Executive Dir, OCAST

Agency

628 CNTR. FOR ADVANC. OF SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY

Executive Dir, OCAST

Secretary of Commerce

Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.

Note:

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

Full time

Regular

$175,000 commensurate with experience and approval of the OSTRaD Board of Directors

The Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) serves as Oklahoma’s leading catalyst for science, technology, and innovation— OCAST’s mission is to foster innovation in existing and developing businesses − by supporting applied research and technology implementation − by facilitating technology transfer between research laboratories and businesses − by providing seed capital for innovative firms in the development of new products or services − by helping Oklahoma’s small and medium-sized manufacturing firms become more competitive through increased productivity and modernization.

The State of Oklahoma seeks applications for the position of Executive Director at the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST). The position reports to, and at the pleasure of, the Oklahoma Science & Technology Research & Development (OSTRaD) Board. This position is a full-time position in the state government. OCAST offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents.

For more information about the benefit allowance, visit the Oklahoma State Benefits Overview. The starting annual salary for this position is $175,000+ based on education and experience.

• 5060.1, et seq. Candidates should also have experience in, or a strong working knowledge of, applied research and development, technology-based entrepreneurship, capital investment, business models, technology transfer, and the commercialization process.

The Executive Director serves as the strategic and operational leader of the organization, providing vision, leadership, and subject-matter expertise to advance science and technology across Oklahoma. This individual must combine strong technical knowledge with the ability to identify, evaluate, and scale emerging technologies that demonstrate significant commercial and economic potential. The role also requires experience managing and deploying capital in early-stage technology investments.

The Executive Director will play a key role in strengthening Oklahoma’s science and technology ecosystem by building partnerships across industry, academia, government, and external stakeholders. Responsibilities include overseeing agency staff, guiding organizational strategy, and managing multiple funding programs that support innovation and economic growth throughout the state.

Successful candidates will possess the education, leadership experience, and strategic expertise necessary to lead OCAST in fulfilling its mission and responsibilities as set out in 74 O.S.

• 5060.1, et seq. Candidates should also have experience in, or a strong working knowledge of, applied research and development, technology-based entrepreneurship, capital investment, business models, technology transfer, and the commercialization process.

• The Executive Director leads the day-to-day strategic and operational activities of OCAST, overseeing agency staff, budgets, funding programs, and technology investment initiatives that support science, innovation, and economic development across Oklahoma. On a daily basis, the role involves collaborating with industry leaders, universities, government agencies, legislators, entrepreneurs, and investors to strengthen Oklahoma’s technology ecosystem and advance commercialization opportunities.
• Key responsibilities include evaluating emerging technologies and early-stage ventures for investment potential, overseeing research and innovation funding programs, guiding technology transfer and commercialization efforts, and helping move research from…