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Director Intellectual Property Ip Operations Jobs

gleason

Director, Intellectual Property

Gleason, TN · On-site

Position Summary: The Director - Intellectual Property, as a key member of Gleason's Legal ... Support the development and implementation of Gleason's IP strategy in alignment with business ...

gleason

Director, Intellectual Property

Gleason, TN · On-site

Position Summary: The Director - Intellectual Property, as a key member of Gleason's Legal ... Support the development and implementation of Gleason's IP strategy in alignment with business ...

Gleason

Director, Intellectual Property

Rochester, NY · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Position Summary: The Director - Intellectual Property, as a key member of Gleason's Legal ... Support the development and implementation of Gleason's IP strategy in alignment with business ...

Equinox

Intellectual Property (IP) Paralegal

New York, NY · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

... Intellectual Property (IP) Paralegal to join our team and support the management of the company ... Other duties not listed here may be assigned as necessary to ensure the proper operations of the ...

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$34K

$107.7K

$179.5K

How much do director intellectual property ip operations jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for director intellectual property ip operations in the United States is $107,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $135,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of intellectual property (IP) operations do?

A Director of Intellectual Property (IP) Operations oversees the management and protection of a company's intellectual property assets, such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. They develop strategies to secure and maximize the value of these assets, ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and coordinate with legal, business, and R&D teams. Their responsibilities often include managing IP portfolios, supervising filings, handling disputes, and supporting business goals through effective IP management.

How does a director of intellectual property (IP) operations typically collaborate with legal, R&D, and business teams to drive organizational goals?

A Director of Intellectual Property (IP) Operations plays a key liaison role, regularly working with legal counsel, research and development (R&D), and business units. They ensure that IP strategies align with the company's innovation pipeline by facilitating invention disclosures, managing patent and trademark portfolios, and supporting due diligence for partnerships or licensing. Effective communication and project management skills are essential, as this role often leads cross-functional meetings to prioritize filings, resolve disputes, and educate teams about IP best practices. Collaboration is crucial for identifying valuable assets, mitigating risks, and maximizing the organization's competitive advantage.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of intellectual property (IP) operations, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Intellectual Property (IP) Operations, you need deep knowledge of IP law, portfolio management, and business strategy, often supported by a law degree or technical background and several years of IP experience. Familiarity with IP management software, docketing systems, and legal research tools, as well as relevant certifications like Registered Patent Agent or CLP, is highly valuable. Leadership, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills are crucial for managing teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills ensure the effective protection, monetization, and risk management of an organization's intellectual property assets.

What is the difference between Director Intellectual Property IP Operations vs Patent Counsel?

AspectDirector Intellectual Property IP OperationsPatent Counsel
CredentialsTypically requires a technical degree and legal background, often with patent bar admissionLegal degree (JD), bar admission, and patent bar certification
Work EnvironmentOversees IP processes, manages teams, and collaborates with R&D and legal departmentsProvides legal advice, drafts patent applications, and handles patent litigation
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in corporations with large R&D departments, tech, and manufacturing industriesFound in law firms, corporate legal departments, especially in tech and biotech sectors

The main difference is that the Director of IP Operations manages the overall IP process and team, focusing on operational efficiency, while Patent Counsel provides legal expertise, drafts patents, and handles legal disputes. Both roles require technical and legal knowledge but serve different functions within the IP landscape.

What are popular job titles related to Director Intellectual Property Ip Operations jobs?

For Director Intellectual Property Ip Operations jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Director Intellectual Property Ip Operations job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,680 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Director, Intellectual Property Operations

Boston, MA • On-site

Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Biotechnology Research and Development • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Vertex Pharmaceuticalsexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead and improve the IP Operations function, including patent and trademark administration, docketing, and annuities.

  • Manage project plans, timelines, and stakeholder communications to drive operational excellence and process improvements.

  • Develop and oversee the technology and data strategy for IP Operations, including system governance, reporting, and software enhancements.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Description
The Director, Intellectual Property Operations is responsible for leading and continuously improving Vertex's IP Operations function. This role focuses on driving operational excellence through strong project execution, project management, communication, collaboration, and managing a team supporting patent and trademark administration, docketing, annuities, budgeting, software assessment, developing standard practices and vendor engagement and management.
The position also serves as a key partner to IP attorneys, Finance, Technologists, and external counsel to ensure efficient processes, data integrity, compliance, and successful delivery of strategic initiatives. The Director will report directly to the Executive Director, Intellectual Property for Cell & Gene Therapy and be based in Boston. The position is hybrid (3-days in the office).
Key Responsibilities
IP Operations Strategy, Projects & Process Management
  • Define and maintain the IP Operations roadmap, translating functional priorities into initiatives, milestones, and measurable outcomes.

