Community Engagement Manager, Emerging Technologies

At Merit Network, we believe technology has the power to connect people, strengthen communities, and expand opportunity. For 60 years, our nonprofit organization has supported education, research, healthcare, government, libraries, tribal organizations, and nonprofits through innovative technology and connectivity solutions. Join a team of passionate professionals who are committed to making an impact and helping create a future where communities have the tools and connections they need to thrive.

To learn more about Merit Network, please visit our website: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

In this Community Engagement Manager role, you will help Merit identify and develop new opportunities at the intersection of technology, research, healthcare, and community needs. Reporting to the Executive Director of Member Services & Community Engagement, you will build strategic relationships, explore emerging needs and technologies, and connect organizations with Merit's services, infrastructure, expertise, and partnerships to create meaningful solutions and new opportunities.

Your work will focus across three key areas: advancing emerging technology and research initiatives within higher education, growing participation in the Rural Health Care Program, and developing strategic business and partnership opportunities with Merit members and prospective members. You will engage with a wide range of stakeholders to understand their goals and challenges, translate complex technical concepts into relevant opportunities, and help move ideas from discovery into action.

This is a strong opportunity for someone who enjoys building relationships, learning about rapidly evolving technologies, navigating complex challenges, and bringing people and ideas together. You do not need to arrive as an expert in every technology or program this role will encounter. We are looking for someone with the curiosity, technical fluency, relationship-building skills, and business development experience to develop that expertise and use it to create value for Merit and the communities we serve.

Join our informal, open-forum Zoom sessions to connect with the hiring team! Drop in at any time during the hour and stay as long as you’d like - whether you have specific questions or just want to listen in.

Monday, September 28, 2026 | 12 PM - 1 PM EST |  to Join Monday's Zoom Meeting

Essential Functions for this position are followed by an (E).

• Develop expertise in emerging technologies and research infrastructure relevant to Merit's community, initially including sensor networks and research IoT, quantum networking, AI democratization, and cyberinfrastructure. (E)
• Build relationships with higher education, research, and technology stakeholders to understand emerging needs, challenges, and opportunities. (E)
• Lead consultative discovery to understand technical and organizational requirements and identify opportunities where Merit's infrastructure, services, expertise, or partnerships can create value. (E)
• Translate complex technology trends and research requirements into actionable business, partnerships, service, and strategic opportunities for Merit and its community. (E)
• Monitor research and education technology trends, participate in relevant professional communities, and represent Merit as a knowledgeable resource and collaborative partner.
• Partner across Merit to evaluate emerging opportunities and contribute to market research, solution development, and go-to-market strategies.

• Lead Merit's Rural Health Care (RHC) Program, serving as the subject matter and business development lead expert on FCC/USAC requirements in order to identify where these technologies create opportunities for Merit and our members. (E)
• In coordination with Engagement department resources, develop the Engagement strategy to achieve the 10% RHC adoption-growth goal including development of a targeted pipeline of prospective RHC participants, particularly healthcare organizations and eligible higher education institutions with a heavy focus on rural entities. (E)
• Conduct proactive outreach, eligibility discovery, education, presentations, webinars, and consultations for the RHC program.

• Serve as primary relationship owner for key regional and statewide…