Head of Government Partnerships

Director of Strategic PartnershipsDepartment: BRIDGES EngineReports to: Director of BRIDGESLocation: Huntsville, AlabamaEmployment Type: Full-time | ExemptDirector of Strategic Partnerships, BRIDGES EngineHelp Build the Southeast's Biobased Innovation NetworkThe OpportunityEvery transformative innovation ecosystem thrives on powerful partnerships. As Director of Strategic Partnerships for the BRIDGES NSF Engine ( 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. What You'll DoDrive Strategic Partnerships: Cultivate relationships across academia, industry, government, and nonprofits to expand the bio-based economyDesign and execute comprehensive partnership strategies aligned with BRIDGES Engine and NSF Engine prioritiesBuild and grow a dynamic network of 80+ partners, cultivating relationships that span academia, industry, government, and nonprofit sectorsDevelop standardized partnership criteria, documentation, and performance tracking processes that ensure accountability and measurable impactServe as the principal liaison connecting researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders in meaningful, productive relationshipsNegotiate and manage partnership agreements that protect institutional interests while enabling collaborative successShape the Narrative: Direct communications and marketing initiatives that position BRIDGES Engine as the Southeast's innovation leaderCoordinate matchmaking events, workshops, roundtables, and site visits that spark unexpected connections and accelerate commercializationFacilitate engagement and communication that strengthens partnerships and drives continuous improvementSupport the integration of diverse stakeholders across the entire BRIDGES ecosystemCommunicate success stories, metrics, and impact that showcase the power of collaborative innovationLead with Vision & Credibility: Represent BRIDGES Engine and HudsonAlpha at regional and national forums, building visibility and institutional credibilityProvide leadership on strategy, partnership performance, and communications issuesCultivate a collaborative culture that unites scientific, administrative, and community-facing teamsTrack outcomes and performance indicators to drive improvement and demonstrate transformative impact About YouExperience & Education:Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (PhD, MS, or equivalent in science, engineering, biotechnology, or related field) preferred5–7 years of experience in partnership development, or related fieldDemonstrated success managing complex, multi-institutional, federally funded projectsProven track record cultivating and maintaining relationships across academia, industry, government, and nonprofit sectorsEssential Skills & Competencies:Strategic, organizational, and project management excellenceExceptional relationship-building, communication, and negotiation abilitiesHigh business acumen with the ability to unify diverse stakeholders toward shared goalsStrong analytical, budgeting, and compliance oversight capabilitiesPassion for continuous improvement and impact trackingAbility to operate effectively in complex, highly regulated, multi-partner environmentsPreferred Experience:HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology 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 in a collaborative ecosystem where discovery becomes impact.National Science Foundation Engine funding, BRIDGES represents the next frontier: a bold initiative to build a sustainable biobased economy that transforms rural communities and opens entirely new markets and industries.This isn't incremental change, it's ecosystem-building at scale. Physical & Work EnvironmentDynamic office setting with frequent engagement across multiple locations and eventsTravel for conferences, convenings, and stakeholder meetings (occasional overnight stays)Flexible hours accommodating early mornings, evenings, and event-driven schedulesProlonged and irregular working hours reflecting the demands of a startup-phase, high-impact initiative Join UsHelp architect the innovation ecosystem that will define the future of sustainable biomanufacturing. Shape the network.