About The Engine Accelerator
The Engine Accelerator supports Tough Tech teams who are working to solve the world’s toughest challenges through the convergence of science and engineering. We curate comprehensive programs, provide access to specialized infrastructure including labs, equipment, tools, and workspace as well as convene the ecosystem necessary to build transformative technologies from idea to impact.
About the Role
Platform Managers are crucial members of the Builder Platform team, collaboratively bolstering The Engine Accelerator and The National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines Builder Platform, making tangible impacts across regions and industries. The Builder Platform is anchored on 4 ecosystem pillars: Infrastructure (Labs, Equipment, Testbeds, Pilots, Manufacturing), Network (Talent, Strategic Partners, Policy, Regulatory, Innovation Ecosystem), Capital (Risk Capital, Venture, Philanthropic Partners, Government Funding), and embedded Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access.
The Platform Manager is responsible for partnering and collaborating with the Regional Innovation Engines, to identify and deliver solutions based on their unique needs. Central to this role is delivering a pioneering post-award support system, drawn from the principles of the "CHIPS and Science Act of 2022" and inspired by venture incubators and national philanthropic initiatives. Your strategic counsel will be vital to supercharge the economic impact of NSF Awarded Regional Innovation Engines by partnering, mobilizing and offering tools, skills, networks and access to capital.
Responsibilities
- Act as the lead with a cohort of Regional Innovation Engines (RIEs), ensuring they are cognizant of everything available through the Builder Platform and connecting them to resources. This involves weekly touch-points with Awardees, bi-monthly Cohort reviews, and quarterly check-ins with our stakeholders.
- Actively manage RIE relationships and engage with leaders, programmatic leads and their ecosystem partners, in addition to becoming ingrained in their communities.
- Contribute to the planning, creation and dissemination of an annual calendar of structured programming and communications.
- Build strategic resources for the Platform: Be a key contributor to the design and content development of 1-on-1 consultative engagements, 1-to-many programs, or many-to-many community events.
- Develop assets/services/products for the Toolkit that can be scaled across regions and across cohorts.
- Develop and maintain a network of relationships with unique experts that can be tapped as resources.
- Provide best practices, case studies, success stories in targeted area(s) critical to the success of a vibrant ecosystem.
- Steer your cohort towards achieving the objectives of fostering innovation, stimulating economic growth, and advancing technology.
- Promote a feedback-driven, collaborative environment that contributes to the overarching strategy and effectiveness of the Builder Platform. Aggregate formal and informal feedback from Awardees, Advisory Council members, and other stakeholders to share insights with NSF and the Builder Platform Leadership Team to inform how we continuously improve and refine Builder Platform offering.
- Contribute to the collection of data and the publication of annual reports for NSF’s metric tracking and reporting.
Qualifications
- Advanced degree and/or substantial experience in vibrant innovation ecosystems, with a proven track record of success.
- Proven aptitude in managing teams across hybrid environments and multiple geographical locations.
- Mastery of project management methodologies, agile practices, and cross-functional team leadership.
- A deep understanding of emerging technologies and trends in public policy supportive of these technologies, particularly in non-coastal major metro areas.
- Exceptional communication skills with the capability to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders. Consulting/coaching/advising experience is a plus.
- Prior experience in NSF-funded programs or similar research-focused initiatives is a strong plus.
- An exceptional listener and communicator committed to the mission and collective goals, rather than personal accolades.
Travel
Apply
Submit your resume and cover letter via the Lever form, answering this prompt: What excites you most about the role of Platform Manager, Builder Platform? How do you envision contributing to innovation and economic growth through this role?
The Engine is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.
