Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) – General Counsel

Overview:
The General Counsel reports to the CEO and is responsible for directing and managing all of WARF’s legal affairs in support of its mission and identifies, assesses, and manages legal, regulatory risk, and related reputational risk. The position serves on the Executive Team and provides legal advice to WARF’s CEO, CFO, Executive and Management Teams, and to the Board of Trustees and its committees on a wide range of legal and regulatory issues. The General Counsel also provides legal advice and assistance to the business development team in connection with transactions and contracts and advances WARF’s goals by providing advice and assistance on legal and policy matters. The position will be the resident expert on WARF’s not-for-profit status and will ensure that WARF’s programs are consistent with its charitable mission. The General Counsel supports commercial transactions, in- and out-licensing opportunities, startups, sponsored research agreements, and other strategies to commercialize WARF’s intellectual property.

Experience:
The successful candidate will have significant legal experience, preferably in a relevant academic, research, or nonprofit institution, as either a General Counsel or other senior legal leader that would involve similar experience. Experience in the life sciences, biomedical, pharmaceutical, or academic research sectors, with a practice focused on transactional or intellectual property matters, or both, is strongly preferred. A combination of not-for-profit and for-profit legal experience throughout one’s career is preferred.

Location/Relocation:
Madison, WI. The General Counsel should be physically located and reside in the Madison area.

Compensation:
Commensurate with experience. The package includes base salary, target bonus and benefits.