HudsonAlpha - BRIDGES - Director of Strategic Partnerships

Overview Position: BRIDGES - Director of Strategic Partnerships HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is a nonprofit research institute located in Huntsville, Alabama, that leverages the power of genomics to improve human health, strengthen the global food supply, and drive sustainable economic growth in the life sciences. Founded in 2008, HudsonAlpha's 150-acre campus in Cummings Research Park unites world-class scientists, educators, and more than 45 life science companies in a collaborative environment that transforms discovery into real-world impact. The Institute's work spans genomic research, advancement of precision medicine, agriculture, and workforce development—coupling scientific innovation with education and entrepreneurship to shape the future of biotechnology. The organization anticipates funding to lead a regional initiative focused on building a sustainable bio-based economy across the Southeast, connecting growers, researchers, industry partners, and communities to accelerate plant-based technologies and spur rural economic development, biomanufacturing expansion, and new markets and jobs in sustainable materials for construction, automotive, and packaging industries. Responsibilities Strategic Partnerships and External Relations: Design and implement partnership strategies aligned with BRIDGES and NSF Engine program goals. Manage and grow a network of 80+ partners across academia, industry, government, and community organizations. Serve as the principal liaison for external collaborators—facilitating engagement, communication, and continuous partnership improvement. Coordinate matchmaking and engagement events (e.g., workshops, roundtables, site visits) to connect researchers and industry leaders. Develop standardized partnership selection criteria, documentation, and performance tracking processes. Ensure alignment between partnership activities, funding outcomes, and program priorities. Communicate success stories, metrics, and impact to internal and external stakeholders. Lead communications and marketing activities. Strategy and Administration: Lead development of strategic planning and long-term funding strategies to support BRIDGES and related large-scale research and development programs. Assist with identifying and pursuing federal, state, and complementary funding opportunities aligned with Engine priorities. Negotiate and manage partnership-related agreements. Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and sponsor regulations (NSF, OMB, and other grant-specific requirements). Leadership and Program Coordination: Provide strategic leadership on funding, partnership performance, and compliance issues. Cultivate a collaborative culture across scientific, administrative, and community-facing teams. Represent BRIDGES and HudsonAlpha at regional and national forums, building visibility and institutional credibility. Support the integration of stakeholders from across the spectrum of partners within program operations. Track outcomes, metrics, and other performance indicators to drive improvement and demonstrate impact. Qualifications Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution required. Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in funding administration, grants management, partnership development, or related field. Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-institutional, federally funded projects. Proven experience cultivating and maintaining relationships across academia, industry, government, and nonprofit sectors. Significant experience with federal grant programs and multi-institutional awards. Ability to operate effectively in complex, highly regulated, multi-partner environments. Collaborative mindset with the ability to unify diverse stakeholders toward shared goals. Excellent communication and execution skills. Preferred Advanced degree (PhD, MS, or equivalent) in science, engineering, biotechnology, or a related field. Experience supporting large-scale initiatives such as NSF Engines or similar programs. Skills & Competencies Strong strategic, organizational, and project management capabilities. Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and negotiation skills. High business acumen with the ability to unify diverse stakeholders toward shared goals. Skilled at navigating regulated, cross-sector environments. Strong analytical, budgeting, and compliance oversight abilities. Passion for continuous improvement and impact tracking. Physical Demands / Environmental Factors / Mental Functions ADA Requirements: The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities. Disclaimer: All job requirements are subject to revision to reflect changes in position requirements and compliance with laws. Continued employment remains at-will. Physical Demands: Sit/stand for prolonged periods, frequent movement between work areas, lifting up to 30 pounds, vision requirements, and use of standard office and lab equipment. Environmental Factors: Exposure to chemicals, mechanical and electrical hazards; moderate noise levels. Mental Functions: Sustained attention, detailed documentation, effective communication in English, ability to manage multiple projects, and ability to lead and collaborate across diverse teams. #J-18808-Ljbffr