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How much do director intellectual property jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for director intellectual property in the United States is $113,162.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $145,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Director Intellectual Property position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Intellectual Property, you need deep expertise in intellectual property law, patent and trademark portfolio management, and strategic IP planning, often supported by a law degree and significant industry experience. Familiarity with IP management software, patent databases, and relevant certifications such as a USPTO registration or Certified Licensing Professional (CLP) credential are typical requirements. Outstanding leadership, negotiation, and cross-functional communication skills set top candidates apart in this strategic role. These skills and qualifications are essential for protecting a company's innovations, navigating complex legal landscapes, and driving business growth through effective IP strategies.

What are the main challenges a Director of Intellectual Property typically faces?

Directors of Intellectual Property frequently navigate complex legal and regulatory environments across multiple jurisdictions, requiring them to stay up to date on changes in IP law and global enforcement practices. They often balance the need to protect the company's IP assets with business goals such as commercialization, licensing, or collaborations with external partners. Regular interaction with R&D, legal, and executive teams is common, making communication and prioritization skills crucial. Additionally, Directors must be prepared to manage IP disputes, analyze competitive landscapes, and develop proactive strategies to mitigate risk and optimize IP value.

What does a Director of Intellectual Property do?

A Director of Intellectual Property (IP) oversees an organization's IP strategy, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. They ensure legal protection for innovations, manage IP portfolios, and develop strategies to mitigate risks. This role involves working with legal teams, R&D, and executives to align IP policies with business goals. Additionally, they may handle licensing agreements, enforcement actions, and compliance with intellectual property laws.

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Director Intellectual Property jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Intellectual Property job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,162 per year, or $54.4 per hour.
Director, Intellectual Property

Director, Intellectual Property

Deciphera Pharmaceuticals

Waltham, MA • On-site

$218K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Job Description
The Director, IP position will provide numerous development opportunities and report to and work directly with the Vice President, global Head of Intellectual Property. The primary responsibilities will involve the preparation and prosecution of complex patents while interacting with an impressive team of scientists, engineers, and executives, as well as outside counsel. You will be involved in all aspects of U.S. and ex-US patent prosecution related to Chemistry IP including small molecules, biologics, formulation, and process chemistry.
Key Responsibilities
Patent Drafting and Prosecution
  • Using your scientific and technical expertise to:
    • Serve as the primary point of contact for the various groups within R&D which are developing new products and discovering new technologies,
    • Collaborate with scientific teams to identify patentable inventions and draft patents applications
  • Liaising with/managing external counsel to draft patent applications, develop and implement global prosecution strategy for maximizing IP protection while avoiding infringement of valid third-party patents
  • Performing extensive critical reviews of patents, patent applications, patent amendments, patent opinions and other patent-related documents for technical accuracy and full protection of company invention

Portfolio management and overall IP strategy
  • Supporting R&D colleagues by performing comprehensive searches of patent databases for invalidity, patentability, landscape, and freedom-to-operate analyses
  • Developing and maintaining a deep understanding of the business, including: the research being conducted; products being developed, in/out - licensed, and commercial products in relation to the existing IP portfolio
  • Assisting in providing guidance to R&D and commercial teams regarding patent and trade secret matters, and displaying ability to independently identify and develop IP strategies to benefit the business
  • Traveling, up to 20% as needed, to Deciphera/ONO sites

Other duties and responsibilities as assigned
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Advanced scientific degree: Ph.D. in the field of Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry preferred, with 8+ years OR MS with additional relevant experience and 12+ years of hand-on experience will also be considered
  • Registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
  • Minimum of 8 years' relevant professional experience in biopharmaceutical company, law firm, and/or life sciences industry
  • Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience at a law firm considered ideal, especially in:
    • Drafting and prosecuting patent applications directly related to the life sciences industry
    • IP strategy and/or development and management of patent portfolio
    • Conducting prior art database searches for patentability and freedom-to-operate analysis
  • Ability to work proactively, both independently and collaboratively, in a multi-disciplinary team environment, and to communicate clearly and effectively
  • Self-directed: Ability to work independently and accommodate last-minute requests. Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and respond effectively to rapidly changing priorities and deadlines.
  • Excellent organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple patent applications simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while providing strong attention to detail
  • Strong professionalism and commitment to ethical conduct; ability to handle confidential and proprietary information using excellent discretion and judgment

Preferred Capabilities
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to develop and maintain strong relationships across multiple functional teams; Strong service-oriented disposition. Ability to communicate across disciplines and functions.
  • Skilled at managing outside counsel
  • Proficient skills in MS Suite applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), ChemDraw, SciFinder and other AI applications and IP software
  • Positive Energy: Strong work ethic with a can-do attitude. Strong collaborator who brings energy, enthusiasm, and inspiration
  • Patient Focus: Motivation to work with urgency and go the extra mile. The patient is waiting.
  • Innovation: Open-mindedness and flexibility to embrace change
  • Strategic Thinker: ability to grasp the overall landscape and design focused IP strategies to maximize protection and value of company's assets
  • Approach to Problem Solving: Analysis and evaluation of issues. Identifying pros and cons of issues. Proactively proposing strategies and solutions

Additional Information
Deciphera is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The base salary pay range for this role is $218,000 - $300,000. Actual compensation packages will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to depth of experience, education, skillset, overall performance and/or location.
Deciphera believes in providing a competitive compensation and benefits package to all employees. Our base salary is just one component of Deciphera's competitive total rewards strategy that also includes annual performance bonus, a long-term incentive plan, full range of benefits and other incentive compensation plans (if applicable)
Benefits:
  • Competitive salary and annual bonus.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, and more.
  • Generous parental leave and family planning benefits.
  • Outstanding culture and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Apply Now: Join us in our mission to improve the lives of people with cancer. Apply today to become a part of our dynamic team!
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY INFORMATION
Deciphera is committed to equal employment opportunity and values diversity. To ensure that we comply with reporting requirements, we invite you complete the confidential survey at the end of this application. Providing this information is optional. It will not be accessible or used in the hiring process, and has no effect on your opportunity for employment. This information will also be treated confidentially. We are committed to make all hiring decisions and other employment decisions on a non-discriminatory basis.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY INFORMATION
Deciphera is committed to equal employment opportunity and values diversity. To ensure that we comply with reporting requirements, we invite you complete the confidential survey at the end of this application. Providing this information is optional. It will not be accessible or used in the hiring process, and has no effect on your opportunity for employment. This information will also be treated confidentially. We are committed to make all hiring decisions and other employment decisions on a non-discriminatory basis.

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