Director, Open Innovation

Role overview

This senior leadership opportunity is focused on connecting strategy, external innovation, and business development. The role is centered on building partnerships that help move scientific and technology progress forward while supporting the organization’s broader priorities.

You will be responsible for finding, shaping, and delivering high-value collaborations that bring outside innovation into the business in a way that can scale and create measurable impact. The position works at a senior level and involves close interaction with internal executives as well as external partners.

The work includes supporting licensing, collaboration, and technology access arrangements, with a strong emphasis on commercial thinking, negotiation, and cross-functional influence. This is a visible role where strategic direction and strong execution have a direct effect on innovation outcomes.

Accountabilities

• Own the full partnership journey from opportunity sourcing and internal alignment through structuring, negotiation, execution, and ongoing governance.
• Act as the main deal owner for collaboration, licensing, and technology access agreements tied to innovation and growth goals.
• Assess outside opportunities for strategic alignment, technical value, and commercial potential, then convert them into practical partnership plans.
• Lead negotiations on complex terms such as licensing scope, exclusivity, milestone structures, and financial arrangements.
• Coordinate cross-functional deal teams without direct reporting authority, working across R&D, legal, commercial, and technical groups.
• Monitor partnership outcomes after signing to ensure objectives are being met and value is being created.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree is mandatory; an MBA, MS, or PhD is strongly favored.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in strategic partnerships, business development, open innovation, or a closely related area.
• Demonstrated success handling complex partnerships, licensing agreements, or IP-centered collaborations.
• Proven ability to lead and influence matrixed, global teams without formal authority.
• Strong commercial judgment, strategic analysis, and the ability to assess both technical and business opportunities.
• Excellent executive-level communication, stakeholder management, and relationship-building capability.
• Background working with R&D, product development, or technology teams is highly desirable.
• Willingness to travel about 25% to 30%, including occasional international trips.

Benefits

• Base pay is listed at $150,000 to $200,000 annually, with eligibility for bonus and incentive compensation.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage are included in the benefits package.
• Eligible employees can participate in a 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Paid time off and additional leave options support flexibility and work-life balance.
• The position is fully remote, with flexibility depending on the needs of the role.
• This is an opportunity to help drive high-impact global innovation partnerships that contribute to scientific advancement.

Additional information

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which handles all applications and subsequent steps in the hiring process.

The application review and next steps are managed by the partner company’s internal team. A matching process is used to identify candidates whose profiles best align with the role’s core requirements.

Personal data submitted with an application may be processed for candidacy evaluation and shared with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures where applicable, including under GDPR. Applicants may exercise rights such as access, rectification, erasure, and objection.

Artificial intelligence tools may be used to support parts of the hiring workflow, including resume review, response analysis, and detection of possible inconsistencies or verification signals. These tools assist recruiters but do not replace human judgment, and final hiring decisions are made by people.