Innovation Manager Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Job Description Summary
Organization's Summary Statement:
UM Ventures, College Park accelerates knowledge creation and dissemination that can scale the impact of UMD research by transforming laboratory discoveries into products and services that deliver economic and societal benefit.
In its mission to scale UMD impact, UM Ventures, College Park leverages a variety of services and resources for faculty, staff, and students to protect intellectual property, build partnerships with business and government, and return investment to the University and its stakeholders through technology licensing and startup formation. From the laboratory to the marketplace, UM Ventures, College Park provides end-to-end support for researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry partners.
Job Description Summary:
The Innovation Manager manages innovations originating across the University of Maryland's research enterprise, from disclosure through marketing, licensing, and issuing and maintaining patents, copyrights, and trademarks. This position requires interaction with faculty, staff, students, patent attorneys, joint owners, and licensees (current and potential).
The Innovation Manager's responsibilities include but are not limited to: assessment of the innovations, determination of the marketability (including preparation of concise marketing information) and appropriate intellectual property protection required (e.g., patent, trademark, and/or copyright); preparation and execution of confidential disclosure agreements; negotiation of terms and preparation of draft license agreements consistent with UMD's standard form agreements for review and signature of the Executive Director, UM Ventures; and management of intellectual property activities of external legal counsel. The Innovation Manager reports to the Executive Director of UM Ventures, College Park.
PREFERENCES:
Education:
Ph.D. Preferred.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with six (6) years of experience; or Master's degree; MBA; or law (JD) and at least four (4) years of related experience.
Experience:
Relevant experience in commercializing technology may include experience in entrepreneurship, technology transfer, licensing, or business development in an academic, government, or corporate setting.
Experience with intellectual property (patents, copyright, trademark protection); working knowledge of open-source licenses.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Working knowledge of federal and state laws regarding technology transfer and intellectual property. Understanding of commercialization processes.
Technical background and ability to understand/interpret a wide range of innovations.
Ability to understand business and legal concepts relevant to technology transfer and communicate the same effectively.
Ability to interact effectively in an academic and corporate setting.
Ability to problem solve and work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Possess strong negotiation and marketing skills.
Ability to work on multiple tasks at the same time and under time constraints.
Ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion and tact while maintaining confidentiality.
Ability to project a professional and positive image of the office and the university.
Independent self-starter with a strong work ethic.
Licenses/Certifications: N/A
Physical Demands:
Sedentary work performed in a normal office environment; exerts up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Ability to attend meetings both on and off campus. Spending long hours in front of a computer screen.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Three (3) years of professional patents, copyrights, trademarks, or commercializing technology experience. The position may or may not involve supervisory responsibilities.
Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education.
Knowledge of federal and state laws regarding technology transfer and intellectual property.
Knowledge of commercialization processes.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products.
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.
Ability to multitask while demonstrating a commitment to customer service.
Additional Job Details
Required Application Materials: Resume, Cover Letter, and Transcript.
Best Consideration Date: September 2, 2026
Open Until Filled: Y
Job Risks
Not Applicable to This Position
Financial Disclosure Required
No
For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.
Department
VPR-EconDev-UM Ventures, College Park
Worker Sub-Type
Staff Regular
Salary Range
$123280 to $147936
Benefits Summary
For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Employment Eligibility
The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
EEO Statement
The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University's Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.
Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice
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