Faculty Consulting Program Director

Job Summary:

CU Innovations is seeking a senior-level Faculty Consulting Program Director to serve as the programmatic lead for faculty consulting and external engagement agreements, with a critical focus on the protection and negotiation of intellectual property (IP) terms. This position plays a pivotal leadership role in designing, implementing, and managing the university's faculty consulting contracting process, ensuring alignment with institutional policy, legal and regulatory standards, and the broader innovation strategy at CU Anschutz.

The Faculty Consulting Program Director will act as the subject matter expert and primary legal resource for all matters involving faculty consulting and external agreements, with a particular emphasis on the review and protection of university and faculty IP in these engagements. This role ensures that external activities do not inadvertently compromise institutional IP rights, future commercialization opportunities, or faculty inventorship. In addition to overseeing individual contract reviews, this position will help shape the strategic direction of the university's approach to faculty-industry relationships, develop best practices, and lead efforts to educate faculty and administrators on key legal and policy issues.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review, analyze, and negotiate a wide range of faculty consulting agreements, including:

  • Industry-sponsored consulting contracts

  • Advisory board and speaker engagements

  • Confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)

• Serve as the programmatic head and subject matter expert for faculty consulting and external engagement contracting processes.

• Lead program development efforts to align faculty consulting with CU Anschutz's broader innovation and commercialization strategy.

• Mentor junior contract reviewer on the team who are responsible for supporting contract review.

• Promote collaboration and shared learning within CU Innovations and across campus stakeholders involved in faculty consulting oversight.

• Monitor evolving laws, regulations, and university policies that impact IP protection, federally funded research, and faculty-industry relationships.

• Serve as a central liaison and advisor to faculty, department administrators, and external partners on consulting matters.

• Develop and deliver training programs, guidance documents, and resources to educate faculty and staff on consulting best practices, including IP rights and obligations.

• Foster transparency and trust through clear, timely communication and solution-oriented support throughout the contract review process.

Work Location:

Remote - this role is eligible to work remotely, but the employee must be in the United States.

Why Join Us:

CU Innovations is an integral part of The University of Colorado's Anschutz Medical Campus, a top-tier academic medical institution, collaborating with pioneering researchers, clinicians, staff, and external partners at the University of Colorado, staff at UCHealth and Children's Hospital Colorado. Together, we power innovation by imagining, discovering and commercializing advanced healthcare solutions, including treatments, medical devices, and cutting-edge technologies. Our mission at CU Innovations is driven by the unique collaborative environment we operate in, and our guiding principle is to transform breakthrough discoveries and treatments into realities within an efficient ecosystem that accelerates their availability to patients. This approach not only empowers our partners to have an immediate and meaningful impact but also enhances the quality of life and outcomes for patients now and in the future, at both CU and beyond.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options

• Dental: Multiple plan options

• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision

• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay

• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year

• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)

• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)

• Holiday Days: 10/year

• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses

• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies, Business Administration, Public Policy, or a related field.

• 6+ years of progressively responsible experience in contract law, legal compliance, or research administration.

Preferred Qualifications:

• JD, MBA, or Master's degree in a related field.

• Experience with contract management systems.

• Experience in a university, academic medical center, or research-intensive institution.

• Expertise in intellectual property law, faculty consulting, or academic-industry partnerships.

• Experience mentoring or supervising legal professionals.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.

• Outstanding customer service skills.

• Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

• Strong understanding of contract law, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

• Knowledge of federal research compliance standards (e.g., NIH, NSF, FDA).

• Familiarity with university policies on conflict of interest, IP, and faculty engagement with external entities.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

2. Curriculum vitae / Resume

3. Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Questions should be directed to: Jordan Ross - jordan.ross@ucdenver.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by August 31, 2025.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $107,819 - $137,146.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.