Chief Executive Officer NEO-SMART

A strong internal candidate has been identified.

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range available for this position at the time of its posting. The salary range is between $157,603 and $212,764, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Northeast Ohio Strengthening Manufacturing for American Resilience through Technology (NEO-SMART) NSF Engine will lead and manage a pioneering regional innovation hub dedicated to driving economic growth, advancing critical technologies, and addressing societal challenges with a specific focus on advanced materials and manufacturing. The person most likely to succeed in this role has a natural curiosity for technology and new ideas, a passion for translating research and ideas into economic growth, a demonstrated commitment to advancing economic outcomes, and a drive to create an innovation epicenter for advanced materials and manufacturing in Northeast Ohio.

The successful leader will be equally credible with leaders of prestigious academic institutions, corporations, community-based organizations, and the National Science Foundation (NSF), and will inspire entrepreneurs, researchers, community leaders, political officials, and major donors. They will lead a direct team with positional authority, and also lead a broader team drawn from supporting organizations across the Engine without positional authority. They will embody the urgent optimism required to act decisively while thoughtfully planning for the long-term success of the Engine in the region.

• Develop and implement the strategic vision and goals for NEO-SMART with a focus on regional economic growth and advanced materials and manufacturing. Lead the Executive Leadership Team and serve as the primary spokesperson and public face of the NEO-SMART, representing it to funders, government, media, and the broader public. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity within the organization and among partners, modeling the values that underpin NEO-SMART's mission.
  
  Set annual operating priorities and organizational objectives, translating long-range strategy into actionable plans with clear accountability. (40%)
• Recruit, cultivate, and onboard members of NEO-SMART's Governing Board and advisory bodies, ensuring a composition that reflects the full breadth of NEO-SMART's stakeholder ecosystem. Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Governing Board; prepare and present timely, accurate, and strategically framed materials for board meetings, including financial reports, programmatic updates, milestone dashboards, and strategic recommendations that enable the board to fulfill its fiduciary and oversight responsibilities effectively.
  
  Partner with board leadership to develop and execute an annual board engagement calendar, including regular meetings, committee work, and retreats; manage all logistics, agenda development, minutes, and follow-up to ensure the board operates with efficiency, transparency, and accountability. Cultivate individual board members as active champions and connectors for NEO-SMART, engaging them in fundraising, partnership development, policy advocacy, and community outreach in ways that are aligned with their networks, expertise, and interests.
  
  Lead the ongoing assessment and development of board governance practices, including board self‑evaluation, member onboarding and orientation, committee structure, bylaws review, and succession planning to ensure the board evolves in strength and effectiveness as NEO-SMART matures. (15%)
• Oversee all operational aspects of NEO-SMART, ensuring full alignment with NSF grant requirements, deliverables, and reporting timelines. Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve program objectives, maintaining rigorous project management discipline across a complex, multi‑institutional initiative. In partner with the Leadership Team, manage budgets, resources, and timelines effectively to meet project goals, with an emphasis on sustainable manufacturing practices and responsible stewardship of public and private funds.
  
  Ensure NEO-SMART's programs and opportunities are accessible both programmatically and geographically to all communities in Northeast Ohio. (10%)
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key partners including academic institutions, industry leaders, government agencies, community organizations, and the public. Facilitate development of strategic partnerships and collaborative projects that enhance the Engine's impact and ensure broad‑based stakeholder engagement across the region. Serve on committees and working groups to represent…