OPT Licensing Manager Jobs
Licensing Manager jobs on OPT sit at the intersection of legal compliance, business development, and intellectual property, making them a strong fit for F-1 students with backgrounds in law, business, or engineering. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations, supporting both standard 12-month OPT and the 24-month STEM extension for eligible graduates.
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The Office of Commercialization within the Office of Research seeks to fill the Senior Licensing Manager position.
Responsibilities
This position is responsible for managing the identification, evaluation protection and commercialization of intellectual property rights. Works with FSU faculty and staff to evaluate research developments to identify potential commercial opportunities, obtain invention disclosures, advise on best practices in order to maximum revenue potential for IP license, and initiates strategies for success. Works with outside firms to design protection for identified intellectual property. Independently negotiates and drafts legal license agreements developing terms, structure, and agreement language with established companies and/or identifies potential startup company opportunities. With regards to startup companies, works to identify potential entrepreneurs and help direct them to resources available for establishing a company capable of successfully licensing University IP; fosters relationships between licensee and faculty/staff inventors to aid in commercialization of licensed IP, including the facilitation and encouragement of sponsored research in the inventors' laboratories. The position also manages a portfolio of license agreements and ensures contract terms are met in a timely manner by licensee. Serves as university representative responsible for dissemination of information through various forms of presentations to internal and external groups affiliated with or interested in FSU research and IP; represents department at designated local, regional, and national intellectual property programs, conferences, business meetings and related events; develops office marketing plan and oversees social media strategy, trends, reporting and success rate campaigns. Responsible for day-to-day training, guidance and mentorship to junior staff members and department intern(s). Assists with special projects as designated by the director on an as needed basis. Provides hands-on support to Office of Commercialization programs and events to include, but not limited to: university internal distribution of grants; events displaying University technologies/intellectual property; faculty and staff recognition events; and any other program, projects or events that Office of Commercialization is involved in or supports.
Qualifications
Master's degree in appropriate area of specialization and two years of experience; or a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and four years of relevant experience. (Note: Higher education may be accepted at the equivalent rate.)
Preferred Qualifications
- Ability to demonstrate critical thinking based upon in-depth data, substantiating information, considering and respecting others' input, personal values, and ethics.
- Ability to effectively train and direct the work of others.
- Ability to represent the University in appointed area as required.
- Knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply related federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.
- Ability to develop and implement policies, procedures, goals, and objectives.
- Ability to develop and implement a successful marketing plan/strategy.
Contact Info
Cassidy Cooksey at ccooksey@fsu.edu
University Information
One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news! Learn more about our university and campuses.
FSU Total Rewards
FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs. Use our interactive tool to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.
How To Apply
If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at https://jobs.fsu.edu. If you are a current FSU employee, apply via myFSU > Self Service. Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.
Considerations
This is an A&P position. This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check. This position requires annual Financial Disclosure based on Florida Statutes 112.3144 and 112.3145. This position is opened until filled.
Equal Employment Opportunity
FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Department
The Office of Commercialization within the Office of Research seeks to fill the Senior Licensing Manager position.
Responsibilities
This position is responsible for managing the identification, evaluation protection and commercialization of intellectual property rights. Works with FSU faculty and staff to evaluate research developments to identify potential commercial opportunities, obtain invention disclosures, advise on best practices in order to maximum revenue potential for IP license, and initiates strategies for success. Works with outside firms to design protection for identified intellectual property. Independently negotiates and drafts legal license agreements developing terms, structure, and agreement language with established companies and/or identifies potential startup company opportunities. With regards to startup companies, works to identify potential entrepreneurs and help direct them to resources available for establishing a company capable of successfully licensing University IP; fosters relationships between licensee and faculty/staff inventors to aid in commercialization of licensed IP, including the facilitation and encouragement of sponsored research in the inventors' laboratories. The position also manages a portfolio of license agreements and ensures contract terms are met in a timely manner by licensee. Serves as university representative responsible for dissemination of information through various forms of presentations to internal and external groups affiliated with or interested in FSU research and IP; represents department at designated local, regional, and national intellectual property programs, conferences, business meetings and related events; develops office marketing plan and oversees social media strategy, trends, reporting and success rate campaigns. Responsible for day-to-day training, guidance and mentorship to junior staff members and department intern(s). Assists with special projects as designated by the director on an as needed basis. Provides hands-on support to Office of Commercialization programs and events to include, but not limited to: university internal distribution of grants; events displaying University technologies/intellectual property; faculty and staff recognition events; and any other program, projects or events that Office of Commercialization is involved in or supports.
