Manager, Operations & Finance Technology Transfer Office

Title: Manager, Operations & Finance of the Technology Transfer Office

Executive Area: Research and Engagement

College/School/MBU: Corporate Engagement

Department: Technology Transfer Office

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid or Remote

The Manager, Operations & Finance of the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) serves as the primary operational and financial administrator for the office’s technology commercialization activities. This position is responsible for both the management and direct execution of complex financial, budgeting, intellectual property, compliance, and reporting functions in collaboration with TTO leadership, staff, university stakeholders, and external counsel. Responsibilities include managing and maintaining intellectual property records throughout the lifecycle process, monitoring agreements and license compliance, supporting federal reporting requirements, and ensuring adherence to university policies and external regulations.

This position supports operational planning, documentation and data management, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Collaborates with the TTO Director to implement strategic initiatives, refine office policies, and enhance workflows. Monitors and maintains IP management, contract tracking, and data systems. Manages office operations, including inventory, records, and administrative processes; supports TTO website coordination and general information requests. Ensures effective day-to-day operations and high-quality execution of TTO activities and events.

Manages operational and patent budget administration, including forecasting, monitoring, analysis, and reporting, to support effective financial planning and resource allocation. Ensures compliance with University IP policies and applicable financial guidelines. Manages and directly administers the legal and operational expense processes, including invoicing, fund collection, disbursements, and royalty revenue distribution. Administers the financial and administrative processes related to purchase orders, legal billing, vendor payments, and travel arrangements by coordinating timelines, funding sources, payees, and payment requirements.

Maintains the integrity of financial records, performs associated reconciliation and recordkeeping activities, and facilitates the timely execution of financial obligations in support of program activities.

Manages the University's IP portfolio, overseeing and directly administering the lifecycle of invention disclosures, patent filings, prosecution, maintenance, and copyright registrations, partnering with TTO staff and external legal counsel. Ensures compliance with filing requirements, contractual obligations, and deadlines while monitoring portfolio status. Serves as the primary administrative liaison with external counsel to relay information, monitor progress, and manage the assignment of matters to approved law firms in accordance with established guidelines.

Escalates complex issues to appropriate stakeholders, with content decisions and approvals remaining with TTO leadership and legal counsel.

Oversees institutional compliance with sponsor intellectual property obligations and associated reporting requirements, ensuring adherence to contractual terms and regulatory timelines. Manages and directly performs the preparation, review, and submission of required documentation, including invention reports, confirmatory licenses, and DD882s, and federal reporting through systems such as iEdison. Collaborates with faculty, post-award administration, and external agencies to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant reporting.

Monitors annuity and maintenance fee administration through external vendors.

Provides guidance on intellectual property processes and requirements; responds to internal and external inquiries; supports collaboration among TTO staff and stakeholders to advance operational and commercialization objectives.

Manages intellectual property records and data administration, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of agreements, invention disclosures, licensing activity maintained in TTO systems.…