Sr. Director, Quantum & AI Innovation

*Applicants MUST submit a cover letter with resume to be considered.

*This position will require in-office presence. Hybrid work schedules may be possible based on specific job duties and consistent with ESD policy.

*Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilitiesare encouraged to apply. Please contact Human Resources if you require accommodation.

BASIC FUNCTION:

Support the Executive Director of the Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) within Empire State Development’s (ESD) Division of Small Business and Technology Development, to identify, develop, and oversee programs and strategies to strengthen NY’s Quantum and AI innovation and R&D ecosystems. This will include oversight of the state’s Quantum Hubs initiative, maintaining a comprehensive view of NY’s quantum ecosystem and statewide strategy, and identifying federal investment and industry partnership opportunities. It will also involve engagement with Empire AI and state initiatives around Artificial Intelligence. This will require developing a deep understanding of the existing ESD and NYSTAR ecosystem and the ability to bring strategic partners to the table across industry, academia, and government.

WORK PERFORMED:

• Support the NYSTAR Executive Director in structuring and implementing initiatives to stimulate NY State’s innovation and commercialization pipeline in the AI and Quantum sectors, across Quantum Computing, Communications/Networking, Cryptography, and Sensing
• Manage the state’s Quantum Hubs initiative, including strategic coordination, program management, impact tracking, and development of plans and proposals for expansion and growth
• Develop deep understanding of NYSTAR’s innovation ecosystem, specifically the Quantum and AI-relevant cross sections, along with other strategic assets across the state including NY CREATES, the SMART i-Corridor Tech Hub, Empire AI, and existing investments in critical supporting fields such as advanced materials, optics and photonics, and semiconductors
• Develop strategic relationships with industrial partners and companies, public and private universities, fostering collaboration across them towards ESD priority areas
• Stay abreast of federal opportunities in the Quantum and AI sectors, identifying opportunities for NYS agencies, universities, and companies to pursue and helping to convene and coordinate proposals
• Ensure effective coordination and integration of activities between ESD staff, Executive Chamber, agency specialists and other public and private stakeholders and organizations
• Contribute to the development of internal and external communications and collateral promoting the NYSTAR network and NYS Quantum ecosystem and with required annual reports
• Oversee and undertake special projects or initiatives as needed
• Travel up to 25%, primarily within New York State

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education level required : Bachelor’s degree, advanced degree preferred.

Experience required : 5+ years of relevant experience, preferably in leadership capacities; experience building strategies and planning execution and in the innovation space; multidisciplinary background preferred. 2+ years of experience in Quantum, AI, Semiconductor or directly adjacent fields.

Knowledge Required : Excellent verbal and writing skills; knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and AI tools; strong understanding of technology and innovation sectors, not for profit supporting technology acceleration, academia especially research commercialization, and relevant governmental grant writing, policy, and/or administration experience (local, state, and federal.)