Job Description
The Licensing and Business Development Manager plays a central role in advancing the commercialization, industry engagement, and innovation mission of the University of South Florida (USF). This position is responsible for negotiating and managing intellectual property (IP) licensing agreements while also leading proactive business development efforts to create new partnerships with industry. The individual will identify and cultivate relationships with companies that may lead to licensing arrangements, research collaborations, joint development projects, or sponsored research agreements. The position also supports the Director in implementing new commercialization initiatives and strategic programs that enhance USF's innovation ecosystem.Minimum Qualifications
This position requires a Bachelor's degree in a STEM related field and three years of experience in contract negotiating, business development, technology analysis, commercialization, or research administration. In addition to a Bachelor's degree in a STEM related field, a Master's degree in a STEM field or an MBA may be substituted for two years of the required experience. A Ph.D. or J.D. may substitute for the experience. Work experience may not be substituted for the Bachelor's degree requirement for this position.
• Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
• SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
• A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
(a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
(b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree;
(c) Six years of direct experience for a master's degree;
(d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
(e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
• Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
• Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, JD, MS, PhD) in a relevant discipline.
Demonstrated knowledge of university technology transfer, IP law, and commercialization processes.
Proven experience in negotiating complex licensing or collaboration agreements with corporate partners.
Additional Information for Applicants
This position requires a level I background check.
Hiring salary range: $72,062 - $90,000Working at USF
\n
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
\n
About USF
\n
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .
\n
Compliance and Federal Notices
\n
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
\n
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :
\n
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
\n
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
\n
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
\n
Equal Employment Opportunity
\n
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.The responsibilities for this position include:
Draft, negotiate, and execute license agreements, option agreements, and equity deals with startups, established companies, and other institutions.
Manage active licenses to ensure compliance with contractual terms, including payment, reporting, and performance milestones.
Lead business development efforts by identifying and engaging potential corporate partners and investors aligned with USF's research strengths and technology portfolio.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with industry stakeholders to generate opportunities for technology collaboration, sponsored research, and co-development initiatives.
Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and administrative units to align university capabilities with industry needs.
Market USF's technologies through targeted outreach campaigns, industry events, and digital marketing strategies.
Assess commercial potential of inventions and prioritize technologies for licensing and partnership opportunities.
Serve as the primary point of contact for representatives from other universities, government agencies, and businesses in licensing and collaboration discussions.
Support the Director in advancing new commercialization strategies, innovation programs, and policy development.
Maintain accurate records of business development and licensing activities; prepare reports on performance metrics, revenue, and partnerships.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Director.