finance Bulletins and other relevant rules, guidelines, policies and practices. (Preferred) Advanced understanding of complex legal issues and ability to recognize implications in a University setting, even when ambiguous or hidden. (Required) Ability to execute sound judgment, analyze issues, think strategically and creatively, develop innovative ideas, and manage a demanding workload. (Required) Ability to develop trust, respect and cooperation both within and outside of TDG. Desire to become involved in the university technology transfer community. (Required) Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and tact when handling sensitive or potentially sensitive issues. Ability to maintain confidentiality. (Required) Possesses advanced skills in project management. (Required) Proven ability to be a motivated team player, flexible and service oriented, with a professional attitude. (Required) Excellent and advanced oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate with internal staff and external contacts including all levels of TDG staff, researchers, licensees, University colleagues, and peers in university technology transfer. (Required) Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations Bachelor's Degree or equivalent education and experience. (Required) And Juris Doctor (JD) Degree from an accredited law school and a member in good standing with a state bar with the ability to join the California state bar. (Preferred) Education or direct experience in health sciences or engineering (Preferred) Special Conditions for Employment Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation. Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment. Conflict of Interest: The position is subject to the University Conflict of Interest Code required by the Political Reform Act of 1974. The candidate(s) selected will be required to complete financial statements for public record. Schedule 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Union/Policy Covered 99-Policy Covered Complete Position Description https://universityofcalifornia.marketpayjobs.com/ShowJob.aspx?EntityID=38&JDName=Contract%20Administrator%204%20(40068096)