BRIDGES - Director of Strategic Partnerships

Position: Director of Strategic Partnerships

Department: BRIDGES Engine

Reports to: Director of BRIDGES

Location: Huntsville, Alabama

Employment Type: Full-time | Exempt

Every transformative innovation ecosystem thrives on powerful partnerships. As Director of Strategic Partnerships for the BRIDGES NSF Engine (http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).), you'll be the architect of collaboration, building and nurturing a network of 80+ partners across academia, industry, government, and communities that will collectively reimagine sustainable manufacturing and rural economic opportunity across the Southeast.

This is more than relationship management. You'll design the connective tissue that transforms isolated innovations into an integrated ecosystem where researchers, entrepreneurs, growers, and industry leaders work in concert to bring plant-based technologies from lab to market to real-world impact. You'll be the bridge between worlds, fluent in the language of science, commerce, policy, and community; helping diverse stakeholders see shared opportunity and collaborate toward common goals.

• Cultivate relationships across academia, industry, government, and nonprofits to expand the bio-based economy
• Design and execute comprehensive partnership strategies aligned with BRIDGES Engine and NSF Engine priorities
• Build and grow a dynamic network of 80+ partners, cultivating relationships that span academia, industry, government, and nonprofit sectors
• Develop standardized partnership criteria, documentation, and performance tracking processes that ensure accountability and measurable impact
• Serve as the principal liaison connecting researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders in meaningful, productive relationships
• Negotiate and manage partnership agreements that protect institutional interests while enabling collaborative success

• Direct communications and marketing initiatives that position BRIDGES Engine as the Southeast's innovation leader
• Coordinate matchmaking events, workshops, round tables, and site visits that spark unexpected connections and accelerate commercialization
• Facilitate engagement and communication that strengthens partnerships and drives continuous improvement
• Support the integration of diverse stakeholders across the entire BRIDGES ecosystem
• Communicate success stories, metrics, and impact that showcase the power of collaborative innovation

• Represent BRIDGES Engine and Hudson Alpha at regional and national forums, building visibility and institutional credibility
• Provide leadership on strategy, partnership performance, and communications issues
• Cultivate a collaborative culture that unites scientific, administrative, and community-facing teams
• Track outcomes and performance indicators to drive improvement and demonstrate transformative impact

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (PhD, MS, or equivalent in science, engineering, biotechnology, or related field) preferred
• 5-7 years of experience in partnership development, or related field
• Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-institutional, federally funded projects
• Proven track record cultivating and maintaining relationships across academia, industry, government, and nonprofit sectors

• Strategic, organizational, and project management excellence
• Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and negotiation abilities
• High business acumen with the ability to unify diverse stakeholders toward shared goals
• Strong analytical, budgeting, and compliance oversight capabilities
• Passion for continuous improvement and impact tracking
• Ability to operate effectively in complex, highly regulated, multi-partner environments

• Supporting large-scale initiatives such as NSF Engines or similar programs
• Deep familiarity with biotechnology, life sciences, or innovation-driven environments

is a leading nonprofit research institute leveraging genomics to improve human health, strengthen global food systems, and drive sustainable economic growth. Our 150-acre Huntsville campus, located in one of the world's premier science and technology communities, unites world-class scientists, educators, and 45+ innovative life science companies…