Job Description

The Contracts & Compliance Specialist plays a critical role within the University of Notre Dame’s IDEA Center, supporting the protection, management, and commercialization of the University’s intellectual property portfolio. This newly created position will report to the Director of Technology Protection and Licensing and work closely with the Intellectual Property Manager and other members of the IDEA Center and Notre Dame Research (NDR).

The Specialist will oversee essential compliance, contracts, and reporting activities to ensure the University fulfills its obligations to federal funding agencies, industry partners, and research sponsors. This position will utilize Notre Dame’s intellectual property and license management system of record, Minuet (Inteum), and the federal grant reporting system, iEdison.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational abilities, and excellent written and verbal communication skills. They will be adept at managing multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment and show a willingness to learn and master new software tools, including Minuet and iEdison (training provided).

Key Responsibilities:

• Determine when supporting contracts are required for technology disclosures and coordinate their execution.
• Lead the creation and management of MTAs, IIAs, and NDAs in collaboration with IDEA Center colleagues, the Office of General Counsel, and external partners.
• Manage requests for outbound biologic or proprietary materials and establish co-ownership or material transfer agreements as needed.
• Partner with the licensing team to ensure compliance with terms of executed licensing and commercialization agreements.
• Enter and maintain accurate technology, patent, and financial data in Minuet, ensuring all post-licensing activities (invoicing, receivables, reporting, and royalty payments) are completed accurately.
• Review sponsored research contracts and grants to ensure compliance with intellectual property and ownership terms.
• Oversee invention reporting and compliance under the Bayh-Dole Act, including management of federally funded inventions through iEdison and direct agency communication.
• Complete required reports (new invention, utilization, election, waiver, and final) and manage reporting for foundation and corporate sponsors.
• Compile and validate data for annual AUTM, internal dashboards, and other reporting requirements.
• Assist inventors with the Inventor Portal and support IP management activities, including patent record updates, milestone tracking, and sponsor notifications.
• Collaborate across teams to ensure coordinated efforts in technology protection, compliance, and financial reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3+ years experience working with university and corporate license agreements.
• 1+ years experience in in contract administration, research compliance, or intellectual property management within higher-education, legal, corporate, or research settings.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience managing a patent portfolio at a university or technology-focused organization
• Familiarity with federal grant reporting requirements and systems
• Experience using Inteum/Minuet or similar IP management software
• Indiana Notary Public certification (or willingness to obtain certification)

Additional Information

Work Environment

This position requires a substantial on-campus presence, with a minimum of three business days per week at the University of Notre Dame. Work will primarily be conducted at the IDEA Center’s offices in Innovation Park, with occasional visits to Notre Dame researchers’ offices and laboratories.

About the IDEA Center

The University of Notre Dame’s IDEA Center is the hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization. It helps transform University research, discoveries, and creative ideas into market-ready ventures and products, driving societal and economic impact.

Please provide cover letter and current resume with your application.

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.