Atlanta, Georgia
Industry Contracts Manager
Position Specifications
September 2015
http://www.gatech.edu/
Prepared by:
The Vortechs Group
Georgia Tech
Industry Contracts Manager
THE UNIVERSITY:
Georgia Tech is a public university, that has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report
among the country’s very best, every year, for nearly two decades. With diverse top-notch
faculty and researchers dedicated to solving complex problems, Georgia Tech is at the forefront
of some of the most interesting interdisciplinary research occurring today.
The faculty and researchers at Georgia Tech are dedicated to excellence in creating intellectual
property and advanced research for the greatest public good. They work in a research
university fueled by interdisciplinary
collaboration. The university aims at bringing
together the best in education, government,
industry and research for the most impactful
application of the technology on society.
Georgia Tech is home to more than 200
research centers and laboratories, a main
driver behind the University’s entrepreneurial
culture. The Office of Industry Engagement,
and research in general at Georgia Tech,
believes in building collaborative partnerships
throughout the university community and
beyond.
Opportunity abounds in this top research
institution.
For more information about the University
visit: http://www.gatech.edu/
For more about research at Georgia Tech see:
http://www.research.gatech.edu/
Georgia Tech
Industry Contracts Manager
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Industry Contracts Manager (ICM), under the direction of the IC Director, manages the
formal negotiation and administration of Sponsored Research Agreements, Collaborations, and
related agreements for this collaborative research-based University.
The ICM conducts high-profile negotiations and administers Sponsored Research and
Collaboration agreements with companies. Since the ICM advises and assists researchers and
other offices at Georgia Tech in regards to industry-sponsored projects, the ICM must possess a
strong service orientation. The ICM is expected to work collaboratively and effectively with
companies, other institutions, faculty, staff, and students for the benefit of the University at
large.
The ICM must have a thorough understanding of:
 Industry research contracts
 Contract administration
 Research policies
 Intellectual property policies and practices in an academic environment
The job involves external pressure from companies and from university researchers, and
frequent interruptions so it is essential that anyone being considered for the role must have a
demonstrated ability to prioritize workload and work effectively in a fast-moving, actionoriented, customer-focused, service environment.
The ICM is required to work the hours necessary to accomplish the job. S/he must provide highquality service in a timely manner and work well independently and on teams. The ICM
provides back-up support for coworkers and helps the office improve delivery of services and
efficiencies.
Effective communication is a must in this role as the ICM deals with a wide range of faculty and
staff and negotiates with industry legal and business personnel. The work demands strong
verbal and written communication skills, as well as maturity and judgment to handle sensitive
negotiations within the context of legal constraints, Georgia Tech policies, and a variety of
conflicting interests and concerns.
This is a highly collaborative University and the ICM works with a variety of researchers across
multiple disciplines, as well as people in industry, government, and education for the benefit of
the University and the research community. Exceeding stakeholder expectations and cultivating
a collaborative environment of exchange are essential to success in this role.
Georgia Tech
Industry Contracts Manager
Key Responsibilities Include:







Receive general direction from the Director of Industry Contracts.
Draft, negotiate and finalize complex research agreements with industry, crafting
language that complies with Georgia Tech policy, researchers' requirements, and
sponsors' conditions. These agreements require negotiation of intellectual property and
publication rights, plus indemnification, budget and invoicing issues. Review agreements
for compliance with Georgia Tech policy.
Identify contractual issues such as compliance, conflicts of interest, export controls, and
accounting terms. Coordinate resolutions and follow up until all issues are resolved by
the respective offices.
Track agreements in highly organized computer database and in other University
systems.
Periodically review and revise standard agreements to reflect changes in University
research policies and applicable federal laws and regulations.
Possess exceptional verbal and written communication skills and communicate
effectively with a wide range of faculty and staff to negotiate with industry legal and
business personnel. Maturity and judgment are required to handle highly sensitive
negotiations within the context of legal constraints, Georgia Tech policies, and a variety
of conflicting interests and concerns.
Interact with faculty, staff, administration and sponsors during the negotiation process.
Qualifications:







Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in science, engineering, business, or pre-law
studies, with seven years of relevant experience or a combination of education and
relevant experience.
Master’s degree preferred, preferably in science, engineering, business, or law.
Five years of sponsored research administration experience or equivalent, good
knowledge of contract law, and a demonstrable record of complex and successful
contract negotiations.
Demonstrated ability to draft, negotiate, and conclude research agreements.
Demonstrated understanding of intellectual property and licensing issues that pertain to
industry-sponsored research and material transfers. In addition, the ICM must
understand:
o the role of confidential information in such agreements and how it affects
Georgia Tech's right to publish research results
o property issues such as vesting of title to and accountability for tangible property
o financial implications of payment terms
o liability issues
Understanding of the structure, purpose, functions, and goals of Georgia Tech.
Understanding of University accounting policies, procedures, and capabilities.
Georgia Tech





Industry Contracts Manager
Demonstrated ability to take initiative, prioritize workload, and work independently,
under pressure.
Excellent analytical and organizational skills and attention to detail required.
Exceptional interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to work well with a wide variety of
people, including faculty, industry representatives, and legal counsel, as well as
administrative staff, accountants, and coworkers.
Demonstrated ability to negotiate effectively to find win-win solutions. Superb
judgment, creativity, and common sense required.
Evidence of strong oral and written communication skills. Must have the ability to
articulate and explain University principles and practices to industry.
PROCEDURE FOR CONSIDERATION:
Confidential review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is
filled. Interested candidates should send resume, deal sheet, and salary expectations to:
The Vortechs Group
5439 Red Bank Road · Galena, OH 43021
614-899-6696
http://vortechsgroup.com/contact-us/
Georgia Tech
Industry Contracts Manager
“Atlanta at Sunset” image credit: Steve Hardy via Flickr
ATLANTA SIZZLES YEAR-ROUND AND WE’RE NOT TALKING TEMPS
Atlanta is a cosmopolitan city of big business and corporate headquarters, movie production,
top universities, a thriving culture and arts scene, a culinary adventure, and that’s only the
beginning. It’s rich with history and opportunity and home to America’s busiest airport, with
more direct flights meaning you can get where you want to go faster.
Atlanta is an interesting mix of down-home
southern charm and world-class sophistication.
Take in a Braves game; visit the Martin Luther King
Jr., Center for Civil and Human Rights; run through
the fountains at Centennial Park, or view the
majesty of this city from the Ferris wheel in
downtown.
From one of the city’s newest attractions – the
image credit: Michele Pigoraro via Flickr
College Football Hall of Fame – to the enormous
mouth of the whale shark at the Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta doesn’t disappoint in the unique
opportunities it serves up daily.
For more information on Atlanta visit:
http://www.atlanta.net/
http://www.atlantaga.gov/