Senior Manager, Programs

Join the leader in collaborative licensing and help us advance inclusive and efficient new patent licensing approaches to drive innovation globally. Via Licensing Alliance is dedicated to accelerating global technology adoption, fostering participation, and generating return on innovation with balanced IP licensing solutions for innovators and manufacturers of all sizes around the globe. Via LA administers dozens of licensing programs in audio, video, broadcast, power, and more for a variety of technologies, consisting of 25,000 patents in over 130 countries, with nearly 100 current patent holders and over 3,000 current licensees.

Via LA is an independently managed company owned by industry-leading participants with over 25 years of intellectual property licensing leadership. Our expertise extends to intellectual property, technology standardization, strategic business development, and program administration. Affiliated specialists in the fields of finance, antitrust law, and patent analysis complete the set of capabilities that make Via LA a premier solutions provider to the world’s most sophisticated technology and entertainment companies.

What you’ll do

The Senior Manager, Programs role reports to the Head of Program Management and is based in San Francisco, California. As Senior Manager of the team, you will be responsible for identifying opportunities for patent pool development and growth. This includes supporting the program management team by providing market data, research, and advanced analytics. This role must be attuned to technology adoption in various industries and the associated patent landscapes. This role will require strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills to work with prospective licensors to create patents pools that are beneficial to the technology industry. This hybrid role is required to work on-site in the San Francisco office three full days per week (Tues–Thurs).

You will:

• Define and refine strategic vision for patent pool development aligned with Via LA’s broader business goals and market positioning

• Lead cross-functional strategic initiatives to expand licensing opportunities and strengthen Via LA’s role in emerging technology ecosystems

• Anticipate market shifts and emerging technologies to proactively identify future patent pool opportunities and position Via LA as a thought leader

• Drive development and creation of new patent pools by analyzing technology adoption in the market and working with prospective licensors and licensees

• Support patent pool creation by providing clear market/financial analysis, patent landscaping, and other research to prospective licensees and licensors

• Deliver appropriate work product, e.g., reports, summaries, and presentations to ensure that the program management and licensing teams, Via LA management, and other external stakeholders are appropriately informed of pool creation

• Research and analyze applicable market, technology, and business conditions in support of development efforts including identification of new licensing business opportunities

• Thorough analysis and understanding of business, market and technology needs, conditions and potential; development of business models; production and presentation of business plans; identification of and communication with owners and users of intellectual property; facilitation of license development efforts

• Coordinate with necessary department staff and/or management the preparation of internal and external reports, presentations, and special reports both scheduled and ad hoc, in a timely manner

• Identify and work to attract and persuade new patent holders and implementors to join our patent pools

• Work closely with patent counsel in various initiatives to support pool growth

• Engage with clients and potential clients to grow patent pool participation

• Participate in establishment, marketing and public awareness strategies and policies, start-up and implementation of new and ongoing licensing programs

What you need to succeed:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders and external partners

• Self-initiative and ability to work with a minimum of direction

• Superior organization and complex project management skills

• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment, multitask, and prioritize effectively

Desired background:

• 10+ years of experience working with patents and intellectual property

• Preferably 4+ years of experience in a licensing-driven organization

• Experience drafting and reviewing legal documents

• Broad-based experience in the tech industry, including semiconductor, cellular, broadcast, and power technologies

• JD or MA/PhD in a technological field preferred

What you’ll love:

• Flexible work options (9/80 schedule) – employees in the U.S. get every other Friday off. That’s 26+ three-day weekends a year!

• Competitive compensation (base + bonus)

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with Health Savings Account contributions

• 401(k) with 50% company match on the first 6% of eligible pay you contribute on a pre-tax or Roth basis

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

• Generous holiday, vacation and sick leave

• Supportive maternity, child bonding, and family care leave programs as well as short and long-term disability benefits

• Programs and resources to support your physical, financial and social well-being

• Social activities including team events and onsites, all-company updates and retreat

• Catered weekly lunch + snacks and drinks when working in the office

• Temporary remote work option for qualified positions – employees can temporarily work remote from a location that is different from their designated office and home locations for up to 30 calendar days/20 workdays in any 12-month period with manager and company approval

• Tuition Reimbursement Program

The San Francisco/Bay Area base salary range for this full-time position is $180,000 – $221,000, and can vary if outside of this location. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, competencies, experience, market demands, internal parity, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range and perks and benefits for your location during the hiring process.

Via LA will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of San Francisco Police Code, Article 49, and Administrative Code, Article 12.

Via LA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our success depends on the combined skills and talents of all our employees. We are committed to making employment decisions without regard to race, religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, marital status, family status, medical condition, disability, military service, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.