  • Demonstrated track record of successfully leading and executing complex projects and strategic initiatives, consistently delivering high-quality results on time and in alignment with departmental and enterprise objectives.

  • Lead cross-functional projects to improve efficiency, streamline workflows, enhance operational effectiveness, as well as the long-term IP Operations strategy

  • Manage project plans, timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder communications.

  • Drive process improvements and change management initiatives.

  • Provide strategic updates, risk assessments, and recommendations to IP leadership and senior Legal stakeholders on portfolio operations, operational priorities, and emerging issues.

  • Act as a principal advisor to the Executive Director and SVP of IP on operational strategy, resourcing, prioritization, and cross-functional tradeoffs.

  • Provide regular reports on the status of the patent portfolio to IP leadership.

Technology & Data Management
  • Develop the IP Operations technology and data strategy; including system governance, support IP data integrity, reporting, technology assessments and enhancements and implementing software updates and transition to new software systems.

  • Lead the governance for IP Operations data, reporting, and technology prioritization to support leadership decision-making and scalable execution.

  • Set the AI and emerging technology roadmap for IP Operations to streamline IP operations, automate routine processes, enhance data-driven decision making, and improve the efficiency and scalability of the global IP function.

Leadership & Execution
  • Lead and develop a team of paralegals responsible for IP docketing, annuity management, and portfolio administration.

  • Establish annual IP operations priorities, resource allocation, operating rhythms, and accountability mechanisms to ensure high-quality, on-time execution of critical operational activities.

  • Ensure compliance with internal procedures and IP regulatory requirements.

  • Championing the strategic adoption of AI within IP Operations by identifying high-value use cases, implementing practical solutions, and driving measurable improvements in efficiency, quality, and service delivery.

Collaboration & Communication
  • Partner closely with attorneys, Finance, Technologists, procurement, and external counsel to shape priorities, align resources and achieve departmental objectives.

  • Communicate project status, operational risks, and recommendations to IP leadership and stakeholders.

  • Foster a collaborative, enterprise-focused culture across the team.

Portfolio & Financial Operations
  • Drive the planning and execution of portfolio review, budgeting, and vendor governance activities, ensuring financial discipline, operational excellence, and alignment with organizational objectives.

  • Develop, manage, and monitor the annual IP budget, providing accurate forecasting, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and ensuring expenditures remain aligned with departmental priorities and approved financial targets.

  • Lead vendor governance and outside counsel billing and invoice management activities, including spend monitoring, budget forecasting, financial reporting, and identification of cost optimization opportunities.

Required Educational Experience
  • Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and professional experience.

Desired Experience
  • 10+ years of experience in managing a team of legal operations paralegals, legal operations, intellectual property operations, or a related business function.

  • Demonstrated success leading teams, setting operational strategy, managing complex cross-functional projects, and driving operational excellence initiatives.

  • Experience implementing and managing enterprise software, databases, and technology solutions used to maintain, analyze, and report on large and complex data sets.

  • Experience advising senior leaders and preparing executive-ready updates, recommendations, and decision materials.

  • Strong financial management experience, including budgeting, forecasting, vendor management, and monitoring spend against annual operating plans.

  • Experience leveraging AI and automation tools to improve workflows, data management, reporting, and overall operational efficiency.

  • Prior intellectual property operations experience is preferred; however, candidates with significant experience leading complex operational functions in other disciplines will also be considered.

  • Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders, drive change, and develop scalable processes in a fast-paced, global environment.

Preferred Skills
  • Strong strategic planning, execution, prioritization, and resource management capabilities in a fast-paced environment.

  • Demonstrated ability to operate with a high degree of independence, exercise sound judgment and discretion to make informed decisions, solve complex operational challenges, and appropriately escalate matters when necessary.

  • Demonstrated financial acumen, including budget planning, forecasting, spend monitoring, and vendor management.

  • Proficiency in leveraging technology, automation, and AI-enabled solutions to enhance operational efficiency, data management, and decision-making.

  • Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to technical, legal, and executive audiences.

  • Proven ability to build strong partnerships, influence senior stakeholders, and drive alignment across functions and organizational levels.

  • Strong people leadership skills, including team development, change management, coaching, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Pay Range:
$204,400 - $306,600
Disclosure Statement:
The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.
Flex Designation:
Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible
Flex Eligibility Status:
In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:
1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
2. On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.
Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex's Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.
#LI-Hybrid
Company Information
Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.
Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.
Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com

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