Qualifications
Master's degree in appropriate area of specialization and two years of experience; or a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and four years of relevant experience. (Note: Higher education may be accepted at the equivalent rate.)
Preferred Qualifications
- Ability to demonstrate critical thinking based upon in-depth data, substantiating information, considering and respecting others' input, personal values, and ethics.
- Ability to effectively train and direct the work of others.
- Ability to represent the University in appointed area as required.
- Knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply related federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.
- Ability to develop and implement policies, procedures, goals, and objectives.
- Ability to develop and implement a successful marketing plan/strategy.
Contact Info
Cassidy Cooksey at ccooksey@fsu.edu
University Information
One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news! Learn more about our university and campuses.
FSU Total Rewards
FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs. Use our interactive tool to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.
How To Apply
If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at https://jobs.fsu.edu. If you are a current FSU employee, apply via myFSU > Self Service. Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.
Considerations
This is an A&P position. This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check. This position requires annual Financial Disclosure based on Florida Statutes 112.3144 and 112.3145. This position is opened until filled.
Equal Employment Opportunity
FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
See all OPT Licensing Manager Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Licensing Manager
Lead with your compliance and regulatory background
Licensing Managers handle contract negotiations and IP compliance, which requires specialized knowledge. Highlight coursework or internships in contract law, intellectual property, or regulatory affairs to demonstrate you bring skills most generalist candidates lack.
Target industries with high licensing activity
Pharmaceuticals, software, entertainment, and manufacturing rely heavily on licensing agreements. Focusing your search on these sectors increases your odds of finding employers already familiar with sponsoring international candidates for compliance-heavy, degree-required roles.
Frame your OPT timeline proactively
Bring up your work authorization early and clearly. Tell employers you have OPT authorization now and, if STEM-eligible, up to three years total. This removes ambiguity and shows you understand the process rather than leaving employers guessing.
Quantify your licensing or contract experience
Generic descriptions hurt your application. Cite specific outcomes: the number of agreements managed, revenue generated from licensing deals, or compliance audits completed. Concrete numbers make your experience legible to hiring managers reviewing dozens of applications.
Research the employer's existing IP or licensing portfolio
Before interviews, review the company's patent filings, partnership agreements, or product licensing history. Referencing their specific portfolio shows genuine interest and signals you can contribute immediately, which matters more when visa sponsorship is also part of the conversation.
Identify employers who have sponsored similar roles before
Companies that have previously hired international workers for compliance or legal operations roles are far more likely to sponsor again. Prioritizing these employers in your search saves time and significantly improves your chances of converting OPT into long-term sponsorship.
Licensing Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Licensing Manager role qualify as a specialty occupation for OPT and H-1B purposes?
Yes, in most cases. Licensing Manager positions typically require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field such as business, law, intellectual property, or a related discipline, which meets the specialty occupation standard. Roles involving contract negotiation, IP portfolio management, or regulatory compliance tend to satisfy this requirement clearly, making them well-suited for both OPT employment and eventual H-1B visa sponsorship.
Can STEM OPT students extend their authorization while working as a Licensing Manager?
It depends on your degree field. If your bachelor's or master's degree is in a STEM-designated field, such as computer science, engineering, or certain business analytics programs, and the Licensing Manager role is directly related to that field, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. You'll need your employer to enroll in E-Verify and sign a formal training plan before your standard OPT period expires.
How do I find Licensing Manager jobs open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for this. It filters for employers willing to sponsor or hire international candidates, so you're not wasting time applying to roles that will reject you at the authorization screening stage. Licensing Manager listings on Migrate Mate are curated for F-1 OPT students, which makes it a far more efficient starting point than general job boards that don't filter by sponsorship willingness.
What happens to my OPT status if a licensing contract role ends or I'm laid off?
You enter a 60-day grace period from the date your employment ends. During that window, you can search for a new qualifying position, transfer to a different immigration status, or prepare to depart the U.S. You must remain employed in a role related to your degree for the majority of your OPT period, so gaps longer than 90 days in aggregate can put your status at risk.
Do Licensing Manager roles at startups or small companies still support OPT and future H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, company size doesn't affect OPT eligibility. For H-1B sponsorship, small employers can file petitions just as large ones can. The practical difference is that smaller companies may have less experience navigating the process and may need more guidance on legal fees and timelines. When evaluating startups, ask directly whether they've sponsored H-1B workers before and whether they use an immigration attorney.