Executive Director, Licensing and Contracts

Exelixis • Alameda, CA

2d • $222,000 - $316,000

About The Position

The Executive Director, Licensing and Contracts takes a leading role in setting the material terms of many of the most significant and complex business transactions undertaken by the company, the drafting and negotiation of definitive and ancillary agreements reflecting those terms, and the organization of processes necessary and helpful for Exelixis to transact efficiently and effectively. This function also plays a transactional oversight role, working with legal and operational colleagues to make sure that the company’s R&D activities and transactions are carried out with efficiency and reflect an appreciation for an appropriate level of business and legal risk.

Requirements

• JD degree required and 13 years of relevant experience; or Must be admitted to practice, preferably in California.
• BS/BA degree, preferably in life sciences or a related field. Advanced degree preferred. Equivalent education and relevant years of experience
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience as an attorney in a law firm or in-house legal environment in the biotechnology or pharmaceuticals industry.
• Complex contract drafting and negotiation experience required.
• Pharmaceutical licensing experience is required.
• Experience managing junior attorneys, contract managers, and/or contract administrators required.
• Possesses clear and concise verbal and written communication skills and must have excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Requires strong computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), document management systems, and redlining software).
• Must be detail-oriented and have strong organizational skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, with the ability to re-prioritize on short time frames.
• Can quickly separate the mission-critical from the nice-to-haves and the trivial.
• Ability to make complex decisions based on the data available; drives to the finish on all projects.
• Acts responsibly and conscientiously.
• Works under pressure to meet specific deadlines.
• Works well both independently and in a team environment; addresses differences fairly and equitably; treats everyone as a preferred internal client.
• Dedicated to quality, reliability, and highest professional standards in all work tasks.
• Must be a self-starter and quick learner.
• Must have good judgment.
• Implements organizational or team objectives.
• Helps guide the successful completion of major programs, projects, and/or functions.
• Aids in the development of technical and/or business solutions to complex problems in creative and effective ways.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts in support of the Business Development, Alliance Management, and Research and Development organizations (which may include: option and license agreements, collaboration agreements, clinical and commercial manufacturing agreements, simple and complex clinical trial agreements, services agreements, consulting agreements, and various related contracts).
• Act as legal point person for critical legal, financial, and operational terms of existing and future completed agreements in support of alliance management efforts and to enable the company to effectively enforce and maintain compliance with those terms.
• Support legal diligence for strategic transactions.
• Identify and define operational and legal risks and be able to communicate those risks to appropriate internal decision-makers for discussion and resolution.
• Review redlines, supervise negotiations, and mentor and advise junior attorneys and contract managers on their own work related to the above contract types.
• Manage development and maintenance of negotiation playbooks for standard agreement terms.
• Maintain up to date form agreements consistent with industry standards and applicable laws.
• Cultivate strong and highly effective cross-functional relationships and communication with internal colleagues to effectively address legal and business questions.
• Effectively represent the company.
• Handle miscellaneous legal tasks on an as needed basis.

Benefits

• Exelixis offers comprehensive employee benefits package, including a 401k plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts.
• Employees are also eligible for a discretionary annual bonus program, or if field sales staff, a sales-based incentive plan.
• Exelixis also offers employees the opportunity to purchase company stock, and receive long-term incentives, 15 accrued vacation days in their first year, 17 paid holidays including a company-wide winter shutdown in December, and up to 10 sick days throughout the calendar year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive