Director, Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships

The Northeast Microelectronics Coalition (NEMC) Hub is 1 of 8 Department of Defense (DoD) Microelectronics Commons Regional Hubs. This selection, and accompanying award, was the culmination of 2+ years of convening and building the coalition with over 90+ industry, academic, and government partners. Led by MassTech, the NEMC Hub network has grown to 170+ organizations, including commercial and defense companies, leading academic institutions, federally funded R&D centers (FFRDCs), and startups concentrated in eight Northeast states. The Hub is seeking candidates for its  Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships Director to successfully develop and enable its next phase of programming and growth.

Role & Responsibilities 

Reporting to the NEMC Hub Director, the Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Director is responsible for developing and launching new programs in support of the NEMC Hub’s mission to fully connect and amplify the Northeast microelectronics ecosystem in order to accelerate domestic development, scaling, and adoption of microelectronics innovations to help ensure U.S. leadership in microelectronics.

The Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Director will be responsible for leading identification, market research, and development of new Hub programs, strategic partnerships, or funding pursuits. Programmatic areas of interest include, but are not limited to, those required as a Department of Defense (DoD) designated Microelectronics Commons Hub, complimentary federal microelectronics programs, lab-to-fab technology transition, microelectronics startup support, workforce development, and regional collaborations. The Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Director will work collaboratively with MassTech leadership and staff, NEMC Hub leadership and staff, the NEMC Hub Advisory Group, and NEMC Members to ensure requirements. As applicable, this role will work closely with MassTech’s Chief Investment Strategist on federal proposals and other funding pursuits.

The Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Director will work to further develop and implement the vision, plans, and policies to guide the NEMC Hub as part of the greater Microelectronics Commons effort. This role will also mature existing and establish new relationships with academic and research organizations, traditional and non-traditional industry, education and workforce development to strengthen the Hub's reputation in the domestic microelectronics ecosystem.

High Priority Skills and Experience

Strategy and Vision

·         Understanding of the complexities of technology and innovation development, including, but not limited to research, dual-use pathways, commercialization, manufacturing and fabrication, talent and workforce development, and start-ups.

·         Demonstrated ability to identify new program opportunities and develop conceptual new program designs to meet the needs of Hub members.

·         Passion for service and recognition of the once-in-a-generation opportunity to create lasting impact for MA, the Northeast, and the U.S.

Knowledge and Experience

·         Current knowledge of the national microelectronics ecosystem with experience working directly in the northeast region, including an understanding of current business, technology and manufacturing trends.

·         Ability to assess and anticipate the impact of the broader macroeconomic outlook and emerging technology on the microelectronics industry.

·         Strong technical knowledge in microelectronics technologies and processes, including applications in AI, Quantum, Secure Edge and IoT, Electromagnetic Warfare, 5G/6G, and other emerging commercial technologies.

·         Ability to think and act creatively to develop programs, collaborative partnerships and alliances, and member value.

·         Experience convening multi-organizational teams in pursuit federal grant opportunities.

·         Experience working in both the Defense Industrial Base and the Commercial Industry.

·         Experience with technical membership trade associations preferred.

Management and Collaboration

·         The Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Director will work in partnership with NEMC Hub and MassTech personnel, including members of the ecosystem development team, workforce development team, hub program management including legal, IT/Cybersecurity, and finance, and sub-contracted facilities coordinators and working group leads.

·         Must be able to work in partnership within the NEMC Hub and MassTech to effectively manage and report-out on project activities and metrics.

·         Organized, with ability to develop timelines, meet deadlines, and contingency plans.

·         Understand and work within structured state and federal government guidelines.

·         Create and deliver relevant conceptual or technical presentations to large stakeholder groups, and build relationships with partners, members and potential new members.

Personal Characteristics

·         Honesty & integrity.

·         Brings a positive, enthusiastic, can-do attitude.

·         A good listener who is not ego driven.

·         Able to relate well to a broad base of stakeholders across industry, academia, and government in an open constructive manner that inspires collaboration and engenders mutual trust.

Travel

·         Domestic travel within the northeast region is expected; some national travel anticipated.

** PLEASE NOTE: THIS POSITION REQUIRES CANDIDATES TO BE ABLE TO WORK IN WESTBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS AT LEAST TWO DAYS PER WEEK. THIS IS NOT A FULL-TIME REMOTE POSITION. **

Requirements

• Graduate level degree, or higher, in science, engineering, or business discipline or equivalent experience.
• 15+ years of professional experience in research, development, and/or industry.
• A combination of working in academia, federal research labs, and industry is preferred.

Benefits

MassTech offers a hybrid work schedule and a competitive total rewards package.